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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Paola Martinez-Boone, Senior Advocate Social Worker and Special Education Coordinator at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest
7:35:13
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145 sec
Paola Martinez-Boone from New York Lawyers for the Public Interest testified on the urgent need for increased mental health support in New York City schools. She presented alarming statistics on student mental health issues and chronic absenteeism, emphasizing the connection between mental health and academic success.
- Highlighted recent bills establishing peer-to-peer support models for student mental health
- Cited statistics showing high rates of depression, suicidal ideation, and chronic absenteeism among NYC students
- Referenced a 2024 report by New York Lawyers for the Public Interest on the city's failure to educate students classified with emotional disability
Paola Martinez-Boone
7:35:13
Good afternoon.
7:35:16
Thank you so much for the opportunity to testify today.
7:35:19
My name is Paula Martinez Boone.
7:35:21
I am a senior advocate social worker at the New York Lawyers for the Public Interest and also special education coordinator.
7:35:29
We are a civil rights legal organization who serve individuals and communities by assisting them in enforcing their rights including children and adults with disabilities.
7:35:41
NILPY strongly applauds the enactment of recent bills establishing peer to peer support model to promote mental health for students.
7:35:53
Right now, too many students are struggling in silence.
7:35:56
We heard today by the amazing amount of students that you have today in support of more social workers and psychologists in schools.
7:36:07
One in five children faces a mental health challenge.
7:36:12
In 2023, half of New York City Teenagers reported that mild symptoms of depression were contributing to school avoidance and chronic chronic absenteeism.
7:36:28
In 2021, about sixteen percent, almost thirty thousand students reported suicidal ideation with nine percent, almost seventeen thousand students, attending suicide.
7:36:43
Students identifying as transgender reported high rates of persistent sadness.
7:36:50
Nearly sixty percent of students in district seventy five are chronically absent compared to thirty six percent to the citywide average due to anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges.
7:37:09
In 2024, my agency, the New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, released a report, especially location, New York City's failure to educate students classified with emotional disability.
7:37:24
We heard it today.
7:37:25
We need the funds.
7:37:26
We need the assistance.
7:37:30
Investing in mental health is also investing academic success for all the students.
7:37:37
Thank you today for the opportunity.