In re Venus S.

Petitioner established by a preponderance of the evidence that the children had been sexually abused by respondent’s friend "Joey” and that respondent had been informed of the abuse by the children but failed to take any steps to protect them (Matter of Jaquay O., 223 AD2d 422, lv denied 88 NY2d 801). Indeed, respondent allowed Joey, a person whom she hardly knew, to return to the apartment after barring him therefrom on the second occasion that nine-year-old Jacob reported to her that Joey had pulled down his pants. Respondent’s testimony that she was unaware of any sexual abuse by Joey, and…