NYC Department of Social Services’ Post

Last year, more than 119,000 NYC Department of Education students—roughly one in every 9—experienced homelessness. While the recent increase in the number of immigrant families arriving in NYC has brought more attention to the issue, student homelessness is not a new phenomenon: 2022–23 was the **8th year in a row** in which more than 100,000 NYC students were identified as homeless. As NYC works to address this crisis, it must also ensure students get needed educational support. No child in New York City should be homeless, but until we reach that goal, access to a quality education is our best possible tool for ensuring those living in shelter don’t re-enter the system as adults. Although the number of NYC students who are homeless is record-high, services that have been put in place to help support these students are under threat, and the situation is becoming more dire as the supports that do exist are stretched thin. Learn more about this data, and the tremendous obstacles students who are homeless—especially those living in shelter—face to success in school ▶ https://lnkd.in/enm7nYE6

We contacted the 220 participants of the Middle Years project yesterday with exciting news: we now have $100,000 in funding to turn their ideas into reality! Last year, Communities for Children Burnie and Burnie Works explored how families of primary school-aged children access and navigate supports in Burnie. The aim: to co-design a product or service to meet community needs. We call it the Middle Years project. It is for families with children aged 5 to 12 years (Prep to Year 6). Burnie Works Chair Jacqueline de Jonge said, “It is exciting to have this funding which will be used to design, implement, and test a solution based on the work community did last year. We heard from lots of families. Burnie Works has never had such a large response to a project. People wanted to tell us what was happening for them, and they wanted to be part of the solution. Families need more than what is available to them. Families and children are struggling.” We need community to continue to guide us as we implement this part of the project. Burnie Works will be hosting a one-off workshop to design an Action Group – a group of people to tell us how we can make things happen. Read the Media Release. https://lnkd.in/gaq4D27e Find out about the action group. https://lnkd.in/g9qsZebz #middleyears #burniefamilies #codesign #knowledgecollection

Introducing HEARTH Beyond, a transformative program by Youth Focus providing crucial support for youth aged 18-24 experiencing homelessness. 🏡 Here's how it's making a difference: ✨ Safe Housing for Aspiring Futures: HEARTH Beyond ensures a safe haven for youth, allowing them to focus on educational and professional goals without the burden of homelessness. 🏡 Affordable Housing Partnership: Working with local landlords, Youth Focus secures safe and affordable housing for these young adults. The lease is in the youth's name, establishing a rental history and fostering a sense of ownership. 🌈 Building Independence: HEARTH Beyond empowers youth with rent assistance throughout the program, gradually transitioning responsibility to them. The goal is for these individuals to sustain their rent independently after completing the program. 📚 Education and Vocational Support: Enrolled youth receive vital vocational and educational support, ensuring they have the tools needed for long-term success beyond the program. 🤝 Targeted Case Management: Tailored case management helps build independent living skills, preparing these young adults for a future of self-sufficiency. 🌟 A Home to Call Their Own: HEARTH Beyond goes beyond shelter; it's a program that provides a foundation for a brighter future, where youth can remain in their home after successfully completing the program. Let's raise awareness about HEARTH Beyond and the impact it's making on the lives of these resilient youth. Share this post and be a part of the journey toward independence and success! 💙 #HEARTHBeyond #SupportiveHousing #YouthEmpowerment

While the "Are the Children Well?" report may not be more than three years old it is still part of United Way of Waco-McLennan County's 100-year history. In 2021, the McLennan County Child Well-being Movement released "Are the Children Well?". This report highlighted challenges facing children and families in certain neighborhoods, emphasizing the need for comprehensive community support. The findings stressed the importance of a holistic, two-generational approach to child well-being, where family success is integral to children's thriving. In response, the McLennan County Child Well-being Community Action Plan has been developed, outlining strategies to improve local systems and policies. This plan aims to enhance outcomes for children and families across the county, requiring collaboration across sectors. It signals the beginning of a concerted effort to ensure all local families receive the support they need for children to flourish. Continued community engagement, strategizing, and action will drive lasting change for generations to come.

August is Child Support Awareness Month! 🌟 As we take this time to celebrate and support the incredible work of child support professionals across the nation, it’s important to remember the profound impact of these programs. In FY23 alone, state and tribal programs collected a staggering $29.6 billion, benefiting 12.7 million children across the U.S. That’s 1 in 5 children! 🙌 The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) is not just about financial support; it's about uplifting entire families. From employment programs to fatherhood initiatives and reentry partnerships, OCSS is committed to helping parents provide a brighter future for their children. 💼👨👩👧👦 This year, we're also excited to see new regulations that fully fund tribal child support programs and support states during emergencies. These changes are vital in ensuring every child receives the support they need, regardless of the challenges their families face. Let’s spread the word and raise awareness about the importance of child support services. Together, we can help children and families thrive. 💛 Credit: Tanguler Gray, Commissioner, Office of Child Support Services #children #brightfuture #employmentprograms #entirefamily #helpingparents #office #awareness #program #support#impact #professional #family #childsupportawareness #supportservices

In a wealthy country like Australia, 1 in 6 children - more than 774,000 – should not be living in poverty. Our kids deserve a good start in life. St Vincent de Paul Society offers a range of assistance to help children, parents and families achieve their full potential. This takes many forms, from home visits and emergency relief through to early intervention and respite programs. 🔽🤍 Services for children, parents and caregivers vary by state and territory and include: 🌱Education support - such as help with meeting education costs (uniforms, books, equipment, school camps). 🌱Home visitation program 🌱Children and Young People programs 🌱Child and Family Support Programs (including parent education and support programs) 🌱Children’s activities such as kids’ camps, buddies’ days, respite programs, and homework and support groups ❤️ Share this with someone who may benefit from these programs. More information here: vinnies.org.au

Every 10 minutes, in the US, a family is forcibly separated. Their children are placed in unsafe state care (1 in 3 foster youth report being abused in state care). And the family is forever traumatized. Their crime? They were poor. As a children and families and foster youth advocate, I'm looking for allies that believe all Americans benefit from having a diverse, equitable, and just society. H.R.5028 - The Family Poverty is Not Child Neglect Act, is a bill that will not only greatly help to keep America's children safe and at home with their biological families but will cut the number of youth entering foster care each year by 70% (yes, 70%!), keep vulnerable children out of the grip of predators, improve mental, emotional, and physical health outcomes, raise high school and secondary education graduation rates, diversify the educated workforce, reduce crime and prison populations, reduce unwanted pregnancy, stem the tide of the unhoused population, greatly reduce poverty rates, and more. Yet, it has languished in the Committee on Education and the Workforce since it was first referred on 1/28/21 and then reintroduced on 7/27/23. H.R.5028 will stop the forcible separation of hundreds of thousands of children and families annually and create a better society for all. Please sign this petition declaring your support for H.R.5028 and its swift passage without change. https://lnkd.in/eFB9TfXb

There are many reasons why some students in the Madison School District lack a home. But Jani Hoester and Shannon Stevens from the Transition Education Program of the Madison School District say a lack of affordable housing is the primary issue. Other factors include mental illness, domestic violence and generational poverty. Homelessness strikes African American students the hardest, being the highest percentage of students suffering this way. When homeless, students are often forced to change schools, and each time they do, they lose 4-6 months of educational progress. Ultimately, they also suffer much lower graduation rates. The Transition program helps provide transportation for the students and provides a liaison to advocate for their rights. Hoester says these homeless students often feel invisible in society because people don’t even want to look their way if seen asking for help. She urges us all at minimum to acknowledge them and say hello, if we’re not able to help in some way. The presenters also urged everyone to support efforts to create affordable housing. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gTsR8F4F

As of Dec. 2023, Metro Nashville Public Schools estimated 2,760 of its ~81,000 enrolled students are homeless. This is a 50% increase from the previous year. And it’s likely a drastic underestimate as older kids are unlikely to report themselves as being homeless for fear of being taken away from their families or being shamed by their peers. Worse yet, this number is likely to climb higher because of expiring pandemic-era aid programs. If this isn’t a call to support more #AffordableHousing initiatives in #Nashville, I’m not sure what is. Children are the future of our city and country. Without a safe, stable place to lay their heads, it’s really hard for kids to focus on their math and English assignments or perform on their standardized tests. Without more affordable housing the achievement gap widens. I saw this firsthand as a former teacher, and it is the reason why I jumped into affordable housing. Support more affordable housing and more affordable housing financing tools. Budget season is just around the corner. Read more here about the great work MNPS is already doing for kids in need:

Why give to Orchards on GivingTuesday? Because strengthening the community through quality services to children and families is our mission—both in words and actions. We exist for one purpose: to serve children and families healing from the trauma of abuse and neglect. We believe in engaging individuals as active participants in building their own future. By working in partnership with parents, relatives, foster parents and youth in their households and communities, we empower families to achieve stability and long-term self-sufficiency in safe and caring environments. Help us reach our #GivingTuesday goal of $3,000 by giving online at https://buff.ly/3BnvSr3