AFC works to change education policy so that the public school system serves all children effectively. We publish policy reports and data analyses, testify at the City and State levels, speak out in the press to bring attention to the challenges facing the students and families we serve, and join with other advocates, parents, youth, and educators to call for change.
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Advocates for Children of New York testified before the City Council Committee on Education and Committee on Oversight and Investigations regarding our deep concerns about school budget cuts.
AFC submitted comments in response to the New York State Education Department’s proposed amendments to sections 200.1 and 200.4 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education relating to the disability classification “Emotional Disturbance.”
AFC testified before the City Council Committee on Finance regarding the FY 23 Executive Budget, urging the City to invest in targeted initiatives to support English Language Learners, students with disabilities, students who are homeless or in foster care, and students with mental health needs.
AFC testified before the City Council Committee on Education regarding the educational needs of students in foster care. We are urging the City to fully staff a small DOE team focused on students in foster care and guarantee bus service so students don’t have to transfer schools when placed in foster care.
AFC testified before the City Council Committee on Hospitals regarding the Fiscal Year 2023 preliminary budget, urging the City to invest in a comprehensive system to ensure students have access to behavioral and mental health supports in schools.
AFC testified before the City Council Committee on Education regarding the FY 23 preliminary education budget, urging the City to reject proposed cuts to education, including the DOE hiring freeze, and invest in initiatives to support the students with the greatest needs.
AFC testified before the City Council Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities and Addiction and the Committee on Health on the need to invest in a comprehensive, integrated system of mental health and behavioral health supports for students.
AFC testified before the City Council Committee on Youth Services about the need to ensure the City’s summer programming provides the support needed to truly serve all students, including students with disabilities.
AFC testified before the City Council Committee on Education on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on English Language Learners and immigrant students and families, and three proposals that advocates believe will have a positive impact on ELLs and immigrant families.
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities and Addiction on the youth mental health crisis and the urgent need for a comprehensive system to ensure that our young people have access to and receive behavioral and mental health supports in schools.