Requires the office of children and family services to provide luggage to youth in foster care

• Democratic16
• Republican3

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Jabari Brisport says this is needed

This legislation would require that the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) provide luggage to youth in foster care. Every day in New York State, a child enters the foster system carrying everything they own in a black plastic trash bag - a stark symbol of the dehumanizing and traumatic experience they are about to endure. For many foster children, their possessions are more than just objects; they are symbols of their identity, history, and worth. Relegating chil- dren's belongings to trash bags, leaves them feeling degraded, dehuman- ized, and traumatized. New York State foster youth deserve better; yet, they currently have no legal guarantee of a dignified transition with the proper luggage that every American uses for everyday travel or tran- sitions. In recent years, the OCFS launched the "My Bag" initiative to provide luggage to youth in foster care. However, this program has been limited in its reach. In 2023, there were an estimated 13,450 children in foster care in New York State, with roughly 23,105 transitions per year. Chil- dren in the New York State foster care system face frequent transitions, experiencing three different placements on average during their time in care. However, under the My Bag initiative, only 3,000 bags have been distributed annually. This legislation would build on the existing "My Bag" initiative, and mandate the provision of luggage at state expense for all youth in foster care.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.