LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Queens Children's Psychiatric Center
upon the occasion of its 40th Anniversary on October 7, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those organizations which provide vital mental health
services to children and their families, and in doing so, enhance the
health and welfare of the entire State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Queens Children's Psychiatric Center upon the occasion of its 40th Anni-
versary to be celebrated on Thursday, October 7, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Prior to 1970 children requiring on-going psychiatric inpa-
tient treatment were admitted to a unit within Creedmoor Psychiatric
Center; under the direction of Dr. Lauretta Bender the determination was
made that children and adolescents at Creedmoor could be more effec-
tively treated in an independent setting dedicated to their care; and
WHEREAS, Following the appropriate legislative action, Queens Chil-
dren's Hospital became a reality and was located at 74-03 Commonwealth
Boulevard, Bellerose, New York; and
WHEREAS, The facility opened its doors in February 1970 with a great
celebration, including the arrival of Governor Nelson Rockefeller on the
lawn by helicopter; and
WHEREAS, Shortly before the opening, Dr. Bender made the decision to
retire and leadership of the new facility was entrusted to Dr. Bender's
close associate, Dr. Gloria Faretra, who became the first Executive
Director of Queens Children's Hospital and remained the facility's lead-
er and a tireless advocate for children for the next thirty years; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Faretra led all aspects of developing the facility into
what exists today; she directed the development of policies and proce-
dures, hired and trained staff and insured that Queens Children's Hospi-
tal became a place where children could be safe and treated with respect
while recovering from the most serious psychiatric challenges; and
WHEREAS, She encouraged staff to develop their skills and supported
education and development of improved treatment methods; her vision for
the children was direct and clear; Dr. Faretra made sure that the chil-
dren, their families, the facility staff and the community knew how
children's needs could best be met and she was not hesitant to call
attention to issues of concern; and
WHEREAS, In 1975, the facility changed its name to Queens Children's
Psychiatric Center (QCPC); although Dr. Faretra retired in 1999, she has
maintained a close relationship with the facility and is active in the
community of children's services; her influence is still felt, helping
QCPC to stay on the right path and make sure the children are always the
priority; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished history, there have been many
changes at QCPC, treatment methods have evolved and community service
programs have expanded, becoming more specific to the needs of the chil-
dren and the community; the inpatient census has dropped from a high of
360 to the current level of 84 inpatient beds; much of this can be
attributed to the outpatient programs that exist at QCPC and throughout
the community that allow children to be treated safely and effectively
in their home and community environments; and
WHEREAS, Between 2003 and 2007, the main hospital building, Building
55, underwent an extensive renovation and, as it was in 1970, is again a
state of the art facility for children; in 2009, QCPC was able to occupy
brand new Community Services, Building 57; this new building houses
three Queens based Day Treatment Programs, Intensive Day Treatment

Program, Intensive Case Management Program and Community Services admin-
istrative offices; and
WHEREAS, The New York City Department of Education provides the educa-
tion program within the building, including the administrative offices
for P 23 and this close collaboration has created a wonderful environ-
ment to meet both the treatment and educational needs of the children
served by QCPC; and
WHEREAS, The facility continues the commitment to advancing education
and improvement of services to children through an annual conference;
for 33 years the Lauretta Bender Conference has provided an opportunity
for presentations by outstanding individuals who have increased aware-
ness and the skills of facility staff and staff from the mental health
and education communities; and
WHEREAS, As Queens Children's Psychiatric Center celebrates its 40th
Anniversary it looks to the future with plans to maintain a strong role
in providing services to the children and their families in Queens and
Manhattan with a goal to be a Center for Excellence; services will
continue to evolve in response to the needs of the community, with the
best interests of the children always guiding all decisions; and
WHEREAS, The success of Queens Children's Psychiatric Center is in
direct correlation to the efforts of its members, whose involvement is,
and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an
unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of the Center and the children it serves; and
WHEREAS, Through its steadfast dedication and exemplary programs,
Queens Children's Psychiatric Center and all those associated with it,
demonstrate a care and concern for the dignity and quality of life for
others, especially children, our most cherished citizens, which merits
the highest commendation of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Queens Children's Psychiatric Center upon the occasion of its
40th Anniversary on October 7, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Queens Children's Psychiatric Center.