The Cost of a False Alarm
November 11, 2025
HOPE585 released the Cost of a False Alarm report documenting the socioeconomic impact and family trauma caused by unfounded Child Protective Services investigations in Monroe County. The report also offers alternative community-led strategies and policy solutions focused on supporting rather than surveilling NYS children and families so they can thrive together.
“There is real economic loss, pulling directly from families who are already living in the margins,” Dr. Ashley Cross, executive director of HOPE585.
Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi noted, “This report absolutely verifies the real cost to families by way of trauma and money and lack of trust in the system going forward.”
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Read: Snapshot Summary • Full Report
Media Coverage:
- Op-Ed | Monroe County Should Prioritize Family Investment Over Surveillance
Rochester Beacon • December 4, 2025 - Most CPS Probes End Unfounded and Undermine Ability to Help
Times Union • November 10, 2025 - 76% of CPS Cases Unfounded in Monroe County, Costs Taxpayers $13.76 Million
WHAM-13 (ABC) • November 10, 2025 - Most Monroe County Child Abuse Cases are Unfounded, New Report Finds
WXXI News (NPR) • November 10, 2025