Video of alleged abuse inside NY group home sparks calls for oversight

NEW YORK - A recent whistleblower video, which aired exclusively on FOX 5 NY two weeks ago, showed disturbing incidents within the Anderson Center for Autism in Dutchess County, New York, and has prompted questions about the lack of oversight in group homes for vulnerable individuals.

At the forefront of this push for reform is Tom Abinanti, a former Westchester legislator and former state assemblyman, whose advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities has spanned over 30 years.

Abinanti, whose son Justin is autistic and non-verbal, has long been an advocate for greater protections for people like his son. He recently spoke about the need for legislative action to install cameras in residential group homes to ensure the safety of residents.

"We have discriminated against people with disabilities in every way possible," Abinanti told FOX 5 NY, stressing the importance of understanding the challenges faced by those with developmental disabilities. "You have to be part of the community to understand what's going on."

What happened at Anderson

The Anderson Center for Autism, a renowned private institution located in Dutchess County, has long been praised for its services, but the recent claims have raised questions about the care provided behind closed doors.

Anil, a father whose son was allegedly abused at the Anderson Center, spoke about the harrowing experience.

The most recent allegations came to light in August 2024, when a whistleblower working at Anderson recorded a video showing what appeared to be an abusive incident involving Anil's son. In the disturbing footage, Garnet Collins, 50, a caregiver at the facility, was seen allegedly trying to control Anil's son by squeezing his genitals.

"We immediately got in the car, drove upstate, pulled him out of the residence, and contacted the New York State Troopers," Anil recalled. 

After airing, the story sparked outrage and disgust from viewers and advocates.

Read the full exclusive report here.

Push for legislative action hits roadblocks

In 2017, Abinanti introduced a bill aimed at requiring cameras in group homes' residential areas, motivated by past incidents of abuse, including the 2007 killing of Jonathan Carey by a caregiver at O.D. Heck, a state facility. 

The bill, which had broad co-sponsorship, failed to make it out of committee. A similar effort by state Senator Andrew Lanza is also stalled.

According to Abinanti, the opposition came from several powerful groups: unions representing workers in the facilities, as well as private agencies providing care, voiced their concerns about privacy and security, and the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) has argued that federal law prohibits cameras in such settings unless they are part of a therapeutic process.

A representative from CSEA, a union that represents workers at some facilities, but not at Anderson, explained the organization's stance, citing privacy concerns under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

"In-home cameras would undermine the residents’ privacy protections," the representative said, emphasizing that residents in OPWDD facilities deserve the same privacy rights as any other citizen.

Advocates demand accountability

Despite this opposition, Abinanti remains firm in his belief that cameras are a necessary tool to protect vulnerable individuals. He likened the resistance to the initial opposition to body cameras for police officers, which eventually gained widespread acceptance as a tool for transparency and accountability.

"In any apartment building, there are cameras in the vestibule," Abinanti said. "What parent of a newborn doesn’t have a camera to monitor their child or a senior citizen to protect themselves? The only people in the world who are not allowed to have a camera in their home are people with disabilities in group homes. That’s discrimination."

The whistleblower video, which was released by a mandated reporter at risk of losing his job, demonstrates the difficulties in proving abuse or neglect within group homes, especially when residents are non-verbal.

As state troopers told FOX 5 NY, taking action on abuse is nearly impossible without evidence.

Momentum grows for change

Abinanti's concerns are shared by advocates who argue that the lack of cameras in group homes hinders investigations and accountability. 

The Justice Center, the state-run agency tasked with investigating abuse claims, says it is overwhelmed with thousands of reports each year. Advocates contend that cameras could provide crucial evidence, making investigations more efficient and potentially deterring future abuse.

"If people know they are being watched, it might stop them before they act," Abinanti said. "Cameras are a vital part of ensuring justice for those who cannot speak for themselves."

The push for cameras in group homes has gained momentum following the whistleblower incident, with advocates calling for legislative action and support from lawmakers. However, despite the growing demand, key political figures, including Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the issue.

Advocates remain hopeful that increased awareness and public pressure will lead to legislative changes, ensuring dignity and safety for individuals with developmental disabilities.

For now, the fight for greater protections in group homes remains ongoing — fueled by the courage of whistleblowers and a growing call for transparency and accountability.