In our NYS fiscal year 2025 budget recommendations, WCA prioritizes placing children’s safety, housing needs, mental health, and physical well-being at the forefront. Recognizing that children, youth, and families have varying access to resources, we aim to promote equity throughout New York State. WCA urges state elected officials to quickly address the following issues impacting children and youth in New York State.
Take Action
- Download our full list of priorities for New York State children and youth
- Send an email to your state elected officials
- Watch Gov. Hochul’s FY 2025 NYS Budget Address
- See FY 2025 NYS Executive Budget Briefing Book
Overview of Priorities for Westchester’s Children & Youth
- Child Poverty: In Westchester, one out of five children and youth ages 0-24 live in poverty or low-income households. Across New York State, 700,000 children are living at or below the federal poverty line. Policies and programs must be implemented that lift children and families out of poverty and towards opportunity.
- Mental Health: Improve access to equitable behavioral health services to address the growing needs of children and support providers with methods of recruitment and retention.
- Child & Youth Homelessness: Ensure all children and their families have fair and timely access to adequate, safe, and stable housing that is affordable and sustainable to reduce the rate of homelessness based on the most inclusive definition.
- Youth Justice: Protect gains made with Raise the Age legislation by investing in effective, age-appropriate interventions and programs that seek to mitigate youth involvement in the justice system and prevent re-engagement with the criminal system as adults.
