In Syracuse, New York, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon disclosed to CNY Central in March that changes were implemented at the helm of the Department of Children and Family Services following the arrest of Susan Orendorf. However, what was not mentioned was that Child Protective Services (CPS) was already undergoing an audit before the news broke about Orendorf’s alleged abuse.
McMahon acknowledged that there were shortcomings in the CPS system in the Camillus abuse case involving Orendorf. CNY Central inquired whether the county intended to conduct an external assessment of the department, similar to what Oswego County did following the tragic death of 17-year-old Jordan Brooks.
It was revealed that a report had been commissioned by Onondaga County before September 2022, with an ongoing audit delving deeper into CPS subsequent to Orendorf’s case. This intensified investigation led to changes in leadership and the vetting process of cases within the department.
The Bonadio Group is presently conducting an audit on behalf of the county executive’s office. Orendorf recently pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child, and despite facing no jail time, she is set to be sentenced in May under a two-year probation, as anticipated by prosecutors.
In light of the Orendorf case, CNY Central inquired about a potential review of the Department of Children and Family Services in Onondaga County following the tragic deaths of 11-year-old Ashton DeGonzaque and 5-year-old Nefertiti Harris. Meanwhile, an investigation concerning a CPS caseworker’s handling of DeGonzaque’s case was announced during a press conference. This led to the suspension of the caseworker and their supervisor, as deemed by McMahon for their substandard work on DeGonzaque’s case.
The tragic incident involving DeGonzaque highlights the need for improved safeguards within CPS, as the community continues to seek answers amidst ongoing developments in these critical cases.