McMahon/ Ryan Child Advocacy Center

We sought their help 14 years ago, on the advice of the MGH Child Abuse Investigation Unit. My child had visited doctors' offices almost 100 times in just over two years across 17 different medical practitioners in at least 7 different facilities. Botash was too busy to take my call, so her assistant said she'd investigate. I waited a week and called back. The assistant said that it seems like the mom is nervous. We eventually received help from the law guardian. Within a week of sharing my concerns with the courts, the doctors' visits stopped, and I took over all the doctors' appointments. For the next 13 years, my child would witness or experience broken bones, bruises, SUD, DV, numerous rehab visits, 911 calls with a half dozen law enforcement investigations, and multiple CPS investigations. We called them again in 2023 after reports of sibling endangerment, but they just took the call. I don't understand why this program fails so significantly. My child's trauma could have easily been prevented had Botash not been "too busy". Onondaga County has one of the highest child abuse rates in the state. Maybe we can put some pinwheels in the Aquarium?

One Star to reflect the overall process. If there are other options to be heard or to find justice, go somewhere else. If McMahon Ryan is the ONLY option... Do everything in your power to be assigned to anyone other than Detective Bates. And consider a lawyer from THE FIRST interview. The victim came in numerous times. Relived the trauma. Answered uncomfortable questions. Only for Detective Bates to completely drop the ball. He mislead the victim. He mislead the family. He mislead the Family Advocate. For YEARS. On multiple occasions. Initially there was great communication and seemingly some support. Within months several calls went unanswered. Several emails went unanswered. Multiple trips to the site resulted in no progress made. When the Family Advocate tried to reel him in, he'd give empty promises to call for almost 2 YEARS. A visit to the DA's office resulted in NO DOCUMENTATION. There wasn't any information available onsite either. NOTHING! After finally getting Detective Bates on the phone, he claimed that he thought that an update was given 2 years prior. Despite the Family Advocate going to him personally on several occasions advising that the family needed an update and wanted to talk. He then unapologetically blamed the victim for why the case couldn't go to court due to how 1 question was answered. ONE QUESTION. Which was honest and unfortunately without a lawyer to help guide them. Unlike the predator who was able to lawyer up throughout the process. Speaking to the new Supervisor resulted in the same way... An empty promise to follow up. If Detective Bates and the new Supervisor are any indication of the work... AVOID MCMAHON RYAN TO SAVE THE VICTIMS FROM BEING RE-TRAUMATIZED AND BLAMED. Few victims come forward... And I now clearly see why. I'd give 0 stars if I could. PS- The predator is still walking free. With the help of Detective Bates, his Supervisor and McMahon Ryan overall. Also, my prior review which actually called for checks and balances to ensure that victims don't go almost 2 years without an update is on their Facebook page It would have been nice to hear from someone and work together towards ensuring no other victims have this experience. I'm not sure why I hoped for anything other than what was shown for years. Looking at the other reviews, this is nothing new

Horrible.. After years of trying help finally get on the waiting list for therapy only to find out the vitness advocate and social workers used your trauma to help your abuser. Don't bring your family Here they don't actually care about children or families