Statement from NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio on ACS report into the death of Harlem’s Zymere Perkins:
“This report uncovered a troubling series of lapses and missed opportunities in ACS’s failed effort to protect Zymere Perkins.
Procedures were not followed, common sense was not exercised, and due diligence was lacking up and down the chain of command responsible for Zymere. I will not accept excuses for this failure and I will not accept the notion that every single one of these tragedies cannot be prevented. The buck stops with me. As a result of this investigation, we’ve ordered the firings of three employees directly involved in Zymere’s care. We’ve moved to suspend and demote another six employees who should have shown better judgment in carrying out one of the most important and difficult missions of City government. As we transition the agency to new leadership, we will continue to embrace bold reforms capable of meeting our mandate: the protection of every child who needs our care. I will accept nothing less.”
