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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Pedro Gonzalez, Member of the Public, on ACS and LGBTQIA+ Issues
1:55:33
·
152 sec
Pedro Gonzalez, a member of the public and military veteran, provides testimony on ACS practices, data transparency, and issues affecting low-income communities and LGBTQIA+ individuals in the child welfare system. He emphasizes the need for better housing coordination and parental involvement in decision-making processes.
- Calls for more transparent presentation of ACS data to the City Council
- Suggests implementing a liaison to oversee housing concerns and other issues that disenfranchise families
- Advocates for parents to have a more proactive role in decisions regarding gender affirmation and reunification processes
- Highlights the need to address hostile culture towards LGBTQIA+ members, drawing from his experience as a veteran
Pedro Gonzalez
1:55:33
Very quickly.
1:55:34
So I've been around previously on April 25th.
1:55:37
I shared briefly my experiences with the case about ACS.
1:55:42
So one of the things that I wanted to mention very briefly is that oftentimes when data is being generated by ACS, it's not being transparently presented to the this administration or rather this body of counsel.
1:55:57
It's very concerning because I've stated previously that and I'm glad mister Danhauser was able to somewhat go over the figures, but there was and increase this year by 1%, especially in low income communities.
1:56:09
Oftentimes, the problems with low income communities and especially those who are at risk that also includes people with military special needs families and LGBT.
1:56:19
AI members.
1:56:20
Housing is the biggest concern.
1:56:22
ACS often tells us that is it hurdle to coordinate efforts with other city agencies?
1:56:28
I think that this body could do with a measure by implementing a liaison.
1:56:33
That would be assigned by this committee to oversee those concerns of housing and or other ailments that would disenfranchise families.
1:56:41
First and foremost, we all know that working on one income isn't sufficient.
1:56:46
Miss Kamonis herself is a recipient of survivor's benefits from her father who's a World War 2 veteran, as well as myself who served in the military.
1:56:56
We see the value that ACS has tried to improve the system.
1:56:59
We recognize it takes a village to care for the children, but oftentimes not everyone agrees on the best interest of what is important for the children.
1:57:06
We feel that parents should also have a proactive role in that.
1:57:10
Whether it be in the question of gender affirmation, whether it be in the question of reunification, what are those processes look like.
1:57:17
Parents should be given all the information and tools at their disposal so that they are able to make the best informed decision for themselves and to support their children.
1:57:25
We firmly believe that also this would play a beneficial role for children impacted in the LGBTQIA AI.
1:57:32
As a veteran, I have seen hostile culture towards LGBT AI members, and I feel personally that this committee could do with addressing these people who are being disenfranchised.
1:57:43
I thank this committee again for taking the time to hear what miss Kimonas and myself at the state.
1:57:48
And, again, we do appreciate the one for that this administration and currently this body of counsel is doing.
1:57:54
You guys have been proficient with making sure that ACS is being transparent and that they are at their best trying to report everything transparently and proficiently.
1:58:03
Thank you, and good afternoon again.