REMARKS
Pierina Ana Sanchez introduces Intro 652 to establish a pilot program for no-cost mental health services for families impacted by emergency removes of their children
0:58:53
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71 sec
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez introduces legislation, Intro 652, aimed at establishing a pilot program for no-cost mental health services for families impacted by emergency removals of their children.
- Intro 652 addresses the disproportionate impact of emergency removals on Black and Latinx families by providing mental health support.
- A federal class action lawsuit highlights the detrimental effects of these removals, with significant representation of Black and Latinx children in removal statistics.
- The pilot program targets communities specifically impacted by high rates of removals, including Williams Bridge, Bechester, Sound View, Parkchester, Hollis, East New York, among others.
- The initiative, although not tackling the root causes within the child welfare system, aims to meet the urgent need for mental health supports.
- Sanchez acknowledges the support of council members and the public advocate for the introduction of Intro 652.
Pierina Ana Sanchez
0:58:53
Thank you, majority leader.
0:58:54
I'm pleased to introduce intro 652 today, which aims to establish and operate a pilot program that would offer mental health services at no cost of families when children have experienced emergency removals.
0:59:06
Communities have long voice concerns about ACS's practices, noting an unequal level of scrutiny, particularly impacting Black And Latino families who disproportionately face these separations.
0:59:18
This issue was highlighted in a recently filed federal class action lawsuit underscoring the detrimental effects of emergency removals on children.
0:59:26
With black children accounting for 51% and Latinx children accounting for 38% of removals despite their much lower representation in the population.
0:59:37
The majority of investigation for these removals are concentrated in specific communities like Williams Bridge, Bechester, Sound View, Parkchester, Hollis, East New York, and others.
0:59:46
While this pilot program won't address the root causes of the problems in our child welfare system, it does address urgent need for mental health supports.
0:59:54
Thank you so much to council member Stevens, Menin Jose Gutierrez Lee Joseph Hudson Nurse and the public advocate for introducing 652 with me.
1:00:03
Thank you.