The past year has brought cataclysmic changes to New York City's child welfare system. When the coronavirus pandemic shut down schools and social service agencies, far fewer children came to the attention of the City's Administration for Children's Services (ACS). Investigations plummeted, as did the number of parents brought to court and children removed from their homes.

At the same time, the Black Lives Matter movement amplified the voices of community activists who say that child welfare agencies cause harm to communities of color, and especially to Black families. Just as activists have called to defund the police, some have demanded that the City defund ACS, investing resources directly into communities and families.

Now, with budget cuts looming and big-picture questions on the table, we convene child welfare practitioners and community experts to discuss what happens next: What lessons has this year taught us? What is the present and future of ACS's preventive services? What do meaningful supports for families look like?

Panelists:
• David Hansell, commissioner, New York City Administration for Children's Services
• Shrounda Selivanoff, parent ally and director of public policy, Children's Home Society of Washington
• Halimah Washington, community coordinator, parent, and former foster child
• Jeremy Kohomban, President & CEO, The Children's Village
• Jess Dannhauser, President & CEO, Graham Windham
• Dr. John Robertson, lecturer, Columbia School of Social Work

Moderated by Abigail Kramer, Senior Editor at the Center for New York City Affairs.

Presented by the Center for New York City Affairs at the Schools of Public Engagement.