Councilmember Cumbo’s First Bill, Mandating Graduation Reports Of Youth In Foster Care, Is Signed Into Law

Councilmember Laurie Cumbo secured increased accountability for New York’s students in foster care (and hit a huge milestone in her political career) earlier this week, when Intro 187-A became her first piece of legislation signed into law.

The law requires a report on how many youths in foster care graduated from NYC high schools from September 1 through August 31 of the year previous to be submitted from the Administration for Children’s Services Commissioner to the City Council no later than October 1 of each year. Councilmember Cumbo joined Mayor Bill de Blasio, Public Advocate Tish James, and other NYC politicians Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the signing of the bill, which was passed by the City Council on September 10.

“The enactment of Intro. 187-A… demonstrates our collective commitment to education and the success of all youth in foster care,” Councilmember Cumbo said in a statement yesterday. “[W]e can monitor the academic progression of our City’s most vulnerable population to ensure that these young men and women will excel beyond their circumstances.

“We need to know whether they are pursuing higher education, able to secure employment, and earn a living wage to avoid poverty. We need to know that these youth are well-equipped to become self-sufficient adults.”

As of this July, nearly 11,000 children were reported to be in NYC’s foster care system.

Photo via New York City Council