Chautauqua County’s Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA), the Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services (MHSS), and community partners are uniting to help raise awareness.

The theme of this month is “Working Together to Strengthen Families.”

A Pinwheels Planting event will be held at 1:15 pm today at Jamestown City Hall. This planting will include an additional walk to Jamestown Public High School for planting there.

The pinwheel is the shared symbol for child abuse prevention and reflects childhood hope, health, and happiness.

The New York State Central Registry reports that in 2022, Chautauqua County had a total of 2,499 reports of child abuse resulting in an investigation. Of those, 19.92% were determined by DSS as indicated reports, meaning there was some credible evidence (Legal Standard of Proof) to support allegations of abuse or maltreatment. Also, in 2022, Chautauqua County’s Safe Harbour Coordinator reported that eight youths met the federal definition for human trafficking, and 31 youths were at high risk. The average age of these youth is 15 years old.

For more information about Pinwheels for Prevention or where to purchase one, visit chautauquacasa.com/pinwheels-for-prevention.html

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel announced the new department will be known as the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services.

He also formally announced his appointment of Carmelo Hernandez as the new department’s director.

Wendel said in a statement, “This integrated department will provide enhanced services and treatment opportunities to county residents while preventing residents from slipping through the cracks when dealing with multiple county agencies. ”

Hernandez began his position as Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services on September 7, 2021 filling the vacancy left by former director Pat Brinkman, who retired in April of 2021.

Prior to being hired by Chautauqua County, Hernandez previously served as a lead therapist at Alssaro Counseling Services in New Rochelle and a mental health consultant at WestCOP in Westchester.

He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership at Mercy College and holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from New York University.

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel discusses some recent retirements by government officials and staff, as well as sharing more information a planned integration of social services with mental hygiene; and his thoughts on the new scoping plan approved by the NYS Climate Action Council.

PJ Wendel

Chautauqua County

The five social services divisions of Department of Health and Human Services, including the divisions of Family and Children’s Services, and Transitional and Medical Assistance, will integrate with the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene to form the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services.

In addition, the Division of Health will once again be a stand-alone department as the Chautauqua County Department of Health. It will include all County public health and disease prevention programs, Environmental Health Services, Coroners, and providing medical services to the County Jail and County Emergency Services.

Wendel said, “Many individuals and families often receive services from multiple areas of County Government and this restructuring will better integrate our mental hygiene and social services so that we are working on a united front to provide timely, accessible and quality care to County residents as we maximize our partnerships and improve community support systems.”

The changes, which are subject to the review by the Chautauqua County Legislature and New York State, are desired to take effect in early 2023.

Wendel also announced new leadership for these departments once the reorganization changes go into effect. Carmelo Hernandez will serve as Director of the Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services and Dr. Michael Faulk will serve as Chautauqua County’s Chief Medical Officer and head of the Department of Health.