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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Michelle Avila, Director of Public Policy at Children's Aid
5:14:55
ยท
136 sec
Michelle Avila from Children's Aid testified on the importance of youth programs and called for increased funding in various areas of the FY2026 budget. She emphasized the need for investment in after-school programs, summer youth employment, and child welfare prevention services.
- Urged reversal of $6.9 million cut to Compass after-school system and baselining $19.64 million for middle school youth programs
- Called for higher per-participant rates in Compass and SONYC contract extensions, totaling $154,324,800
- Highlighted the importance of prevention services in child welfare, noting that 99% of families engaged with Children's Aid avoid foster care system involvement
Michelle Avila
5:14:55
Good afternoon chair Stevens and members of the Children and the Youth Committee.
5:14:58
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
5:15:00
My name is Michelle Avila and I'm the director of public policy at Children's Aid.
5:15:04
At Children's Aid, we're committed to ensuring that young people in New York City have no boundaries to their aspirations and no limits to their potential.
5:15:12
We know a thriving city requires a strong ecosystem of programs that support children, youth, and families.
5:15:18
We hold nearly 50 contracts with the Department of Youth and Community Development for programs ranging from COMPASS, summer youth employment, adult literacy and more.
5:15:27
These programs are critical to the success of New York City's youth and families and continued investment in these services is essential.
5:15:34
For the FY twenty six budget, we are calling for the reversal of a $6,900,000 cut to the Compass after school system, and for the city to baseline 19,640,000.00 to the DYCD portion of summarizing programs for middle school youth.
5:15:48
To stabilize the after school system, we joined providers in urging the city to begin a phase in process for higher per participant rates in the FY twenty six, FY '20 '6 Compass and Sonic contract extensions by including the total of 154,324,800 in the budget.
5:16:08
We also urge the city to release a concept paper for Compass and to commit to fully funding both elementary and middle school programs in the new procurement process.
5:16:17
As both a summer program and summer rising provider, we urge the city to meaningfully partner with providers to address and resolve operational concerns with summer rising.
5:16:27
We also urge the city to address disparities in funding across summer programs, especially for center based programs, include beacons and cornerstones.
5:16:36
These community hubs often face lower reimbursement rates and limited slots despite high demand.
5:16:41
It is crucial to increase funding for all summer programs and expand program slots.
5:16:46
With respect to child welfare, we wanna highlight the importance of prevention services in the child welfare system.
5:16:51
We know these programs prevent families from entering the foster care system, and that 99% of families engaged avoid, at Children's Aid avoid foster care system involvement.
Althea V. Stevens
5:17:02
Thirty seconds.
Michelle Avila
5:17:03
However, these services are growing fiscal deficits, and we urge the council to ensure providers are paid the true cost of these services.
5:17:10
Thank you.