Quotes by John Mattingly

“They have been a part of her family. She knows them quite well, ... She knows and loves them.”

“We do want to make sure that her family, that could be quite strong down in Bolivia, know whats happened and have a chance to figure out what they would like to see done.”

“She will be with a strong family, I can guarantee the citizens of New York about that.”

“This little girl is as strong and capable and bright as she can be because of her mother. It makes us hopeful for the future…that she will in the long run do well.”

“The staff made poor investigative decisions, and gave inadequate attention to clear warning signs.”

“We will also seek a permanent adoptive family, ... I can look everyone straight in the eye and tell you this girl is going to go to a strong family.”

“We will also seek a permanent adoptive family. I can look everyone straight in the eye and tell you this girl is going to go to a strong family.”

“It is clear to me that ACS cannot conduct business as usual. We have lost a child we could have saved. We must take a careful look at all of the events over the past few months and make a determination of what is not working.”

“Preventive services, school personnel, community agencies and the police are critical partners in our work, and yet wherever I turn, I see problems in communication and ill will, which each directs towards the other.”

“I have found indications of unacceptable and unsafe practices on the front lines. The systems are in place, but they arent necessarily being used to make good judgments.”