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Poloncarz, Cannon announce hiring of foster care ombudsperson to oversee issues, solve problems existing in foster care system

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Mon, Apr 15th 2019 04:05 pm

Greenan has years of experience in field; duties will include investigation and mediation

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz and Commissioner of Social Services Marie Cannon announced the hiring of Stacey Greenan to serve as Erie County’s inaugural foster care ombudsperson.

Greenan has 16 years of experience in the field, beginning her career as a front-line caseworker in the Erie County foster care unit before eventually being promoted to a series of different supervisor roles. She will investigate and mediate complaints from children, birth parents, relatives and foster parents regarding issues and problems in the foster care system. She will also listen to concerns, document complaints, gather relevant information, remain neutral and impartial, formulate a process for a possible resolution, and make recommendations.

“The foster care ombudsperson position was created as a result of a number of complaints made to me and my partners in government regarding the challenges foster and birth parents had getting complaints resolved,” Poloncarz said. “I am sympathetic to birth and foster parents who have difficulty getting their problems addressed. Erie County needed a professional specifically dedicated to helping these parents navigate the system and try to resolve the grievances these families have. I am happy we were able to include this needed position in our budget.”

“We are extremely fortunate that we had a professional of Stacey Greenan’s caliber apply for and accept this position,” Cannon said. “She has the experience, passion and tact needed to lead this operation. With her many years of experience as a caseworker and supervisor, Ms. Greenan has the institutional and systemic knowledge needed to make an impact in this critical position. I am confident that that Ms. Greenan will make a positive difference for children in foster care.”

Members of the public can contact Greenan by calling 716-858-6195 or sending an email to [email protected]. For more information on the Department of Social Services, visit http://www2.erie.gov/socialservices/.

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