ICL Finds Barriers Keep Children Separated from Parents in NYC

President & CEO Jody Rudin appeared on Spectrum News NY1 to discuss ICL’s new policy paper “Barriers to Reunification,” which sheds light on a little-known but significant problem for families that are already impacted by trauma and mental health challenges. Parents in the single-adult shelter system and their children in foster care who are eligible to reunify have no direct path to appropriate housing, delaying families’ opportunities to reconnect and rebuild. While the City has made great progress in reunification, obstacles persist.

Jody spoke about the simple steps the City can take to address the barriers, including investing in family supportive housing; increasing flexibility in the housing system so parents can qualify for larger apartments; and improving communication between City agencies.

ICL has a three-decade track record of reunifying children with parents struggling with mental health challenges. Our Emerson-Davis program provides housing and tailored support services to families that have been separated, or those at risk of separation. The results are impressive: 74 percent of families stay together. Unfortunately, it is the only program of its kind in New York City.

Expanding Housing and Whole-Health Care for Older Adults

ICL is proud to have been selected as part of a team that is transforming a City-owned parking lot in Brooklyn into affordable housing for older New Yorkers. The new development is called Park Edge and will be located at 542 Dean Street in Brooklyn. By offering stable housing and robust whole-health programs—including exercise, nutrition, mindfulness, and occupational therapy—ICL will support residents in getting better. The new development will build upon ICL’s community-based services for New York’s growing older adult population. Read more in Crain’s New York.

Overdose Awareness Day

August 31 marks Overdose Awareness Day. The overdose crisis has reached historic levels: 2,668 people died of drug overdoses in 2021, a 78 percent increase since 2019. To combat the crisis, New Yorkers need access to compassionate and impactful services—like those offered at ICL’s Hope and Recovery Center, an outpatient substance use disorder treatment and recovery program at our East New York Health HUB.

The Center’s team provides evidence-based interventions to meet each individual’s needs and goals. Clients can access overdose-prevention training, medication-assisted treatment, counseling services, and more.