Int. No. 1246
By The Speaker (Council Member Adams) and Council Members Stevens, Farías, Louis and Hanks
A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to establishing a program to support youth aging out of the foster care system
Be it enacted by the Council as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 9 of title 21 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new section 21-926 to read as follows:
§ 21-926. Fair futures program. a. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
Youth in foster care. The term "youth in foster care" means a young person who was placed in an out-of-home placement with ACS after the filing of a petition in family court pursuant to article 3, 7, 10, 10-a, 10-b or 10-c of the family court act or sections section 358-a or 384-b of the social services law.
Housing assistance. The term "housing assistance" means any form of help designed to assist youth with finding and maintaining a place of residence, including, but not limited to, ACS housing subsidy, rental assistance received from any other city agency, supportive housing, or any other assistance sufficient to obtain adequate housing, including exception to policy.
b. ACS shall partner with foster care agencies to establish a program to improve outcomes for youth in foster care and youth who have exited the foster care system. Such program shall include, but not be limited to, the following services for youth in foster care starting at age 11 and extending up to age 26, as applicable based on the age of the youth: long term coaching, academic support, career development guidance, provision of mental health resources, and housing assistance.
c. Youth shall be automatically enrolled in such program upon entry to foster care.
d. In establishing such program and, at minimum, quarterly thereafter, ACS shall consult with current and former youth in foster care, through a forum directly concerned with the welfare of youth in foster care and youth who have exited the foster care system.
§ 2. This local law takes effect immediately.
CY
LS 18928
4/7/2025