Teens Returned to Group Homes of Embattled Gay Youth Agency

Two weeks after removing teenagers from the care of a gay youth agency that has come under fire, Los Angeles County authorities are returning the youngsters to the organization’s group homes.

Peter Digre, director of the Department of Children and Family Services, said he approved the return after receiving assurances from board members of Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services (GLASS) regarding the agency’s management and adherence to state law.

Additionally, county workers interviewed each of the teenagers removed from GLASS facilities to ensure they that had no qualms about returning.

“Uniformly, the kids all said they felt safe and comfortable there and didn’t feel they were in any danger whatsoever,” Digre said.

A spokesman for the county Probation Department said juvenile offenders also will again be placed with the agency. Probation and children’s services officials removed 24 teenagers from GLASS facilities after the state Department of Social Services filed a March 15 accusation alleging that some GLASS staff had engaged in sexual conduct with group home residents and that management had failed to report the abuse. GLASS officials have vigorously denied the charges.

Executive Director Teresa DeCrescenzo and financial officer Bernard La Fianza Jr. have gone on paid leave from GLASS in the wake of the accusations, which bars them and a part-time employee from involvement with the agency. Deputy director Margaret Jacoby has been named interim director, board president Dr. Richard Wulfsberg said.