Sullivan County Legislators reviewed an analysis of the county’s child welfare policies and procedures Thursday during a meeting of the Health and Human Services Committee.

Commissioned by the Legislature at the request of County Manager Joshua Potosek, the review was conducted by the Bonadio Group earlier this year. It followed investigations by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and a Sullivan County Grand Jury into the tragic death of a toddler last year. Sixteen-month-old Akasha Luvert died on May 2, 2023, from an apparent overdose of fentanyl and xylazine while staying with her family at a Knights Inn motel in Liberty, NY.

Dan Hust, Communications Director for Sullivan County Government, shared insights about the 60-page report on Radio Chatskill. The report highlighted both the strengths and areas for improvement in the county’s child welfare programs, which encompass Child Protective Services, Preventive Services, Foster Care, and related legal support.