NYS Governor and Legislature Reach an Agreement on Budget
Spring is upon us and that means the New York State budget is here and right on time. We applaud the Governor and the Legislature for reaching an agreement on a New York State FY 2020 budget that supports youth justice reform, builds on the Raise the Age legislation, broadens criminal justice reforms that benefit youth, aids youth adjudicated as Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS), and increases spending for Early Intervention programs. We look forward to continuing to work with Albany to ensure that children’s health and well-being continues to be a top priority by expanding coverage for immigrant families, fully funding lead poisoning prevention and expanding funding for public health programs.
As we celebrate the rejuvenating powers of spring, let us remind ourselves that we must remain vigilant in uplifting the voices of children and families in New York and around the country.
Naomi Post
Executive Director
Beat the Odds Gala
Thank you to everyone who attended our 2019 annual BTO Gala held on Monday, February 25th. As always, we were thrilled by the warmth and support provided to our Beat the Odds students and alum. The evening featured a moving tribute to CDF’s founder, Marian Wright Edelman, whose vision has led us for nearly 50 years; honored four visionaries, and recognized five resilient BTO Ambassadors. The evening reminded us that everyone can do their part to ensure a safer and more just future for children. For more pictures and information from the event at Look to the Stars, the NY Post and the NY Times.
Students Testify at City Council Hearings
Students are raising their voices on many different issues. On January 16, 2019 and on March 20, 2019, CDF-NY Education Justice Interns, Gary Edwards and Khushayah Morris, testified at NYC Council Committee hearings to discuss the importance of restorative resources for students in NYC schools. Both students emphasized the importance of guidance counselors, social workers and school psychologists in providing support for students.
Beat the Odds 2019 Application Open
We are Looking for NYC High School Sophomores who have Beaten the Odds!Do you know a current high school sophomore who is excelling academically and contributing to their community and social justice issues? We want them to apply to be part of our Beat the Odds Scholarship Program. You can submit your application here through May 31, 2019.
Questions? Please contact us at NY-BTO@childrensdefense.org.
Raise the Age: 6 Months In
CDF-New York Director of Youth Justice and Child Welfare, Julia Davis, participated in a panel hosted by the Westchester Children’s Association on March 14, 2019. With representation from the county and state levels, law enforcement, therapeutic services, educational support, allies and families, the panel helped spread awareness about implementation of the law.
Protecting Children from Harmful Lead Exposure
CDF-New York won an important victory for children earlier this month when the New York City Council adopted ten laws aimed at reducing harmful childhood lead exposure. The new laws include ground-breaking provisions that strengthen lead dust and point standards and require landlords to remove the primary cause of childhood lead poisoning from homes. Learn more about our work to improve lead poisoning prevention and protect New York City’s children here.
Sammuel DeWitt Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry
Join Us on July 15-19 – Join clergy, seminarians, religious educators, community organizers, young adult leaders and other faith-based advocates in the intergenerational, interracial, multi-ethnic, ecumenical community pursuing justice for our nation’s children. Whether you are a first-timer, regular attendee, or alum returning after time away, we are eager to welcome you home to CDF Haley Farm for an unforgettable week of preaching, teaching, workshops, conversation, singing, strategizing, making art and building the movement for children. At CDF’s Proctor Institute, civil rights icons and students, community organizers and seminarians, advocates and artists form a Beloved Community committed to pursuing justice for children and ending child poverty.
