New York State Citizen Review Panels - 2023 Annual Report Feedback

The New York State (NYS) Citizen Review Panels (the Panels) are authorized by both state and federal law, and funded through federal dollars, to examine the policies, procedures, and practices of the state and local departments of child welfare. Panel members are volunteers appointed by the Governor or the NYS Legislature. The Panels issue an Annual Report containing observations on the current state of child welfare in New York, as well as recommendations for improvement. The Report is distributed throughout leadership in NYS government, and is available to the public on the Panels’ website.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. The purpose of this survey is gather feedback on the Panels' 2023 Annual Report and recommendations for 2024 and gauge awareness of the Panels' work. Results of this survey will help to shape the work of the Panels in 2024.

For more information on the Panels or to read the 2023 Annual Report and recommendations for 2024, visit www.citizenreviewpanelsny.org.

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* 1. What county do you live in?

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* 2. What is your role within the child welfare system? Check all that apply.

Advocate

Service provider

Caseworker or local department of social services employee

Attorney for the Child

Attorney for the Parent

Family court judge or personnel

NYS employee

NYS Legislator or legislature employee

Current or former youth in care

Parent currently or formerly involved in the child welfare system

Foster parent

Kinship caregiver

Press

General public

Other (please specify)

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* 3. On a scale of 1 to 10 (least to most familiar), how familiar are you with the work of the Panels?

Clear

i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 4. How did you learn about the Panels? Check all that apply.

Panel website

Panel social media (Facebook/Twitter)

Panel member

Participation in a Panel meeting

Professional in the child welfare field

State and/or federal legislation

Child welfare-related work

I was not aware of the CRPs until I read their Annual Report

Other (please specify)

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* 5. Please select the recommendations that should, in your opinion, be top priority for the state legislature:

Restore the 75% rate of reimbursement to local governments for preventive services.

Universalize Home Visiting Programs by ensuring at least two home visits for every newborn child, continuing for up to two years as mutually agreed upon by the parents and the Home Visiting Agency.

Reduce child poverty with attention to racial equity by strengthening the Empire State Child Credit. Ensure the maximum tax credit reaches the poorest New Yorkers, who are currently excluded from the full credit, and increase the credit amount to meaningfully impact family budgets.

Restrict Child Protective Services (CPS) interviews at public schools unless a court order is obtained.

Provide Miranda-type warnings for parents during CPS interviews, coupled with the provision of legal counsel from the outset of investigations, to ensure fair and consistent procedures.

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* 6. Do you have suggestions to strengthen any of the recommendations for 2024? If yes, please specify which recommendation and your suggestion in the comment field.

Yes

Please specify.

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* 7. Do you have any additional recommendations to improve New York State's child welfare system? If yes, please specify below.

Yes

If yes, please specify.

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* 8. Do you have any comments or questions for the Panels? If yes, please specify below.

Yes

Please specify.

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* 9. Are you or your organization interested in partnering with the Panels in future lobbying efforts? If yes, please enter your contact information at the end.

Yes

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* 10. Are you interested in a potential appointment to the Panels? If yes, please enter your contact information at the end.

Yes

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* 11. Your contact information, if requested:

Name

Organization

Email Address

If you are interested in staying up to date with the Panels and learning more about the state of child welfare, follow us on Twitter @NYSCRP, Facebook , and LinkedIn