New York City Council
Committee on Children and Youth
Feb 20, 2025
·
01:00 PM
2 hr 56 min
Summary
A hearing on evaluating New York City's foster care system.
Discussions focused on:
- Placement stability
- Kinship care
- Residential foster care
- Outcomes for youth aging out of the system
- Challenges faced by providers
Key topics included efforts to reduce the number of children in care, improve reunification rates, enhance support for LGBTQ youth and foster parents, address housing needs for those aging out, and increase transparency and accountability in the system.
Features testimony from the Administration for Children's Services (ACS), foster care providers, advocates, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Althea Stevens delivers opening remarks for foster care system evaluation hearing
Council Member Althea Stevens, chair of the Children and Youth Committee, opens a hearing on evaluating New York City's foster care system. She outlines the purpose of the hearing, key …
0:00:35
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3 min
Introduction and overview of NYC foster care system
Commissioner Jess Dannhauser provides an overview of the current state of New York City's foster care system, highlighting significant reductions in the number of children in care and recent improvements …
0:05:29
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48 sec
Current strategies and goals for NYC foster care
ACS has implemented several strategies to improve outcomes for children in foster care, focusing on reducing residential care, increasing kinship placements, and enhancing support for youth. - Less than 10% …
0:06:17
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62 sec
ACS's five-year plan: Four key pillars
ACS developed a five-year plan with four key pillars to guide their efforts in improving the foster care system: 1. Meet the present need for sufficient foster home capacity 2. …
0:07:20
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37 sec
Meeting the need: Foster home capacity and kinship placements
ACS prioritizes placing children with relatives or close family friends and has implemented new contracts to enhance foster care programs and meet current needs. - New contracts for family-based foster …
0:07:58
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48 sec
Enhanced Family Foster Care (EFFC) model
ACS has implemented the Enhanced Family Foster Care (EFFC) model to provide more comprehensive support for children in foster care and their foster parents. - EFFC blends regular family foster …
0:08:47
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56 sec
Parent support and reunification efforts
ACS has implemented new strategies to support parents and enhance reunification efforts, including the Parent Empowerment Program (PEP) and improved case planning. - Case planners assess safety, risk, and caregivers' …
0:09:44
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35 sec
Residential care and Supervised Independent Living Program (SILP)
ACS provides specialized residential care programs and has reintroduced the Supervised Independent Living Program (SILP) for older youth transitioning to independence. - Less than 10% of children are in residential …
0:10:19
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43 sec
Family-centered approach and visiting programs
ACS emphasizes a family-centered approach in foster care, prioritizing family connections and providing various visiting programs to maintain bonds between children and their families. - All children and families have …
0:11:02
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62 sec
Permanency planning and lifelong connections
ACS and its providers focus on permanency planning for children in foster care, working towards safe reunification or alternative permanency options when necessary. - Foster care providers engage parents in …
0:12:04
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66 sec
Children's Center improvements and foster parent recruitment
ACS has made significant improvements to the Children's Center and implemented strategies for foster parent recruitment, particularly for teens and large sibling groups. - Most children spend fewer than 7 …
0:13:11
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78 sec
Foster parent training and support
ACS has implemented comprehensive training programs for foster parents to ensure they can provide safe and supportive care for children with various needs. - 98% of foster homes have no …
0:14:28
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79 sec
Placement stability statistics
ACS prioritizes placement stability for children in foster care to minimize disruptions and promote better outcomes. - 88% of children and youth in foster care did not experience a placement …
0:15:48
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23 sec
Fair Futures program and outcomes
The Fair Futures program provides coaching and tutoring support to youth in foster care, helping them achieve positive outcomes and transition successfully to adulthood. - Fair Futures expanded to provide …
0:16:11
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62 sec
College Choice program expansion
The College Choice program provides comprehensive support for youth in foster care attending college, including tuition, housing, and living stipends. - Participation in College Choice doubled in two years, with …
0:17:14
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41 sec
Career Choice program announcement
ACS announces the upcoming launch of the Career Choice program, designed to support youth in foster care who choose not to attend college immediately. - Career Choice will be similar …
0:17:56
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21 sec
Collaboration with other city agencies for youth support
ACS collaborates with various city agencies to provide comprehensive support for youth in foster care, including education, employment, and housing assistance. - Partnerships with DYCD, Department of Social Services, and …
0:18:17
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44 sec
LGBTQIA+ equity strategies
ACS is committed to providing high-quality services and improving outcomes for LGBTQIA+ youth in foster care through dedicated equity strategies. - Dedicated LGBTQIA+ Equity Strategies Director responsible for policy, best …
0:19:01
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25 sec
Youth voice and leadership initiatives
ACS has implemented several initiatives to incorporate youth voice and leadership in shaping the foster care system and related programs. - ACS Youth Leadership Council allows current and former foster …
0:19:26
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34 sec
Conclusion and acknowledgments
Commissioner Dannhauser concludes the testimony by acknowledging and thanking key stakeholders in the foster care system. - Expresses gratitude to all New York City foster parents for opening their hearts …
0:20:00
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39 sec
Efforts to shift culture and address community concerns in ACS
Council Member Stevens inquires about Commissioner Dannhauser's efforts to change the culture at ACS, particularly in addressing concerns from black and brown communities. Commissioner Dannhauser discusses various strategies including training, …
0:20:50
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3 min
Accountability measures for foster care provider agencies
Council Member Stevens inquires about how ACS holds contracted foster care providers accountable for implementing cultural shifts and addressing concerns. Commissioner Dannhauser explains the accountability measures in place. - ACS …
0:24:12
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128 sec
Strategies for improving communication and support within ACS and with youth
Deputy Commissioner Mendez outlines various strategies implemented to improve communication and support within ACS, with providers, and with youth in the foster care system. - Implementation of 'third Thursdays' meetings …
0:26:24
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3 min
Federal funding for foster care programs and contingency planning
Council Member Stevens inquires about ACS's federal funding sources and contingency plans in light of potential funding freezes or reductions. Commissioner Dannhauser provides an overview of the federal funding received …
0:29:47
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3 min
Communication with foster care agencies during federal funding uncertainty
Council Member Stevens asks about ACS's communication with foster care agencies and service providers during the period of federal funding uncertainty. Commissioner Dannhauser explains the current communication strategies. - Regular …
0:33:03
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108 sec
Foster care parent reimbursement rates and ACS budget allocation
Council Member Stevens inquires about the current reimbursement rates for foster care parents and how ACS allocates its budget for foster care expenses. Commissioner Dannhauser provides an overview of the …
0:34:52
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131 sec
Concerns about CARES program and communication with mandated reporters
Council Member Stevens raises concerns about the CARES program becoming a catchment for high-needs cases and issues with ACS staff communication with mandated reporters. Commissioner Dannhauser addresses these concerns and …
0:37:05
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4 min
Discussion on migrant youth in foster care and guardianship program
Council Member Brewer inquires about migrant youth in the foster care system and the guardianship program. Commissioner Dannhauser provides information on the number of destitute children entering care and the …
0:41:18
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88 sec
Older Youth Services Unit and support for youth aging out of foster care
Council Member Brewer inquires about the Older Youth Services Unit and support for youth aging out of foster care. Commissioner Dannhauser and Deputy Commissioner Mendez provide details on the services …
0:42:47
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131 sec
Impact and expansion of the Fair Futures program for foster youth
Council Member Brewer inquires about the Fair Futures program, and Commissioner Dannhauser provides details on its implementation, impact, and expansion plans. - Fair Futures begins engaging youth in middle school …
0:44:58
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87 sec
Housing assistance and transportation issues for youth in foster care
Council Member Brewer inquires about housing assistance for youth aging out of foster care and transportation issues, particularly school busing. Commissioner Dannhauser provides information on both topics. - In 2023, …
0:46:25
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124 sec
Housing vouchers and set-asides for youth aging out of foster care
Council Member Stevens inquires about the availability of housing vouchers and set-asides for youth aging out of foster care. Commissioner Dannhauser provides information on current efforts and acknowledges the need …
0:48:31
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3 min
Discussion on residential foster care funding and unmet needs
Council Member Williams inquires about challenges faced by residential care providers in meeting the needs of older youth, such as prom attire and college support. Commissioner Dannhauser and Deputy Commissioner …
0:52:29
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154 sec
Overview of the College Choice program and education support for foster youth
Deputy Commissioner Mendez provides information about the College Choice program, which supports foster youth in accessing higher education opportunities. The program has seen significant growth and aims to ensure all …
0:55:03
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45 sec
Addressing information access challenges for foster youth
Council Member Stevens raises concerns about foster youth's frustrations with accessing information about available resources and programs. The discussion focuses on improving information dissemination and the potential for developing a …
0:55:48
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115 sec
Council member inquires about security measures in residential care facilities
Council Member Nantasha M. Williams raises concerns about violent incidents in residential care facilities, particularly mentioning the children's center. She asks about security measures in place to protect staff and …
0:57:45
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33 sec
Commissioner explains staff training and de-escalation techniques in residential care
Commissioner Jess Dannhauser provides a comprehensive explanation of the measures in place to ensure safety in residential care facilities and address violent incidents. - Describes staff training in de-escalation and …
0:58:18
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3 min
Discussion on consistency and best practices across contracted agencies
Council Member Williams raises concerns about consistency in practices across contracted agencies and the need to ensure best practices are shared and implemented uniformly. - Highlights the issue of continuity …
1:01:22
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151 sec
Commissioner addresses staff safety and distinguishes between care populations
Commissioner Dannhauser responds to concerns about staff safety and discusses the differences between foster care and juvenile justice populations. - Acknowledges the importance of staff safety and its impact on …
1:03:53
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114 sec
Inquiry about mechanisms for scaling innovations across agencies
Council Member Williams asks about existing mechanisms to identify and scale successful innovations from providers across the agency. Commissioner Dannhauser responds with current practices and areas for improvement. - Council …
1:05:48
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115 sec
Self-care initiatives for foster care agency staff
Council Member Althea Stevens inquires about self-care initiatives for foster care agency staff, acknowledging the challenging nature of their work. Commissioner Jess Dannhauser responds by outlining various strategies implemented by …
1:07:43
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4 min
Efforts to improve recruitment and retention of foster parents for children with complex needs
Council Member Stevens asks about ACS's efforts to improve recruitment and retention of foster parents, particularly for children with complex needs. Deputy Commissioner Ina Mendez explains the strategies implemented by …
1:12:15
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3 min
Addressing discrimination concerns and support for foster parents
Council Member Stevens raises concerns about discrimination against foster parents, particularly LGBTQ foster parents, and asks about support systems in place. Commissioner Dannhauser addresses these concerns and outlines ACS's approach …
1:15:45
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6 min
Decline in kinship placements and strategies to address it
Council Member Stevens inquires about the decline in kinship placements and strategies to address this issue. Commissioner Dannhauser explains the current situation and ACS's efforts to support kinship care. - …
1:22:28
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164 sec
Child assessments and their use in service provision and permanency planning
Council Member Stevens asks about the frequency and effectiveness of child assessments in informing service provision and permanency planning. Deputy Commissioner Mendez explains ACS's approach to assessments and their use …
1:25:13
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5 min
Timely placement for youth in foster care and related benchmarks
Council Member Stevens inquires about ACS's definition of timely placement for youth in foster care and the benchmarks used to measure success. Commissioner Dannhauser explains the agency's approach to placement …
1:31:08
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134 sec
Accountability measures for foster care providers
Council Member Stevens asks about accountability measures for foster care providers, particularly in relation to adoption and permanency planning. Commissioner Dannhauser explains the changes in the contract structure and accountability …
1:33:23
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3 min
Assessment and support for kinship placements
Council Member Stevens inquires about the assessment of stability in kinship placements and the support provided to kinship caregivers. Commissioner Dannhauser explains ACS's approach to kinship care assessment and support. …
1:36:46
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4 min
Post-reunification support and services to prevent re-entry into foster care
Council Member Stevens asks about post-reunification support and services provided to prevent re-entry into the foster care system. Commissioner Dannhauser outlines the various support mechanisms in place. - ACS reports …
1:41:44
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119 sec
Addressing increased rates of maltreatment in family foster care
Council Member Stevens inquires about the increase in maltreatment rates in family foster care and the additional oversight mechanisms being implemented. Commissioner Dannhauser provides context and explains ACS's response to …
1:43:43
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126 sec
Parent Empowerment Program (PEP) and training for parent advocates
Council Member Stevens inquires about the Parent Empowerment Program (PEP) and the training provided to parent advocates. Deputy Commissioner Mendez explains the program's structure and implementation. - PEP embeds parent …
1:45:49
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8 min
Initiatives to involve youth with lived experience in foster care system improvements
Council Member Stevens asks about initiatives to involve youth with lived experience in improving the foster care system. Commissioner Dannhauser outlines several programs and efforts in this area. - ACS …
1:54:36
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118 sec
Transportation challenges for foster children and potential solutions
Council Member Stevens raises concerns about transportation challenges for foster children, particularly during the waiting period for school bus services. Commissioner Dannhauser discusses current solutions and potential improvements. - ACS …
1:56:35
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168 sec
Rising insurance costs for foster care agencies and strategies to address the issue
Council Member Stevens inquires about the rising costs of liability insurance for foster care agencies and potential strategies to address this issue. Commissioner Dannhauser acknowledges the severity of the problem …
1:59:22
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3 min
Testimony by Fernando Canteli de Castro, Member of the Public
Fernando Canteli de Castro shares his experience as a foster parent, highlighting systemic failures in the NYC foster care system. He describes challenges faced while caring for two foster children, …
2:09:11
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147 sec
Testimony by Lynette Lometred, Member of Parent Council at The Children's Village
Lynette Lometred, a member of the Parent Council at The Children's Village, shares her personal experience with the foster care system and advocates for increased investment in families and support …
2:11:47
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4 min
Testimony by Everson Ladson, Foster Parent
Everson Ladson, a foster parent, testifies about alleged discrimination and retaliation by ACS and a contracted agency against LGBTQ foster parents. He describes a pattern of unfounded allegations made against …
2:15:59
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3 min
Testimony by Dr. Sophine Charles, Associate Executive Director of Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA)
Dr. Sophine Charles, representing COFCCA, addressed four critical factors in the foster care system: insurance, staffing, procurement issues, and prevention services. She emphasized the urgent need for liability insurance solutions …
2:19:26
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173 sec
Council member's remarks on procurement reform and funding challenges
Council Member Stevens acknowledges the ongoing efforts to reform the procurement process and addresses funding challenges in the foster care system. She commits to continuing her advocacy for these issues …
2:22:20
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35 sec
Discussion on delays in providing medical insurance for foster children
Council Member Stevens inquires about the five-month delay in providing medical insurance for foster children, as mentioned in Mr. Castro's testimony. The discussion reveals significant administrative issues within the foster …
2:22:56
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134 sec
Inquiry into allegations of homophobia against foster care agency
Council Member Stevens investigates claims of homophobia within a foster care agency, expressing concern about the impact on LGBTQ youth in the system. The foster parents share their experiences of …
2:25:12
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107 sec
Discussion on multiple unfounded allegations against foster parents
Council Member Stevens inquires about the number of allegations made against the foster parents. The foster parents reveal that they have faced seven allegations, all from the agency or birth …
2:26:59
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54 sec
Exploration of reunification challenges and custody battles in foster care
Council Member Stevens discusses the challenges of reunification and custody battles with Ms. Lynn, a grandmother fighting for her grandson. The conversation reveals the complexities and emotional toll of the …
2:27:54
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4 min
Council member's concluding remarks and expressions of gratitude
Council Member Stevens concludes the session with words of appreciation for the foster parents and advocates, emphasizing the importance of their efforts in fighting for children in the system. She …
2:32:19
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3 min
Testimony by Galloway, Advocacy Manager of Ali Forney Center, on LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care
Galloway, the Advocacy Manager of the Ali Forney Center, testified about discrimination and systemic failures faced by LGBTQ youth and foster parents in the New York City child welfare system. …
2:36:05
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139 sec
Testimony by Kearney Coghlan, Policy Fellow of Family Defense Practice at Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem
Kearney Coghlan from the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem addressed the NYC City Council, calling for greater transparency and accountability in the foster care system. She highlighted concerns about the …
2:38:28
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133 sec
Testimony by Chas Budnick, Supervising Attorney at Brooklyn Defender Services
Chas Budnick, representing Brooklyn Defender Services, testifies about disconnects between foster care policies and on-the-ground practices. He emphasizes the need for case planning that aligns with the law and social …
2:40:48
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3 min
Testimony by Sharon Brown on Foster Care System
Sharon Brown provided testimony on the foster care system, expressing concerns about the current system's focus on adoption rather than reunification. She suggested using foster care funds to support parents …
2:43:54
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127 sec
Council member affirms support for LGBTQ community
Council Member Althea Stevens responds to the previous testimony by affirming support for the LGBTQ community. She emphasizes that LGBTQ individuals are part of the community and that the council …
2:46:01
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20 sec
Council member addresses LGBTQ foster parent needs and offers support
Council Member Stevens discusses connecting a family with resources and references a report by Ali Forney Center on the need for LGBTQ foster parents. She expresses a desire to work …
2:46:21
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32 sec
Discussion on transparency issues in the foster care system
Council Member Stevens engages in a Q&A session with Kearney Coghlan about transparency issues in the foster care system. They discuss the need for access to contracts between ACS and …
2:46:53
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89 sec
Testimony by Pedro Gonzalez, Father of Children in Foster Care System
Pedro Gonzalez, a father with children in the foster care system, provides testimony on his six-year experience with ACS. He acknowledges improvements in the foster care process, including streamlined visitations …
2:49:17
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149 sec
Acknowledgment of positive updates and advocacy efforts
Council Member Althea Stevens expresses gratitude for the speaker's testimony and acknowledges the positive updates in their case. She commends the speaker for their consistent advocacy efforts at hearings. - …
2:51:46
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18 sec
Testimony by Davene Roseborough, Parent Advocate from Center for Family Representation
Davene Roseborough, a parent advocate at the Center for Family Representation (CFR), testified about the challenges faced by families in the foster care system and the need for transparency and …
2:52:39
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105 sec