34th Annual National Federation of Families Conference.

The Families Together team delved into insightful workshops led by our DEI Family Coordinator and Family Policy Advisors. Plus, we gained valuable insights from experts nationwide!

Save the Date!

Keep an eye on www.ftnys.org/family-empowerment-month for future updates!

Healthy Minds Healthy Kids Speakout!

Child and Family Wellbeing

Action Network Summit

On November 1^st the Child and Family Wellbeing Action Network led by the Fostering Youth Success Alliance, Families Together NY and the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy hosted a summit to highlight key budget, legislative and policy priorities for the state that calls for stronger investments in supporting children and families with just policies that help prevent unnecessary child welfare involvement and address barriers to wellbeing due to poverty conditions. The combined recommendations for the 2024 budget and legislative session can be found here.

More states are moving to curb retaliatory and harassing calls to the state central registry by passing laws to eliminate anonymous calls. Beginning in 2024, both California and Texas will implement laws that move from anonymous to confidential reporting The Imprint covers the bills here. Note that the NYS legislature failed to pass a similar bill sponsored by Senator Brisport and Assembly Member Hevesi S902 /2479 in the previous legislative session.

Tell Governor Hochul to Sign the Decoupling Bill Today!

This decoupling bill will no longer ties parents' work hours to child care assistance overwhelmingly passed the Legislature in 2023 and awaits Governor Hochul's signature. This week, we're calling on the Governor to sign the bill, and provide much needed stability to families and child care providers. You'll see an action daily, and we ask you to take that action, and share the action in your network to amplify it. Together, we can get this done!

We are asking you to watch and share this fantastic video made by Shelby Lohr, explaining the bill, and why it's so important that Governor Hochul sign it into law. You can also use the toolkit below to help you contact the Govenor's office today!

Addressing Child Poverty: The Power of Guaranteed Income Programs Webinar

Join us live on Zoom for a panel discussion on universal basic income pilot projects in New York State. Panelists include state and local leaders, policy experts, and impacted individuals.

The Children's Agenda Releases School Discipline Report

The Children's Agenda has released "Common Sense Reform to School Discipline in New York," a report that addresses key school discipline reforms in NY schools.

Goal: Support higher academic achievement and graduation rates and protect students’ civil rights by reducing the reliance on exclusionary discipline (i.e., suspensions and expulsions), especially in the youngest grades.

Solution: New York should shorten the maximum length of suspension from 180 to 20 school days (except when required by federal law) and only allow suspensions for the most serious behavior in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 3. This can be accomplished by enacting the Solutions Not Suspensions bill.

Why It Works: Putting limits on exclusionary discipline (suspensions and expulsions) reduces barriers to academic and social gains for all students, but especially students of color, students with disabilities, and students from low-income families who are disciplined more often because of institutional and individual biases.

New York State Blue Ribbon Coalition Releases Report on Graduation Measures

In 2019, the Board of Regents created a Blue Ribbon Commission to examine and rethink New York’s graduation requirements. Under the direction of the Commission’s co-chairs, Vice Chancellor Josephine Victoria Finn and Regent Judith Chin, a diverse cross-section of stakeholders, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, professionals from business and higher education, parents, and students, undertook an independent, thoughtful, and inclusive process to explore what a state diploma should signify to ensure educational excellence and equity for every student in New York State.

Prior to entering into this process, we knew the current system wasn’t working for all students. The intent of this initiative was never to lower standards; to the contrary, it focused on placing all New York State students on a success trajectory by providing them access to the necessary opportunities and supports they need.

Our Issues in the News

• N.Y. budget leaders want to avoid education, health cuts amid $4.3B gap
• Parents, judges crowd NY Senate hearing on troubled Family Court system
• Editorial: Twisting the blame
• Our youth mental health crisis is about much more than social media
• Governor Signs Clean Slate Act
• Governor Hochul Announces $29.8 Million in State Funding for Adoption-related Services
• End NY’s system of perpetual punishment with ‘clean slate’ law (Commentary) - By FTNY's Melinda Agnew!

November is not just the month of changing leaves and cooler weather; it's also November, a time when we come together to raise awareness for men's health issues, particularly mental health. November encourages men to grow mustaches as a symbol of support for those facing mental health challenges. This annual campaign reminds us that it's crucial to break the stigma surrounding men's mental well-being and encourage open conversations. Let's stand together to foster a more compassionate and understanding society where every man feels comfortable seeking help when needed.

• Mustache March: Encourage everyone to participate in a friendly mustache-growing contest, sparking conversations about men's health and mental well-being.
• Mental Health Workshops: Organize workshops or webinars on topics like stress management, emotional well-being, or mindfulness to help support the mental health of your community.
• Fundraising for Mental Health: Host fundraising events to support mental health organizations or donate some of your November profits to these important causes.

Together, we can make a significant impact on men's mental health this November!

New York State Suicide Prevention Conference Changing The Conversation on Youth Mental Health:

From Crisis the Prevention

Albany Marriott, October 17, 2023

DEI coordinator Simcha Weinstein presented at the recent NYS Suicide Prevention Conference in Albany, NY. The summit provided a vital platform to discuss the nuanced landscape of youth mental health, specifically addressing the challenges of comorbidities. Drawing from lived experiences, Simcha's remarks centered on the significance of peer support in navigating the complexities of mental health within the familial context. The panel aimed to contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding youth mental health, promoting empathy, resilience, and shared experiences. Families Together NYS is committed to championing peer support and advocating for improved mental health outcomes within our youth community.

Jay Carruthers: M.D. Director of the New York State Office of Mental Health’s Suicide Prevention Center.

Stephanie Marqeusano: Founder and President of The Harris Project.

Simcha Weinstein: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator at Families Together in New York State.

TJ Curtis: Program Coordinator at Families on The Move.

Claudia-Santi Fernandez: Ed.D., LPC, MCHES

Director of Research & Evaluation at Born This Way Foundation.

Spotlight: Quannah Chasinghorse:

A Powerful Voice for Indigenous Rights, Environmental Justice, and MMIW Advocacy.

Quannah has been a vocal spokesperson at international conferences, forums, and gatherings, raising awareness about indigenous peoples' pressing concerns. She collaborates with indigenous organizations, non-profits, and governmental bodies to develop strategies addressing the unique needs of indigenous communities.

Additionally, Quannah actively advocates for justice and supports the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), bringing attention to the epidemic of violence against Indigenous women. Her unwavering dedication, ability to bridge different worlds, and passionate advocacy make her an exceptional figure in the indigenous rights movement, inspiring and empowering others to join the cause.

Quannah Chasinghorse is a passionate indigenous advocate and peer of Han Gwich'in and Lakota Sioux descent. She is also a Model and Actress known for her tireless efforts in promoting the rights and well-being of indigenous communities, preserving indigenous cultures, and advocating for environmental justice.