City Unresponsive to Parents of Children with Disabilities
The city is failing to provide basic information to parents of special education students and ignoring phone calls asking for help, according to a report from Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum. The report, entitled "Waiting for Help," shows that the Committees on Special Education and the Department of Education failed to respond to more than half of nearly 400 requests for assistance by Public Advocate investigators. (April 6, 2007)
Children With Special Needs
A report by The Center for New York City Affairs and Center for an Urban Future shows that children with disabilities are sometimes placed in foster care because authorities fail to provide services that would make it possible for them to remain with their families. Other young people with disabilities have aged out of foster care only to languish in nursing homes or other institutions. (February 28, 2007)
Youth Unemployment
Despite “the lowest unemployment rate in recent memory,” only slightly more than one-third of 16 to 24 year old city residents were holding a job in 2006, down from 44 percent in 2000, according to "Unemployment and Joblessness in New York City, 2006: Recovery Bypasses Youth", a report by the Community Service Society. By contrast, there has been a dramatic rise in jobholding among New Yorkers over the age of 55. The report makes several recommendations, including an earned income tax credit for youth, an increase in “apprentice opportunities,” and a one-time fund to give to employers “who agree to establish recruitment and training programs” to “out of school youth” and others most in need. (February 27, 2007)
Out-of-School Time
The city's Department of Youth and Community Development assesses its Out of School Time effort, which provides funding for after school programs, in this report. The department awarded $44 million to 528 after-school programs last year. This report looks at these programs, the demographic profile of those served by them, and the "social development outcomes" of the youth involved. (February 15, 2007)
Helping Troubled Teens
Over the past several years, the New York City government has instituted programs aimed at helping troubled teens and their families. While some young people have benefited, the city’s efforts have failed to reach many others, according to this report, “There’s No Such Place,” by the Center for New York City Affairs at the New School. As evidence, the report notes that the number of teenagers under age 16 arrested and the number of foster care placements due to juvenile delinquency have increased sharply. The report includes information on the current programs, some of it compiled from interviews with teens and parents, as well as recommendations. (January 17, 2007)