CSH recently hosted a Transition Age Youth Forum focused on examining outcomes of youth in the foster care, juvenile justice, and supportive housing systems in New York City. Made possible with the support of the New York Community Trust, the forum included presentations by experts in the field including Maryanne Schretzman and Jessica Rathiel from the Center for Innovation through Data Intelligence (CIDI). CIDI presented on outcomes from the Young Adult Outcomes of Foster Care, Justice, and Dually Involved Youth in New York City study and a recent data match of the cohort with the supportive housing system. Edline Jacquet of The Network reported on preliminary findings from their two-year survey of youth supportive housing providers. Kristin Miller, the CSH
’s New York program director presented on a recent initiative working with providers to develop a framework and metrics for quality youth supportive housing and reported on the first five peer reviews.
The Forum also included a fishbowl discussion with representatives from key government agencies to reflect on the studies and explore potential policy implications. The fishbowl included the following government partners:
- Susan Haskell, Deputy Commissioner, Youth Services, Department of Youth and Community Development
- Jennifer Kelly, Assistant Commissioner, Housing & Program Planning, NYC Department of Homeless Services
- Craig Retchless, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration
- Nora Reissig, Director of Family Services, New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)
- Maryanne Schretzman, Executive Director, Center for Innovation through Data Intelligence (CIDI), NYC Office of the Deputy Mayor for Health & Human Services
- Paul Williams, Program Director/ Program Lead Housing Academy Collaborative, NYC Administration for Children’s Services
Craig Retchless discussed the importance of early assessment, “if we intervene with justice involved youth early, we will have better outcomes” and Paul Williams discussed wanting to strengthen the collaboration between ACS and NYCHA. The discussion then opened to the 70 person audience, which included representatives of housing and service providers, developers, funders, and researchers. As the fishbowl wrapped up, Maryanne Schretzman underscored this critical moment, “the discussion we have had today is example of how willing City agencies are to work collaboratively to improve the system for youth. Right now we have an incredible opportunity to make change”.
