Gaston states commitment to reduce detention and improve conditions

We are pleased to be here for today's hearing and look forward to sharing our efforts to reduce the number of young people in our care.

While improving the conditions for youth ordered held by the court into detention.

Together, we have an unwavering

commitment to provide youth and families with services, supports, and interventions that put youth on a pathway to success.

Our goal is always for youth to thrive in their homes and communities, for those young people whose paths have led them to secure detention facilities,

We are committed to not only their safety and security, but to providing them with the tools, skills, and opportunities to put them on the pathway to a successful adulthood.

I want to thank Chair Stevens and the members of the committee for holding today's hearing.

We also want to express our appreciation to you and your fellow council members for visiting both Horizon and Crossroads to have a better understanding of the operational aspects of the facilities and to meet the young people and the staff.

I also want to thank the ACS staff in our secure detention centers.

They spend each and every day providing compassionate support and care for the safety and well-being of the young people we serve.

These staff, along with the Bellevue Mental Health Team, H&H Medical Team, the New York City Public School Team, and all of the providers and volunteers are committed to ensuring the young people in our custody

have what they need to thrive and make good decisions when they leave detention, regardless of where the next stop in their journey may be.