REMARKS
Council Member Rita Joseph introduces bill to provide luggage for foster care youth
0:41:15
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84 sec
Council Member Rita Joseph introduces a bill (Intro 1077) that would require ACS to provide proper luggage for foster care youth when they enter the system, move between placements, or exit care. She emphasizes the importance of treating foster youth with dignity and shares personal experiences to highlight the need for this legislation.
- The bill is co-sponsored by Council Members Brewer, Osea, and Riley
- Joseph cites examples from other states that have addressed this issue
- She acknowledges the support of various organizations and staff members in drafting the bill
Rita Joseph
0:41:15
Today, I'm proud to introduce my bill in show 1077 alongside my prime co sponsor as council member brewer, Osea and Riley.
0:41:23
This bill will require ACS to provide luggage for foster care youth when they enter the system, move between placement, exit care, head to college, or need for any other reason.
0:41:33
As a foster mom, I know, firsthand how degrading it was for children to carry their belongings trash bag.
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This is unacceptable, and New York City must do better.
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Places like Oregon, Texas, Maryland have already addressed this issue.
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It's time for New York to follow soon.
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And we are proud to that this bill will just do that.
0:41:52
Just wanna give you a few examples.
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It didn't feel like I mattered.
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It seemed like rushing me was more important than treating me with dignity.
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The least they could do is give us a proper luggage.
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Twenty three year old foster care.
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When I moved from group home to group home, my stuff was packed in garbage bags.
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Sometime many things got mixed up with trash and throwing out.
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My belongings were treated as important.
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They picked what they left, felt like carrying and threw the rest away.
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Traveling with trash bags became my new normal.
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Special thanks to the next one hundred team for their work on helping draft this bill.
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Staff members of Hartshire St.
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Vincent, who took time out of their busy schedule to be present with us.
0:42:30
At the council for for this introduction of the bill, to my staff for their hard work, and the bill drafting for their collaboration, and my co prime sponsors for their support.
0:42:39
Thank you.