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Current strategies and goals for NYC foster care

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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% of youth in foster care are in residential placements
About 45% of children in care reside with family or close family friends
One-third of children reunify with their families in the first year
Expanded support programs like Fair Futures and College Choice for youth in care

Jess Dannhauser

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As the foster care census has declined, we have taken important steps to strengthen those services in foster care.

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We have greatly reduced the use of residential care, so less than ten percent of youth in foster care are in residential placements.

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And at the same time, we've been leading the state in our rate of placing children in kinship foster homes, with about forty five percent of children in care currently residing with family or close family friends.

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The safety of children on foster care is a top priority.

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Our efforts have resulted in important reductions in maltreatment in foster homes.

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We have strengthened foster parent recruitment strategies, infused trauma informed training for foster parents, and created a trauma informed environment at the Children's Center, where some children first enter foster care.

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We've also strengthened support for young people in care, including major expansions, as you mentioned, in programs like Fair Futures and College Choice, so that youth in care can thrive into their adulthoods.

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Today, approximately one third of children who come into foster care reunify with their families in that first year.

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And the rates at which children achieve timely permanency are steadily improving each year.

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Introduction and overview of NYC foster care system

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ACS's five-year plan: Four key pillars