Education & Human Services News May 16, 2019

Legislative Spotlight

Legislature Passes Bills to Support Victims of Domestic Violence

Both houses of the Legislature passed a package of bills this week to protect and support victims of domestic violence in New York State including:

  • 5608 (Weinstein) / S.2625 (Lanza) would expand domestic violence crimes to include identity theft, grand larceny and coercion, recognizing the economic abuse that often comes with domestic violence;
  • 5614 (Weinstein) / S.1868 (Bailey) would exempt parties who fail to obey or enforce an order of protection from limited liability protections, permitting a domestic violence survivor to recover non-economic as well as economic damages;
  • 1945 (Zebrowski) / S.2416 (Kaplan) increases the statute of limitations for civil suits related to an injury caused by domestic violence from one year to two years;
  • 5618 (Weinstein) / S1040 (Persaud) would prohibit employers from discriminating against domestic violence survivors by allowing employees a reasonable accommodation in taking time off to, for example, seek medical attention or counseling or appear in court on matters related to incidents of domestic violence, including child protective proceedings, unless time off would constitute an undue hardship for the employer. Employers would have the option of requiring that employees charge this time to accumulated leave credits or, where such leave credits are unavailable, take unpaid leave;
  • 5318 (Rozic) / S.2356 (Parker) would require telephone or cable companies to allow victims of domestic violence to cancel contracts when there is a domestic violence incident report, a police report, an order of protection or a signed affidavit;
  • 219-A (Paulin) / S3232 (Savino) would allow survivors of domestic violence to vote by mail, even if they remain in the county where they are registered; and
  • 2850-A (Lavine) / S.3962-A (Salazar) would require hospitals to establish, disseminate and maintain policies to effectively train employees to identify and aid victims of domestic violence, ensuring victims of domestic violence receive appropriate care.

At the same time, Governor Cuomo signed the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act, A.3974 (Aubry) / S.1077 (Persaud), a bill that codifies more meaningful sentence reductions for domestic abuse survivors in the criminal justice system and a key initiative in the Governor’s 2019 Women’s Justice Agenda. Current law allows judges to administer indeterminate sentences for domestic violence survivors who have committed a crime only in relation to their abuser under certain circumstances. The Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act will build upon this law by adding offenses committed due to coercion by an abuser, as well as offenses committed against or at the behest of an abuser who does not share a household or family with the survivor—preventing further victimization of individuals who have endured domestic and sexual violence at the hands of their abusers.

Governor Signs New York City School Safety Camera Program

Governor Cuomo signed into law A.6449 (Glick) / S.4331 (Gounardes) which extends and expands New York City’s existing school safety camera program under which motorists driving above the school zone speed limit are captured by cameras and subsequently fined. The program will be expanded from 140 locations to 750 locations, with new locations to be determined based upon Department of Transportation data regarding crash-prone zones, such as the speed data and crash history of an area. In addition, the cameras will now be active from 6:00 am through 10:00 pm, rather than being active only during school hours and the hour immediately before and after. Motorists who are caught driving 10 m.p.h. over the speed limit will be subject to a $50 summons. This new law will take effect on July 11, 2019.

Statewide School Bus Cameras

Both houses passed a bill, A.4950-B (Magnarelli) / S.4524-B (Kennedy), to establish a demonstration program to allow local governments to impose liability on the owners of motor vehicles for the failure of the drivers of such vehicles to comply with the law prohibiting the overtaking and passing of stopped school buses displaying red visual signals. The program would allow for the use of mobile cameras mounted on school buses, as well as stationary cameras, with the cost to be borne solely by the municipalities. This bill has not yet been delivered to Governor Cuomo for approval.

Limiting Idling of School Vehicles on School Grounds

Both houses passed a bill, A.6358 (Cruz) / S.2890 (Salazar), to extend for five years, through June 2024, the existing law that limits the idling of school vehicles on school grounds. This bill has not yet been delivered to Governor Cuomo for approval.

Regulation of Toxic Chemicals in Children’s Products

As part of an Earth Day package, both houses passed a bill, A.6296-A (Englebright) / S.501-B (Kaminsky), to regulate toxic chemicals in children’s products, requiring notification to consumers about children’s products containing chemicals of concern and dangerous chemicals, as well as banning children’s products containing dangerous chemicals like organohalogen flame retardants, tris and asbestos. Both houses passed a subsequent bill, A.7371 (Englebright) / S.5349 (Kaminsky) to clarify the presence of a trace contaminant. These bills have not yet been delivered to the Governor for his approval.

Listing of County and City Veterans’ Service Agencies

Both houses passed a bill, A.4413 (Stern) / S.2405 (Kaplan), to require the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs to post on their website a listing of the local veterans’ service agencies with the name, location, hours of operation and contact information for each county and city veterans’ service agency in the State of New York. The division shall also provide and update this information in its annual report to the governor and the Legislature annually. This bill has not yet been delivered to Governor Cuomo for approval.

Study Regarding Homeless Persons who are Veterans in the State of New York

Both houses passed a bill, A.5660 Rozic / S.4049-A (Parker), that directs various state agencies to determine the number of homeless persons in New York state that are veterans. Such study shall include, but not be limited to: an analysis of veterans in New York state who are currently homeless, or have been homeless within five years of being released from active duty including an analysis of gender as it relates to homelessness of veterans; data on the number of children of homeless veterans, including the current placement of such children; and the unemployment rate for New York state veterans. This bill has not yet been delivered to Governor Cuomo for approval.

Insurance Coverage for Eating Disorders

Both houses passed a bill, A.1619 (Rozic) / S.3101 (Biaggi), to amend New York’s insurance laws to include eating disorders (including anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders) in the definition of biologically-based mental illnesses for which health insurance companies are required to provide coverage. This bill has not yet been delivered to Governor Cuomo for approval.

New York State Register

Procedures for Addressing Children Absent Without Consent from Foster Care, Conditional Releases and Searches

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) has issued a notice of emergency adoption and proposed rule making to amend existing procedures for addressing children absent without consent from foster care placements, as well as add new procedures for conducting searches of a foster child’s possessions and for placing certain foster youth on conditional release. Among other things, the new regulations provide that, when the foster youth who is absent without consent is a juvenile delinquent, the youth is not eligible for conditional release and will have his/her placement interrupted or discharged upon the occurrence of certain events, and the calculation of placement time for such youth will be “tolled” (paused) until either the youth returns to his/her facility or the youth’s delinquency adjudication case is disposed. The regulations further impose new requirements speaking to when a foster youth who is a juvenile delinquent may be conditionally released, and amend the protocols that apply when conducting searches of a foster child’s possessions or person. OCFS has issued these regulations as a combined emergency and proposed rulemaking – meaning that the regulations are effective immediately, but will remain open to public comment until July 7, 2019.

Child Care Market Rates

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) has issued a notice of emergency adoption and proposed rule making to adjust child care market rates in accordance with the results of the most recent cost of care market survey. Federal statute and regulation requires that the State establish payment rates for federally-funded child care subsidies that are sufficient to ensure equal access for eligible children. The market rates that are being replaced are based on a survey conducted in 2017-18 and as a result, continuing to maintain the existing 2015 rates could result in subsidized families losing equal access for eligible children to child care arrangements, or being unable to find appropriate child care. Public comment will be received for 60 days.

Higher Education Programs

The Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) has issued a notice of emergency rule making for the following programs in order for HESC to be able to process applications in a timely manner:

  • New York State Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Incentive Program
  • NYS Child Welfare Worker Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program
  • NYS Child Welfare Worker Incentive Scholarship Program
  • Enhanced Tuition Awards Program
  • Excelsior Scholarship

Shelters for Families

The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) has issued a notice of proposed rule making to update current State regulations pertaining to shelters for homeless families with children and single pregnant women. Specifically, the proposed amendments update State regulations to subject each facility providing shelter services to homeless families with children – including facilities sheltering less than 10 homeless families and facilities sheltering single pregnant women – to OTDA oversight, so as to help ensure that shelters for homeless families with children and homeless pregnant women are properly and efficiently operated, are properly utilized at a reasonable cost, and effectively protect the health, safety and welfare of shelter residents and staff. Public comment will be received for 60 days.

Elimination of Finger Imaging Requirement for Public Assistance Applicants and Recipients

The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) has issued a notice of proposed rule making to update State regulations to align public assistance programs with other State benefit programs regarding identification verification requirements, while also providing operational efficiencies for the State and social services districts, by eliminating the finger imaging requirement for public assistance applicants and recipients. Finger imaging is unnecessary because New York State conducts numerous computer matches based on personally unique identification factors for both new applicants and current recipients of public assistance programs in order to detect a wide range of eligibility problems. Public comment will be received for 60 days.

To Eliminate Requirement That Victims of Domestic Violence Apply for Public Assistance to Pay for Cost of Shelter and Services

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) has issued a notice of emergency adoption and proposed rule making to eliminate the requirement that victims of domestic violence apply for public assistance to pay for the costs of emergency shelter and services at a residential program for victims of domestic violence, and repealing requirements that providers charge victims a fee for services. Public comment will be received for 60 days

Funding Opportunities

The Risk Reduction Enhanced Response (RRER) Pilot Program

The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) is accepting proposals from NYS domestic violence service providers/programs that are licensed and/or approved by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to coordinate and implement the RRER Pilot Program. OPDV will fund up to two grants to NYS domestic violence providers/programs, for a total of up to $200,000 each, and award preference will be given to applications that clearly demonstrate the best potential for collaboration. OPDV requires a 20% match for this RFP, resulting in a total of state-local investment of $240,000 per pilot project. Current or past RRER Program awardees are not eligible to apply for this RFP.

Due May 24, 2019

The Ursula Forem Domestic Violence Program Fellowship

The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) is accepting proposals from NYS domestic violence providers/programs that are licensed and/or approved by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to hire full-time professionals who are new to the field of domestic violence. OPDV will fund up to two grants of up to $75,000 each. The funds will cover salary and fringe benefits for the Fellow for 24 months. providers/programs with a current Ursula Forem Domestic Violence Program Fellowship are not eligible to apply. However, providers/programs who have completed a Fellowship grant may apply for an award.

Due May 24, 2019

SNAP Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention (SNAP-Ed) II

The NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) announces the availability of funding for the provision of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Program (SNAP-Ed) activities targeted to adults and youth eligible for and/or receiving SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp program. The purpose of this Request for Proposal is two-fold. OTDA seeks to secure the services of eligible organizations that can assist OTDA in addressing the nutrition needs of food insecure populations at-risk of obesity-related chronic disease through the provision of Direct Services. OTDA will award multiple contracts for the Direct Services component of the SNAP-Ed program. In addition, OTDA seeks proposals for one entity to provide statewide Technical Assistance, including but not limited to reporting, program evaluation, training and statewide social marketing for its SNAP-Ed Program.

Due May 24, 2019

Making A Connection

The Bureau of Refugee Services (BRS) of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), issues this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit applications from qualified applicants to match refugee youth aged 15-24 with positive adult mentors to promote civic and social engagement and support individual educational and vocational advancement. BRS anticipates entering into 60-month contracts under this procurement. All program funds are subject to continued availability and state appropriation thereof. All funds allocated for the administration of the program are received from the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). The amount of funding will be adjusted annually based on funding availability. Use of these funds must relate to the provision of employment and supportive services to refugees. Other costs, such as construction and renovation costs, are not allowable under this program.

Due June 5, 2019

2020-2023 Clinically-Rich Intensive Teacher Institute in Bilingual Education and English to Speakers of Other Languages

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages (OBEWL) is seeking proposals for the creation of a Clinically-Rich Intensive Teacher Institute (CR-ITI) in Bilingual Education (BE) and/or English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program, addressing the shortage of certified bilingual and ESOL teachers throughout New York State (NYS).

Due June 6, 2019

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for Students with Disabilities

The State Education Department (SED) is seeking proposals to provide preemployment transition services to students with disabilities (who are not currently receiving ACCES-VR services but are potentially eligible) that prepares them for successful long-term employment consistent with their strengths, abilities, interests and informed choice. The Pre-Employment Transition Services for Students with Disabilities project will be 100% funded by Title IV of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by WIOA. Pre-Employment Transition Services for Students with Disabilities will result in contracts for a five (5) year project beginning on January 1, 2020 and ending December 31, 2024. Eligible applicants are not-for-profit and community-based organizations that provide services to students with disabilities; community rehabilitation programs; independent living centers; institutions of higher education; New York State public school districts, approved in-State private schools for students with disabilities, Special Act School Districts, (see link below), State supported schools and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). Eligible applicants must apply individually.

Due June 10, 2019

2018-16 Advantage After School Program

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) invites not-for profit, community-based organizations to submit proposals for the development of quality after school programs based on the Advantage After School Program (AASP). AASPs, in partnership with local schools, offer a broad range of educational, recreational, cultural, and age-appropriate activities in a safe environment; they integrate what happens in the school day with less formal learning experiences, and encourage the active participation of children, youth and families in the design and delivery of program activities. In this Request for Proposals (RFP), OCFS has been allocated $33 million in Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to develop, extend and/or expand AASPs. These grant funds shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, current local expenditures of federal, state or local funds on after-school programs and the number of students served in such programs from such sources.

Due June 12, 2019

Solutions to End Homelessness Program (STEHP)

The goal of STEHP is to assist individuals and families to prevent the eviction process, remain in or obtain permanent housing, and/or assist them with supportive services during their experience of homelessness. The Office of Temporary and Disabiltiy Assistance (OTDA) intends to support comprehensive programs that are designed to: assist individuals living on the street with outreach services; help maintain and improve the quality of emergency and transitional shelters and drop-in centers for homeless individuals and families; help meet the costs of operating such programs; provide comprehensive supportive services aimed at housing stabilization; provide rapid re-housing services (obtaining a permanent living situation); and/or provide eviction prevention assistance to individuals and families.

Due June 14, 2019

Regional Prevention and Support Services Initiative for Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk Counties)

The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute (NYSDOH AI), Division of HIV, Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), and Hepatitis C (HCV) Prevention announces the availability of $2,300,000 annually in New York State (NYS) funding to provide a high impact approach to prevention and support services to achieve Ending the Epidemic (ETE) initiative goals. Funding will support programs that provide a comprehensive range of HIV/STD/HCV prevention interventions and related services.

Due June 20, 2019

Access and Visitation

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Access and Visitation Program. The Agency is seeking proposals from community-based, not-for-profit organizations to provide access and visitation services to parents living separately and their children. The Access and Visitation Program is funded by a federal grant authorized in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, to support and facilitate noncustodial parents’ access to and visitation with their children. Complete with safety measures, each program must support and facilitate noncustodial parents’ increased parenting time with their children.

Due June 27, 2019

Statewide Youth Development Survey

The New York State (NYS) Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) is requesting proposals from organization that are qualified to conduct two bi-annual statewide Youth Development Surveys (YDS). The surveys will assess alcohol, substance use and gambling prevalence, as well as risk and protective factors among students in grades 7 through 12. Data from the YDS will support State, county and community planners in targeting scarce resources to areas of highest risk for alcohol, substance use, gambling, and/or other problem behaviors.

Due July 17, 2019

New York State Consolidated Funding Application 2019

Through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), a single application for multiple sources of state funding, New York State is soliciting applications for funding to advance the priorities of the Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC). This announcement is meant to provide a general overview of the programs included in this year’s REDC/CFA competition and does not contain all program requirements and guidelines. Full solicitations, application materials, and details for CFA workshops are available online at http://regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

Due July 26, 2019

Coming Up

Board of Regents

  • The NYS Board of Regents is scheduled to meet:
  • June 3 – 4 (Monday and Tuesday)
  • July 15 – 16 (Monday and Tuesday)
  • August (Recess)
  • September 9 – 10 (Monday and Tuesday)
  • October 7 – 8 (Monday and Tuesday)
  • November 4 – 5 (Monday and Tuesday)
  • December 9 – 10 (Monday and Tuesday)

NYSED State Boards

Public Hearings

  • The Senate Standing Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities and the Senate Standing Committee on Health will hold a public hearing on June 4, 2019 to discuss suicide and suicide prevention. The hearing will be held in Albany, NY.

Justice Center

  • The New York State Justice Center will be holding five regional conferences across New York State beginning May 22 (Albany), and continuing on June 24 (New Hampton), July 26 (Hamburg), October 4 (Syracuse), and October 24 (Brooklyn). Each session is targeted for different audiences including provider agency representatives under the jurisdiction of the Justice Center, individuals receiving services, families, peer advocates and other interested stakeholders.

NYS Children’s Medicaid System Transformation

  • New York State (NYS) invites Children and Families who are participating in the new Medicaid Children’s Waiver and/or who are receiving newly available mental health or substance abuse State Plan Services to attend an in-person event. The in-person events will discuss the Children’s Medicaid System Transformation, including new Medicaid services and the move to Medicaid Managed Care. The NYS Department of Health and Offices of Mental Health (OMH), Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), Children and Family Services (OCFS), and Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) have scheduled five (5) meetings this summer for families to share thoughts, ask questions and get more information. These are follow-up meetings to two virtual meetings held earlier this year.
  • Tarrytown- June  3, 2019
  • New York City- June  4, 2019
  • Albany- June 11, 2019
  • Buffalo- June 12, 2019
  • Syracuse- June 13, 2019

The Business Council

  • The Business Council is holding a Business and Education Forum, titled “Pathways to Success” on Wednesday, May 29 and Thursday, May 30, 2019. This event will be an opportunity for the State’s education and business leaders to discuss ways in which partnerships and pathways are better preparing students for college, career and civic life. Who should attend:
  • Business leaders interested in improving the talent pipeline for their industry
  • Businesses interested in partnering, or currently partnered with P-12 education
  • Businesses who want to know more about P-12 partnerships and engagement
  • Educators interested in partnering, or currently partnered with business and industry
  • Education policymakers
  • Non-profit organizations involved in education policy or programs