On June 16, 2016, CCC testified before the City Council General Welfare Committee at an oversight hearing on foster care in New York City and to introduce several bills and a resolution aimed at increasing transparency and improving outcomes for children and youth and families involved in the foster care system.
CCC expressed our support for the legislation and thanked the Council for their leadership helping the child welfare community better understand the strengths, needs and barriers in the system (and other city systems) over time.
The bills included:
1) Local Law 1192-2016: In relation to a foster care task force
2) Local Law 1196-2016: In relation to a report on permanency indicators
3) Local Law 1191-2016: In relation to certain children who have spent the greatest length of time in foster care.
4) Local Law 1199-2016: In Relation to surveys for youth in foster care regarding experiences with foster parents
5) Local Law 1190-2016: In relation to a report on educational continuity of children in foster care.
6) Local Laws 1197-2016 and 1187-2016: Amendments to previously passed City Council data reporting laws related to foster youth and obtaining government-issued identification for youth. In addition the Local Law to amend Local Law 49 with regard to high school graduation rates.
7) Reso 1073-2016: Calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign A. 7756-A, in increase the housing subsidy amount from $300 to $600 per month and to extend the age of eligibility from 21 to 24.
