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Young raises concerns over sex offenders in group homes

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New York State Sen. Cathy Young of Olean is asking state officials to stop placing sex offenders in group homes where individuals with developmental disabilities live. One such home is located on South Quaker Road in Gowanda, where two sex offenders resided.

"One was a Level Two designation and the other was a Level Three designation, which is the highest risk," said Young.

"People are very concerned by the fact that these sex offenders that are there could victimize other residents of these homes."

Young said the Republican-controlled Senate passed a bill last session that would prohibit placing paroled sex offenders in group homes. But Democrats in the State Assembly did not take it up.

"Sex offenders are being released from prison. In some cases, from other state facilities and they're not being placed in the appropriate situation and we need to do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable citizens."

Young said she supports separate facilities for sex offenders who have developmental disabilities.