On November 14, Schuyler Center, Fostering Youth Success Alliance, and Families Together in New York State hosted the NYS Child Welfare Summit in Albany. In attendance were nearly 100 participants, from advocates, to state agencies, researchers, and community members, including parents and young people. Together we filled the day with important discussions, human connection, and laughter.
The Summit kicked off with a joint presentation introducing the Child and Family Wellbeing Action Network (CFWAN) and the data on the issues impacting children, young people, and families involved in New York’s child welfare system. The Action Network is working towards a vision of New York where the state prioritizes investing in and implementing policies that strengthen and support children, youth and families.
Following the presentation, sessions were held that focused on major issues in New York’s child welfare system and the solutions we and partners are working on to help resolve those issues:
- Conditions Families Raise Their Children In
- Narrowing the Front Door
- While in the System
- Supporting Youth Exiting the System
- Full Program
Links to presentations, handouts, and resources:
- Abridged Slides
- Child and Family Wellbeing Action Network 2025-26 Policy Priorities
- Child and Family Wellbeing Fund report and one-pager
Resources mentioned during panels:
- Schuyler Center 2026 Top Policy Priorities – including Child Care and Family Economic Security
- A.2135 (Hevesi, no Same As): Would eliminate the threat of penalties for mandated reporters who do not make a report of suspected child abuse or neglect.
- S.8139 (Liu)/A.9048 (Simon): Would ensure equitable funding for school districts by recognizing the additional needs of students experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or in temporary housing, and adjusting the extraordinary needs count in New York State’s school funding formula accordingly.
- Executive Order: Fostering the Future for American Children and Families, released 11/13/2025
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