by: Natalie Kucko

Nov 10, 2025

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A new report shows Monroe County is spending millions of dollars each year on unfounded calls to CPS. Community agencies in our area say those resources could be better spent elsewhere.

In 2024, Monroe County conducted nearly 7,000 CPS investigations. According to data released by Hope585 and The Children’s Agenda, almost all of those cases included claims alleging neglect. 76 percent of those cases, based on the report, were determined to be unfounded.

“Our county is wasting taxpayer dollars investigating families struggling with poverty instead of investigating directly into the root cause of poverty. Most calls are not on covering abuse or harm to children. They’re flagging poverty itself as a problem and using it as a basis to harm black, brown, and marginalized communities. The vast majority of reports allege neglect, not harm. Yet only 22 percent of those neglect claims are ever substantiated,” said Dr. Ashley Cross, executive director of Hope585.

Leaders say Monroe Co. spent roughly $14 million last year responding to investigations that ultimately found no concerns of safety.

They’re asking the county to expand access to supports before reporting, be more transparent when sharing data, and better invest in resources. Officials add the funds from the county are misdirected.

“Establishing an $8 million contingency fund for child care assistance when the state funding runs out, which will happen likely later this summer or supplementing the emergency food system to help families in crisis now without their SNAP benefits,” said Larry Marx, CEO of The Children’s Agenda.

At the state level, Hope585 is pushing for legislation to target harm caused to families by false reporting.

“This is not about ignoring child safety. It’s about responding to families in ways that actually support safety, and freeing child welfare up to respond to children in real danger,” said Dr. Cross.

In a statement to News 8, Human Services Commissioner Thalia Wright said the county is “committed to maintaining vigilant protection of our children.”

Monroe County takes every CPS report with the upmost seriousness because the protection, safety, and wellbeing of our youngest and most vulnerable residents is our highest priority and a fundamental responsibility of County government. However, it’s important to note that all potential CPS cases are reported through New York State and not directly to Monroe County. Monroe County Child Protective Services actively works with mandated reporters throughout the community to help them recognize the signs of abuse and neglect, and to understand the difference between those serious concerns and other challenges a child might be facing. While many reports made to CPS ultimately do not involve abuse or neglect, state law requires each one to be thoroughly investigated to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the child. Monroe County CPS has continued to reduce the average time cases remain open and works diligently to close out unfounded reports as quickly as possible. We are committed to maintaining vigilant protection of our children, and working closely with partners to improve targeting, effectiveness, and fairness of our reporting and response systems.

Thalia Wright, Commissioner, Monroe County Department of Human Services

Original story here: https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/health/report-monroe-co-spent-14m-in-2024-on-unfounded-calls-to-cps/