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GAO: New York At Fault
A U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) study released April 20 has found that a majority of states meet just half or fewer of the 14 measures used by the federal government to determine the well-being of children in the child welfare system. No state passed all of the factors, which assess the safety, well-being and permanency of current and former foster children. New York's child welfare system was found to be adequate when it came to maintaining children safely in their own homes whenever possible and appropriate, but it failed in preserving continuity of family connections, in providing children with appropriate services to meet their educational needs, and in providing permanency and stability in children's living situations. Failure to meet the 14 standards is punishable by federal financial penalties, but these will likely be suspended if plans for progress toward the goals are developed. The penalties for New York's deficiencies were estimated at more than $2 million.
The GAO report, Child and Family Services Reviews: Better Use of Data and Improved Guidance Could Enhance HHS's Oversight of State Performance, also indicated that over half the states responding to the survey cited insufficient funding as a major barrier to improving their child welfare systems. Addressing this issue, Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), the leading Democrat on Congress' Committee on Ways and Means, stated, “We must do more to ensure that adequate oversight and resources are dedicated to safeguarding these children in crisis. If we can afford a war and huge tax cuts, then we can afford to protect vulnerable children.”
New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment
On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.
Law Firms are Reducing Redundant Real Estate by Bringing Support Services Back to the Office
A trend analysis of the benefits and challenges of bringing back administrative, word processing and billing services to law offices.
Bit Parts
Summary Judgment Denied Defendant in Declaratory Action by Producer of To Kill a Mockingbird Broadway Play Seeking Amateur Theatrical Rights
How AI Has Affected PR
When we consider how the use of AI affects legal PR and communications, we have to look at it as an industrywide global phenomenon. A recent online conference provided an overview of the latest AI trends in public relations, and specifically, the impact of AI on communications. Here are some of the key points and takeaways from several of the speakers, who provided current best practices, tips, concerns and case studies.