New York City’s Children’s Services is pleased that Governor Cuomo’s 2012-2013 budget included “Close to Home,” a new juvenile justice initiative to place youth, found by the Family Court to have committed a delinquent act, in or close to their communities in residential-type settings in New York City.

As required by the legislation, Children’s Services has issued a draft plan for the implementation of Non-Secure Placements and is asking the community for comments.  We are holding two public hearings in May in order to hear directly from community members and juvenile justice stakeholders before finalizing and submitting the draft plan to the State for review and approval.  Attached is a flyer with the details as well as a description of the Close to Home initiative. Please distribute and post widely as we are hoping to hear from as many community members as possible.  We had encouraging attendance at five public forums we held during the drafting process throughout the five boroughs.  Thanks to those of you attended or sent representatives. 

If you have any questions about the hearings in May or the Close to Home initiative, please contact Jill Krauss, ACS Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, at (212) 341-2655 or Jill.Krauss@dfa.state.ny.us