Foster child’s death being investigated, sheriff says
The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a child in foster care, authorities said Friday.
Asked about information the Freeman received that a 2-yearold foster child housed in Ulster County had died Wednes- day night, Sheriff Paul VanBlarcum responded by email: “There is an ongoing investigation. Nothing further.”
The sheriff would not say whether the death was considered a criminal matter.
A spokeswoman for the Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth in Canaan, Columbia County, confirmed Friday that there was a death at a foster home in Ulster County with which the agency is associated.
“Berkshire Farm Center is deeply saddened by this loss,” agency spokeswoman Julie Brennan said in a prepared statement. “We are working in partnership with our governing bodies and authorities to assist with the investigation.”
Brennan did not provide the location of the foster home or any details about the death.
Berkshire Farm Center “recruits, trains and supports foster parents throughout New York state,” according to its website
The child was placed in foster care by Dutchess County Community & Family Services, according to Dutchess County Dis- trict Attorney William Grady. He said Ulster County officials, not his office, were investigating the death.
Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright did not respond to a request for comment.
Sabrina Jaar Marzouka, commissioner of Dutchess County Community & Family Services, said in an email Friday that she was “unable to provide ... any information” about the case.