Suffolk DA and County Executive urge state law changes after DSS grand jury report

District Attorney Ray Tierney and County Executive Edward P. Romaine urged the Suffolk County Legislature on April 9 to press Albany to change state social-services law so investigators can access case records in limited circumstances, saying that step is necessary to implement recommendations from a recent grand jury report into the county Department of Social Services.

Tierney said the grand jury's findings compelled the request. "We're going to send a letter to the Governor and ask that she implement the recommendations found in our grand jury report," he told the chamber, asking legislators to cosign the appeal.

Romaine supported the request and said the changes would be narrowly tailored. "We are not allowing access to everyone, we're allowing access only to investigators who are checking on situations," he said, adding that the county would seek revisions to state Social Services Law to allow limited investigative access without unduly harming client confidentiality.

Both officials said the report prompted leadership turnover at DSS. Romaine said the department's commissioner and two deputies resigned following the report; he named Dr. Sylvia Diaz as the acting official now overseeing the department.

Romaine said the county is recruiting a permanent commissioner and deputy commissioners and pledged to bring candidates to the Legislature for confirmation. He also said he had briefed DSS staff and recognizes the stress of casework while reaffirming the need for accountability.

Legislators thanked the DA and County Executive for their work and asked for the text of the proposed letter so they could review and cosign. Members agreed to circulate the letter and discuss next steps in committee.

What happens next: The administration said it will circulate the letter to the Legislature and return with proposed statutory language and staffing recommendations. Any changes to state law will require action by the governor and the state Legislature; the county can only request or recommend the changes.