Date: Thursday, August 3, 2023

Time: 12 p.m.

Location: The Doles Center, 250 6^th Avenue, Mt. Vernon, NY 10550

RSVP: Media interested in attending should RSVP to press@ocfs.ny.gov 

OCFS will host a celebratory launch of an innovative Direct Cash Transfer (DCT) Research Pilot program. It will be the first DCT pilot in the country to track and gauge the impact of a universal cash stipend on families’ future contact with the child welfare system since data show that many families are reported for poverty-related neglect. New York State enrolled 150 households across three counties – Westchester, Monroe and Onondaga.  These households will receive $500 per month via a debit card, unconditionally, for one year, totaling $6,000 per family. Financing for the pilot is a mix of federal, state and private funds.

Featured speakers include:

• Suzanne Miles-Gustave, OCFS Acting Commissioner
• Gail Geohagen-Pratt, OCFS Deputy Commissioner for Child Welfare and Community Services
• Leonard Townes, Westchester County Department of Social Services Commissioner
• Direct Cash Transfer Research Pilot Program stakeholders
• Elected leaders

Click here to learn more about the Direct Cash Transfer Research Pilot Program.

Important media planning details below: 

• Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the event start time

About the New York State Office of Children and Family Services:

The Office of Children and Family Services serves New York's public by promoting the safety, permanency and well-being of children, families and communities. The agency provides a system of family support, juvenile justice, youth development, child care and child welfare services and is responsible for programs and services involving foster care, adoption and adoption assistance, child protective services, preventive services for children and families, and protective programs for vulnerable adults.