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Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.

New York City Council

Committee on Immigration

Oct 15, 2024

·

11:00 AM

4 hr 12 min

Summary

A hearing on resources available in New York City for immigrant youth who arrived as unaccompanied children.

Discussions focused on:

  • The significant increase in unaccompanied minors
  • Gaps in services including lack of age-appropriate shelter and legal representation
  • Challenges in accessing education and healthcare
  • The need for improved interagency coordination

Features testimony from:

  • Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA)
  • Administration for Children's Services (ACS)
  • Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)
  • Legal service providers
  • Community organizations
  • The public

Meeting chapters

Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.

REMARKS

Opening remarks and interpreter introductions for the City Council hearing

Council Member Alexa Avilés calls the meeting to order and introduces herself as the chair of the Committee on Immigration. All the meeting interpreters introduce themselves.

0:00:41

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4 min

REMARKS

Availability of simultaneous interpretation for the hearing

Council Member Avilés informs the attendees about the availability of simultaneous interpretation services for the public during the hearing. - Simultaneous interpretation is available in French, Fulani, Spanish, and Wolov. …

0:05:27

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12 sec

REMARKS

Overview of the hearing's focus on unaccompanied children (UACs)

Council Member Avilés provides an overview of the hearing's focus on examining resources available in New York City for immigrant youth who have arrived as unaccompanied children (UACs). - The …

0:05:40

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44 sec

REMARKS

Statistics on unaccompanied children arriving in New York City and surrounding areas

Council Member Avilés presents statistics on the number of unaccompanied children (UACs) arriving in New York City and surrounding areas, highlighting the significance of the issue. - In federal fiscal …

0:06:27

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109 sec

REMARKS

Past efforts to support unaccompanied children, including the unaccompanied minors initiative

Council Member Avilés discusses past efforts by the city council to support unaccompanied children (UACs), focusing on the unaccompanied minors initiative launched in 2014. - In 2014, New York City …

0:08:17

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84 sec

REMARKS

Gaps in services for immigrant youth arriving as unaccompanied children

Council Member Avilés highlights the existing gaps in services for immigrant youth who arrive in the US as unaccompanied children (UACs), emphasizing the need for improved support. - Many UACs …

0:09:42

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36 sec

REMARKS

Legal services and immigration status options for unaccompanied children

Council Member Avilés discusses the importance of legal services and various immigration status options available to unaccompanied children (UACs), emphasizing the need for timely and trauma-informed support. - UACs may …

0:10:19

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102 sec

REMARKS

Introduction of Resolution 576 on tax credits for businesses supporting immigrant workforce development

Council Member Avilés introduces Resolution 576, which calls for legislation to offer tax credits to businesses that create workforce development programs for newly arrived immigrants. - Resolution 576 is sponsored …

0:12:02

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69 sec

REMARKS

Disappointment expressed over the absence of agency leadership at the hearing

Council Member Avilés expresses deep disappointment regarding the absence of leadership from the agencies presenting at the hearing. - The council member notes that the absence of agency leadership seems …

0:13:11

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36 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Althea Stevens provides opening remarks on resources for unaccompanied immigrant youth

Council Member Althea Stevens delivers opening remarks for a hearing on resources for immigrant youth who arrived in the United States as unaccompanied children. She highlights the challenges faced by …

0:13:50

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165 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jamie Powlovich, Supervisor of Expediting New Arrivals Community Transition (ENACT) at Coalition for the Homeless

Jamie Powlovich, representing the Coalition for the Homeless, testifies about the challenges faced by unaccompanied immigrant youth in New York City. She highlights the city's failures in addressing the needs …

0:18:13

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7 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Kimberly Schertz, Staff Attorney at Legal Aid Society

Kimberly Schertz, a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society, testified about the challenges faced by unaccompanied immigrant youth in New York City. She highlighted issues with age determination, access …

0:25:52

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8 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Sierra Kraft, Executive Director of Immigrant Children Advocates' Relief Effort (ICARE)

Sierra Kraft, Executive Director of ICARE, testified about the critical need for legal representation for unaccompanied immigrant children facing deportation in New York City. She emphasized the vulnerability of these …

0:34:35

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4 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Adama Bah, Founder and Executive Director of Afrikana, on Resources for Immigrant Youth

Adama Bah, Founder and Executive Director of Afrikana, testified about the urgent need for better support and resources for unaccompanied immigrant minors in New York City. She highlighted the vulnerabilities …

0:39:26

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4 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Mamadou Diallo, Director of Operations at Afrikana, on behalf of Mamadou

Mamadou Diallo, Director of Operations at Afrikana, reads a testimony on behalf of Mamadou, a 17-year-old immigrant who arrived in New York City in 2024. The testimony details Mamadu's challenging …

0:43:56

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6 min

REMARKS

Council member thanks Mamadou and acknowledges policy failures

Council Member Alexa Avilés expresses gratitude for Mamadou's testimony and acknowledges the policy failures he experienced. She recognizes the support provided by Afrikana and emphasizes the need for improvement in …

0:50:03

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30 sec

Q&A

Council member inquires about language accessibility in facilities

Council Member Alexa Avilés asks Mamadou about language accessibility in the facilities he has been in, and Mamadou confirms that none of the staff members spoke his language in any …

0:50:58

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60 sec

Q&A

Panelists discuss similar cases and issues with ACS

Council Member Alexa Avilés asks other panelists about similar cases to Mamadou's. Jamie Powlovich and Kimberly Schertz provide detailed responses, highlighting systemic issues with ACS and the challenges faced by …

0:52:01

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5 min

REMARKS

Inquiry about additional funding for Afrikana

Council Member Althea Stevens inquires about additional funding for Afrikana to support their work with unaccompanied minors. She acknowledges their frontline efforts and asks for updates on any additional support …

0:57:23

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85 sec

Q&A

Discussion on the 2019 legal settlement and its impact

Council Member Stevens inquires about the significance of the 2019 legal settlement and how it could have helped in the current situation with unaccompanied minors. - Jamie Powlovich explains that …

0:58:58

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121 sec

Q&A

Council Member Hanif asks about improving the journey for unaccompanied youth

Council Member Shahana K. Hanif introduces herself and asks Mamadou how the city can improve to make the journey in New York City safer and easier for unaccompanied youth, and …

1:01:01

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136 sec

Q&A

Council Member Hanif inquires about minor verification process and accounting for unaccompanied youth

Council Member Shahana K. Hanif asks the advocates about the time it typically takes to verify someone as a minor and whether all unaccompanied migrant youth are accounted for. Kimberly …

1:03:17

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89 sec

Q&A

Council Member Hanif asks about eviction notices for youth in shelters

Council Member Shahana K. Hanif inquires about whether youth in shelters are receiving eviction notices under the 60-day rule. Jamie Powlovich responds, explaining the situation for minors with incorrect documentation …

1:04:46

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80 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Introduction and overview of MOIA's role in supporting immigrant youth

Tom Tortorici, Executive Director of Legal and Support Initiatives at the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), introduces himself and the purpose of the hearing on resources for unaccompanied immigrant …

1:07:51

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30 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

MOIA's immigration legal services programs and their impact

Tom Tortorici details the various programs overseen by MOIA that provide free, confidential immigration legal services, case management, and information to immigrant youth in New York City. He highlights the …

1:08:23

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63 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline services

Tom Tortorici describes the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline, which provides referral services for immigrant New Yorkers, including unaccompanied youth. The hotline operates Monday through Friday and connects callers with …

1:09:27

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32 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

MOIA's immigrant rights workshops

Tom Tortorici briefly mentions MOIA's immigrant rights workshops, which provide up-to-date information to immigrant New Yorkers. These workshops serve as an additional resource beyond direct legal and support services. - …

1:10:00

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14 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Action NYC in Schools program for unaccompanied immigrant youth

Tom Tortorici details the redeployment of the Action NYC in Schools program to prioritize immigration legal screenings and assistance for unaccompanied immigrant youth aged 18-20 at runaway and homeless youth …

1:10:15

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66 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

MOIA's role as a cross-agency advisor and involvement in interagency initiatives

Tom Tortorici outlines MOIA's role as a cross-agency advisor, providing federal policy updates and advocating for policies that support unaccompanied immigrant youth. MOIA also participates in various interagency initiatives and …

1:11:22

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37 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Conclusion and future outlook for supporting unaccompanied immigrant youth

Tom Tortorici concludes his testimony by highlighting the extensive efforts made by city leaders, staff, nonprofit professionals, advocates, and volunteers to support unaccompanied immigrant youth. He emphasizes the personal nature …

1:12:00

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66 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Introduction and overview of ACS's role in immigrant services

Stephanie Gendell, Deputy Commissioner for External Affairs at the Administration for Children's Services (ACS), introduces herself and her role overseeing various offices, including the Office of Immigrant Services and Language …

1:13:15

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41 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Unaccompanied minors and the role of the Office of Refugee Resettlement

The testimony explains the situation of unaccompanied minors entering the United States and the role of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in their care. - Most unaccompanied minors are …

1:13:56

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48 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

ACS family support services for immigrant families

ACS provides and manages various family support services available to immigrant families, regardless of their immigration status. - Prevention services are free, voluntary, and available throughout the five boroughs - …

1:14:46

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41 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Immigration and Language Access Office (ISLA) services and training

The ISLA office within ACS provides support and guidance on immigration and language access issues for ACS staff and contracted providers. - Increased demand for ISLA's assistance due to the …

1:15:28

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60 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Destitute minors in the foster care system

ACS has seen an increase in the number of youth entering foster care as destitute minors over the past two years. - As of August 31, 2024, there were 239 …

1:16:31

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53 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Immigration services and support for youth in foster care

ACS works closely with foster care agencies to address the immigration needs of children and youth in foster care who are not U.S. citizens. - Each foster care agency has …

1:17:25

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90 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Introduction and overview of DYCD's role in youth services

Susan Haskell, Deputy Commissioner for Youth Services at DYCD, introduces herself and provides an overview of DYCD's role in addressing the needs of new arrivals within runaway and homeless youth …

1:19:04

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45 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Overview of DYCD's runaway and homeless youth services

DYCD funds a comprehensive portfolio of Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) services delivered by community-based providers through contracts. - Three types of services: residential programs, drop-in centers, and street outreach …

1:19:50

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19 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Residential programs for runaway and homeless youth

DYCD provides residential programs for runaway and homeless youth, including crisis services and transitional independent living (TIL) support programs. - Tripled the number of beds for young people ages 16-20, …

1:20:10

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88 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Drop-in centers and street outreach services

DYCD operates drop-in centers in each borough and provides street outreach services for runaway and homeless youth. - Drop-in centers serve youth ages 14-24, providing basic needs, supportive services, and …

1:21:24

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54 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Services provided to runaway and homeless youth

DYCD provides a range of supported services to runaway and homeless youth, both directly and through referrals. - Counselors work with youth to develop individualized service plans - Services include …

1:22:19

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27 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Response to increased demand from new arrivals

DYCD has experienced increased demand for services due to the rising number of new arrivals to the city. - RHY services remain available to young people regardless of immigration status …

1:22:47

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27 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Coordination with partner agencies and immigration services

DYCD coordinates with partner agencies and participates in multi-agency youth asylum seeker coordination meetings to support runaway and homeless youth. - DYCD providers of RHY services offer information about immigration-related …

1:23:15

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38 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Conclusion and readiness for questions

Susan Haskell concludes her testimony by thanking the council and expressing DYCD's commitment to collaboration and service improvement. - Expresses gratitude for the opportunity to discuss DYCD's efforts in addressing …

1:23:54

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15 sec

Q&A

City agencies' methods for identifying and tracking unaccompanied minors

Council Member Alexa Avilés questioned representatives from MOIA, ACS, and DYCD about their methods for identifying and tracking unaccompanied minors in their systems. The responses revealed: - MOIA does not …

1:24:10

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120 sec

Q&A

Discussion of failures in serving unaccompanied youth and potential improvements

Council Member Alexa Avilés questioned agency representatives about failures in serving unaccompanied youth and potential improvements, based on testimony from a young person named Mamadoo. Key points included: - ACS …

1:26:15

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3 min

Q&A

Federal policy changes affecting unaccompanied minors and NYC's response

Council Member Alexa Avilés questioned MOIA representatives about federal policy changes affecting unaccompanied minors and NYC's response. Key points included: - MOIA tracks federal policy developments through a senior policy …

1:31:37

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5 min

Q&A

Interagency coordination on unaccompanied minors issues

Council Member Alexa Avilés questioned MOIA representatives about interagency coordination on unaccompanied minors issues, focusing on past and current task forces. Key points included: - The specific 2014 task force …

1:36:49

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160 sec

Q&A

Past initiatives for screening and supporting immigrant youth in immigration court

Council Member Alexa Avilés questioned MOIA representatives about past initiatives for screening and supporting immigrant youth in immigration court. Key points included: - In 2014-2015, MOIA had announced an initiative …

1:39:33

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146 sec

Q&A

Updating and distributing information on resources for immigrant youth

Council Member Alexa Avilés questioned MOIA representatives about updating and distributing information on resources for immigrant youth. Key points included: - MOIA published an online document in January 2015 listing …

1:42:00

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7 min

Q&A

Outreach efforts and coordination with schools for immigrant youth services

Council Member Alexa Avilés questioned MOIA representatives about outreach efforts and coordination with schools for immigrant youth services. Key points included: - MOIA continues to engage with the Department of …

1:49:33

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6 min

Q&A

MOIA's specific programming and outreach for unaccompanied minors

Council Member Alexa Avilés questioned MOIA representatives about their specific programming and outreach for unaccompanied minors. Key points included: - MOIA does not have a specific program dedicated to unaccompanied …

1:56:03

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6 min

Q&A

OAAHC handling of Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) cases

Council Member Alexa Avilés questioned representatives about the Office of Asylum Application Help Center (OAAHC) handling of Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) cases. Key points included: - OAAHC conducted a …

2:02:26

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170 sec

Q&A

Debate over pro se model for SIJS cases and concerns about legal representation

Council Member Alexa Avilés engaged in a debate with OAAHC representatives over the use of a pro se model for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) cases. Key points of the …

2:05:17

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6 min

Q&A

DYCD's information sharing policies and referrals to ORR

Council Member Stevens inquired about DYCD's policies on sharing information with immigration authorities and referrals to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). DYCD representatives clarified that they do not share …

2:12:01

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94 sec

Q&A

Capacity issues in runaway and homeless youth shelters and DYCD's plans to address them

Council Member Stevens pressed DYCD representatives about capacity issues in runaway and homeless youth shelters and crisis services, citing a significant increase in youth unable to secure beds. DYCD representatives …

2:13:37

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8 min

Q&A

Status update on 24-hour drop-in center in the Bronx

Council Member Stevens inquired about the status of the 24-hour drop-in center in the Bronx, which is currently in transition. DYCD Assistant Commissioner Dr. Amy Wilkerson provided an update on …

2:22:28

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40 sec

Q&A

Utilization rates of homeless young adult services and DYCD policies

Council Member Stevens questioned DYCD representatives about high utilization rates in homeless young adult crisis services and TIL programs, as well as DYCD's "no sleep" policy at drop-in centers. The …

2:23:08

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4 min

Q&A

DYCD policies on youth shelter, coordination, and educational resources

Council Member Stevens inquired about DYCD's policies regarding the right to shelter for 16-17 year olds, coordination with other agencies, language interpretation services, and connecting clients to educational resources. DYCD …

2:27:43

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7 min

Q&A

Clarification on RHY programs' access to the Asylum Seeker Help Center

Council Member Avilés sought clarification on whether RHY programs have access to refer clients to the Asylum Seeker Help Center. DYCD representatives provided information on recent developments in this area. …

2:35:30

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158 sec

Q&A

Process for unaccompanied minors appearing before immigration judges

Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the process and timeline for unaccompanied minors to see immigration judges. Officials from ACS and MOIA explain that the timeline varies and depends on …

2:38:08

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77 sec

Q&A

Lack of city data on unaccompanied minors with disabilities

Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about services for unaccompanied minors with disabilities. ACS officials explain that they don't have direct custody or data on these minors, as they are under …

2:39:27

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27 sec

Q&A

Limited interaction between city agencies and unaccompanied minors in federal custody

Council Member Rita Joseph questions the communication between city and federal government regarding unaccompanied minors. ACS officials explain the limited circumstances under which they interact with these minors. - Most …

2:39:55

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69 sec

Q&A

Support services available for sponsor families of unaccompanied minors

Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the support provided to sponsor families of unaccompanied minors. ACS officials outline the prevention services available to these families. - ACS offers a full …

2:41:03

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41 sec

Q&A

Support services for trafficked unaccompanied minors

Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about support services for trafficked unaccompanied minors. ACS officials explain the services available for young people who have been trafficked. - ACS has services specifically …

2:41:45

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39 sec

Q&A

Transition support for unaccompanied minors aging out of care

Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about transition support for unaccompanied minors aging out of care. ACS officials explain the services available to these young people. - Young people in ACS …

2:42:26

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46 sec

Q&A

ACS's protocol for age identification of young immigrants

Council Member Althea Stevens inquires about ACS's age identification protocol for young immigrants. Stephanie Gendell explains that it's a new protocol developed in response to conflicting information about immigrants' ages. …

2:43:17

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173 sec

Q&A

Increase in destitute minor petitions and impact on foster care numbers

Council Member Stevens inquires about the 8% increase in children entering foster care in fiscal year 2024, driven by destitute minor petitions. Stephanie Gendell provides specific numbers on the increase …

2:46:09

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68 sec

Q&A

Resources available for destitute minors in foster care

Council Member Stevens inquires about the resources available to destitute minors in foster care. Stephanie Gendell explains that destitute minors are treated like any other child in foster care and …

2:47:18

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60 sec

Q&A

Placement options for unaccompanied minors in foster care

Council Member Stevens inquires about the placement options for unaccompanied minors in foster care. Stephanie Gendell explains that ACS uses various placement types and aims for the most appropriate placement …

2:48:18

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81 sec

Q&A

Language access services provided by ACS at the Children's Center

Stephanie Gendell explains the language access services provided by ACS at the Children's Center for young people entering foster care who don't speak English. - Interpreters are provided on-site for …

2:49:39

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58 sec

Q&A

Discussion on identifying and tracking unaccompanied minors and criteria for foster care admission

Council Member Stevens emphasizes the need for better identification and tracking of unaccompanied minors due to their specific service needs. The discussion then shifts to ACS's criteria for admitting young …

2:50:42

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78 sec

Q&A

Potential revisions to ACS policies for admitting youth into foster care

Council Member Stevens inquires about potential revisions to ACS policies to address gaps in care for youth who don't meet State Central Register (SCR) criteria but require foster care services. …

2:52:01

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3 min

Q&A

Debate over the use of SCR for case referrals and potential alternatives

Council Members and ACS representatives debate the use of the State Central Register (SCR) for case referrals and discuss potential alternatives. The discussion highlights the tension between established processes and …

2:55:25

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73 sec

Q&A

Clarification on why the current unaccompanied minor situation is considered 'new' to ACS

Council Member Avilés questions why the current unaccompanied minor situation is considered 'new' to ACS, given the city's history with such cases. ACS and MOIA representatives provide clarification on what …

2:56:38

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136 sec

Q&A

Discussion of Fair Futures program and its eligibility for immigrant youth

Council Member Stevens inquires about the Fair Futures program, its recent increase in utilization, and its eligibility for unaccompanied immigrant youth. Stephanie Gendell provides information on the program's scope and …

2:59:02

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80 sec

Q&A

Language services provided through Fair Futures program

Council Member Stevens inquires about the availability of multilingual services in the Fair Futures program. Stephanie Gendell explains the language access provisions for the program. - Foster care agencies have …

3:00:23

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23 sec

Q&A

Budget considerations for Fair Futures program given increased demand

Council Member Stevens inquires about the adequacy of the current Fair Futures budget given the growing number of youth in foster care and the influx of asylum seekers. Stephanie Gendell …

3:00:46

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34 sec

Q&A

Inquiry into pro se legal services for youth eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

Council Member Alexa Avilés inquires about contracts or plans to implement pro se legal services for youth eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) across various city agencies. Representatives from …

3:01:20

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83 sec

Q&A

Asylum Application Help Center's process for handling SIJS cases

Masha Gindler, Executive Director of the NYC Asylum Application Help Center, explains their pilot program for handling Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) cases. The center assists with filing all necessary …

3:02:43

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51 sec

Q&A

Debate over pro se vs. full legal representation for SIJS cases

Council Member Alexa Avilés and Masha Gindler, Executive Director of the NYC Asylum Application Help Center, engage in a debate over the effectiveness of pro se legal services versus full …

3:03:34

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178 sec

Q&A

Discussion on appropriate investment for legal services

Council Member Alexa Avilés questions Masha Gindler about the appropriate investment needed for legal services, given the limitations of the pro se model. Gindler acknowledges the need for growth but …

3:06:33

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68 sec

Q&A

Protocol for handling cases of individuals at age 21 without a parent or guardian

Masha Gindler explains the Asylum Application Help Center's protocol for handling cases of individuals at age 21 without a parent or guardian. The center provides standard screening and assistance based …

3:07:46

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92 sec

Q&A

Changes to the Action NYC model for immigration legal services

Tom Tortorici from the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) explains the changes to the Action NYC model for immigration legal services. The new approach aims to ensure services are …

3:09:20

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146 sec

Q&A

Funding allocation for the Asylum Application Help Center

Masha Gindler provides information about the state funding for the Asylum Application Help Center. The center receives significant funding to support its operations through the end of the state fiscal …

3:11:56

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72 sec

Q&A

Statistics on asylum, work authorization, and TPS applications filed

Masha Gindler provides statistics on the number of applications filed by the Asylum Application Help Center for various immigration relief options. - 29,000 asylum applications filed - 34,000 work authorization …

3:13:08

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12 sec

Q&A

Concerns about lack of ongoing representation for applicants after initial filing

Council Member Alexa Avilés expresses concerns about the lack of ongoing legal representation for applicants after their initial filings with the Asylum Application Help Center. Masha Gindler responds to these …

3:13:21

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52 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Abena Hutchful, Policy Attorney at Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights

Abena Hutchful, a policy attorney with the Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights, testified about the challenges faced by unaccompanied immigrant youth in the United States. She highlighted the lack …

3:17:12

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179 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Young Immigrant on Challenges Faced by Migrant Youth Under 21

A young immigrant, speaking through a French interpreter, provides testimony about the challenges faced by migrant youth under 21 in New York City. The speaker highlights difficulties in accessing legal …

3:21:36

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3 min

Q&A

Council member inquires about shelter experiences of unaccompanied immigrant youth

Council Member Alexa Avilés engages in a brief Q&A session with a young immigrant who testified about their experiences. The council member asks about the number of shelters the youth …

3:25:21

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68 sec

REMARKS

Council member concludes testimony and introduces next panel

Council Member Alexa Avilés wraps up the testimony from the young immigrant and transitions to the next panel of speakers. - The council member thanks the immigrant for their testimony …

3:26:33

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66 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Melissa Maria, Supervising Attorney of the Immigration Protection Unit at New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)

Melissa Maria from NYLAG highlighted the challenges faced by unaccompanied immigrant youth in navigating complex legal systems without representation. She emphasized the critical need for full legal representation for these …

3:27:44

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134 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Alexandra Rizio, Managing Attorney at Safe Passage Project

Alexandra Rizio, Managing Attorney at Safe Passage Project, testified about the challenges faced by unaccompanied immigrant youth and the organization's work. She emphasized the need for increased funding and highlighted …

3:30:02

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3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Ydalmi Mejia, Paralegal Director at The Children's Law Center on Resources for Immigrant Youth

Ydalmi Mejia, Paralegal Director at The Children's Law Center, testified about their work with immigrant youth seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). She highlighted the importance of obtaining family court …

3:33:48

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3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Sarah Nolan, Managing Director of Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)

Sarah Nolan, Managing Director of Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), testified about the urgent need for increased funding and support for legal representation of unaccompanied immigrant children in New …

3:36:57

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145 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Monica Vera, Social Services Supervisor at Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)

Monica Vera, a social services supervisor at Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), testifies about the importance of holistic legal and social services for unaccompanied immigrant children in New York …

3:39:26

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148 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Dr. Jeremy Kohomban, President and CEO of The Children's Village

Dr. Jeremy Kohomban, President and CEO of The Children's Village, testifies about the risks faced by unaccompanied immigrant children and offers solutions to protect and support them. He emphasizes the …

3:41:57

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158 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Alejandro Arias, Multilingual Case Manager at Ali Forney Center

Alejandro Arias, a multilingual case manager at the Ali Forney Center, testifies about the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ immigrant youth in New York City, particularly those who are undocumented. He …

3:46:09

·

151 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Lauren Glassman Shore, Director of Home Finding and Unaccompanied Children Program at JCCA

Lauren Glassman Shore from JCCA provided testimony on their services for unaccompanied immigrant children, highlighting challenges in education access, foster care placement, and cultural matching. She emphasized the need for …

3:49:12

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172 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Claudia Valdivia on Resources for Unaccompanied Immigrant Youth

Claudia Valdivia, a mother of three, shares her personal experience with the immigration system and advocates for better support for unaccompanied immigrant youth. She highlights the challenges faced by these …

3:52:16

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5 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jorge Perez, Community Organizer from Mixteca

Jorge Perez, a community organizer from Mixteca, testified about the challenges faced by unaccompanied immigrant youth in New York City, particularly those without family support. He emphasized the difficult balance …

3:58:17

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174 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Immigrant from French-speaking Country

A French-speaking immigrant shares their story of fleeing their home country due to political threats and coming to America with their children. They express gratitude for their children's education but …

4:01:17

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144 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public

Christopher Leon Johnson testifies against the current administration's handling of immigrant youth services, particularly criticizing Mayor Eric Adams. He argues that long-term immigrant children are being neglected in favor of …

4:05:33

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118 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jennie Spector, Social Worker and Immigration Advocate

Jennie Spector, a social worker and immigration advocate, testified about the gaps in services for young migrants in adult shelters and the significant role of mutual aid groups in providing …

4:08:13

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168 sec

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