CCC Executive Director, Jennifer March, was the keynote speaker at the 10th Annual Center for Family Life Sister Mary Geraldine Symposium on the role that economic stability and workforce engagement play in the safety and well-being of children and families. Panelists included Andrew White from NYC Administration for Children’s Services, Lisa Van Brackle from NYC Human Resources Administration, Brian Lyght from Casey Family Programs and Jacqueline Mallon from NYC Small Business Services, and the panel was facilitated by Jennifer Jones Austin of The Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies.

How might the Child Welfare System advance a more holistic approach to interventions – to both address child safety and improve overall family stability and well-being?

CCC suggests increased collaboration and coordination across agencies, systems and services to promote and achieve immediate financial stability, social, emotional and physical health and economic mobility.

• Immediate Financial Stability
  • Access to benefits such as public assistance, WIC, SNAP & housing subsidies, Medicaid/health insurance, etc

• Social, Emotional & Physical Health
  • Child care, pre-k, after-school and summer programming
  • Breakfast and lunch in schools, afternoon snack in after-school & summer meals programs
  • Place-based services in schools & communities that provide health & mental health care as well as support positive family relationships & peer relationships

• Economic Mobility
  • Educational & career development opportunities for adults
  • Summer employment opportunities for teens & young adults
  • Savings & debt management assistance
  • Tax filing & EITC/CCTC benefits