Advocacy

Leveraging our voice to speak out on behalf of the children, families, and communities that we serve, joining with others create a single, stronger voice – that’s what our advocacy efforts are all about.

Far too often the voices of those in need are not heard or acknowledged by the people and organizations with the power to make changes. As the parent company of Gateway-Longview and New Directions, we can speak with a single, strong voice representing over 40 services, 500 staff and the 10,000 people served by our programs.

 

Whenever possible we join with other organizations, such as the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies, to make our voice even stronger!

Our most recent advocacy efforts have included:
 

• Contacting NYS budget committee members to highlight child welfare budget priorities. 

• A request to the WNY delegation that they support revisions to NYS licensing standards to expand number of licensed mental health professionals to diagnose conditions and create treatment plans.

• Working to build support for Senate Bill S2755C which establishes the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council to effectuate a reduction of child poverty in the state.

• Asking our local delegation and NYS Board of Regents to support a NYSED Departmental bill to require equity in support for students with disabilities. The bill would require that growth in the tuition rate methodology is on par with growth to public schools.