Suffolk County Executive Romaine Statement Regarding Thomas Valva Grand Jury Report

The death of Thomas Valva is an enduring stain on Suffolk County, and the grand jury report unveiled today by District Attorney Tierney underscores the failure of the prior administration's policies and the leadership of Suffolk CPS to take real action that could have saved a child's life and protected an untold number of others.

We did not need a grand jury report to know that Suffolk County failed Thomas Valva. Thomas deserved better, and we will do all we can to ensure we never see another case like this in Suffolk County again.

This report is not an indictment of the vast majority of men and women at CPS who everyday must deal with some of the most difficult cases one can imagine. The failed performance of a few who were trusted to protect Thomas Valva - and many other children - does not represent the true mission and spirit of CPS.

I have already begun making significant changes in the department and will be immediately bringing in new leadership.

I want to thank the grand jury for its work on this report. We will use their recommendations as a guide for much-needed reform to implement changes.

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