Child, family services need NY support more than ever

The Constitutional Convention of 1938 added Article 17 to the state Constitution and declared, “The aid, care and support of the needy are public concerns and shall be provided by the state … as the Legislature may from time to time determine.”

As a state, it is our responsibility to provide every opportunity for children’s growth and development while ensuring safety and protection. Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s state budget, however, cuts by 5 percent foster care, preventive, adoption and child protective services that promote child safety and family stability.

Since last year, 4,200 of

New York’s children have lost a parent or guardian to COVID-19 — that is one out of every 1,000 children. A total of 325,000 children were pushed into poverty. Black and Latinx children experienced the death of a parent or caregiver at twice the rate of white children. Today, as we face the second wave of COVID-19, and the sustained stress that the last year has wrought on families, we cannot divest from the minimum protections and supports that children, families and communities need.

The foundation of a strong New York is our people, and strong people are built by strong families. New York's families need the state's support this year more than ever. The governor and Legislature need to invest, not divest, in these services that keep children safe, ensure child wellbeing and give families the tools to survive this time of crisis and thrive in the future. It is a moral imperative. William Gettman Jr.

Albany CEO, Northern Rivers Family

of Services