Statement in Response to the Governor’s FY 2020 Executive Budget
January 22, 2019
As a group of child and family advocates, child welfare providers, and representatives of family and youth impacted by the child welfare system, CHAMPS-NY applauds Governor Cuomo for the inclusion of the Family First Transition Fund in the FY 2020 Executive Budget.
While we look forward to better understanding the details as proposed, we believe that the Family First Transition Fund is a crucial first step in improving state and local policies and practices related to recruiting, retaining and strengthening foster and kinship families and evaluating current use of residential care. Advancing this fund demonstrates that New York is not only serious about preparing the state for implementation of the federal Family First Prevention Services Act, but recognizes that the spirit and the intent of the law is a goal worth investing in: every child needs a family.
In the years ahead, we look forward to strengthening outcomes for New York’s children and to supporting counties’ efforts to transition their child welfare practice in ways that prioritize family for children in foster care.
Sincerely,
Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition of New York
The Children’s Agenda
Children’s Aid
Children’s Home of Jefferson County
The Children’s Village
Graham Windham
Families Together in New York State
LaSalle School
The New York Foundling
Northern Rivers Family of Services
NYS Kinship Navigator
Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy
Welfare Research, Inc. (WRI)
You Gotta Believe, Inc.
YOUTH POWER!
For more information, contact Brad Hansen (bhansen@ftnys.org) or Dede Hill (dhill@scaany.org)
Visit www.fosteringchamps.org/ny to learn more.