New York State and local social services districts currently fund a variety of preventive programs geared towards keeping families stable, and keeping children safe and out of foster care. These programs are financed through various funding streams and are operated by entities such as county departments of social services and private not-for-profit agencies. While such program models vary across the State, they share a common goal of promoting strong and stable families. The purpose of this Assembly public hearing is to gather comprehensive information regarding the effectiveness and availability of preventive services. The Assembly would like to gain a fuller understanding of how such programs are doing in meeting the current need for preventive services, and what further steps should be taken to maximize their effectiveness.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to 10 minutes. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible. In the absence of a request, witnesses will be scheduled in the order in which reply forms are postmarked.

Ten (10) copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the New York State Senate and Assembly have made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Senate and Assembly facilities and activities.

Donna Lupardo
Member of Assembly
Chair
Committee on Children and Families

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Persons wishing to participate in the hearing on Preventive Services for Families are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email or fax it to: