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Press Releases
November 7, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: pressoffice@acs.nyc.gov, (212) 341-0999
Deputy Mayor Gibbs and ACS Commissioner Richter Re-Name the Children’s Center in Honor of Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta
The Nicholas Scoppetta Children’s Center Pays Tribute To His Lifelong Commitment To New York City’s Children
New York, NY - Deputy Mayor Linda I. Gibbs and Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) Commissioner Ronald E. Richter honored Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta by re-dedicating the ACS Children’s Center as The Nicholas Scoppetta Children’s Center. The ceremony recognized Commissioner Scoppetta’s efforts to create the Center when he was ACS Commissioner, and celebrated his five decades of work with the City of New York, notably his commitment and devotion for New York City’s vulnerable children. Commissioner Scoppetta grew up in foster care and his work continues to support children and young people in care.
“As the first Commissioner of the Administration for Children’s Services and a former foster child himself, Nicholas Scoppetta worked tirelessly over the years to make sure that vulnerable children were given love, respect and opportunities to flourish,” said Deputy Mayor Linda I. Gibbs. “The Nicholas Scoppetta Center honors a leader who has left an indelible mark on the City through his years of service and devotion to our City’s children and families.”
Commissioner Scoppetta was appointed in 1996 as the first Commissioner of the Administration for Children’s Services. During his tenure from 1996 to 2001, he successfully put in place reforms and programs that established a more modern and compassionate child welfare system for New York City. As Commissioner, he spearheaded the effort to create a new Children’s Center. Commissioner Scoppetta was determined to ensure that when children came into care, the Children’s Center would provide a warm, welcoming, friendly environment that would provide them with some level of comfort.
“The Children’s Center would not have existed without Commissioner Scoppetta’s leadership and vision,” said Administration for Children’s Services Commissioner Ronald E. Richter. “I am so proud that The Nicholas Scoppetta Children’s Center pays tribute to one of the most strident advocates for children this City has ever known.”
“This is an extraordinary honor,” said Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. “One I am proud to share with all those who served with me at ACS, New Yorkers for Children and the many agencies in the child welfare system.”
