Commissioner Dalton comments on Intro 387 and Intro 99
Dalton supports transparency but says DHS cannot publish disaggregated security information and already reports to state bodies. On Intro 99, she says DHS tries to place families near the youngest child's school but zip code data may miss DV circumstances.
Introduction 0387, I'm going to move on to that now and comment on the two introductions for today.
That introduction would require DHS to produce an annual report on critical incidents in our shelters, along with information on security measures, security upgrades, and agreements with NYPD and other law enforcement.
We do share the goal of transparency.
DHS already reports critical incidents to state oversight bodies, including OTDA, OCFS, and through the Mayor's Management Report.
We would seek to align any new requirements with these existing systems to avoid duplicate reporting.
We also must protect confidential shelter information.
DHS cannot publish some security information disaggregated by individual shelter as the introduction requires.
Public reporting would need to aggregate data and protect confidential addresses.
We look forward to working with the sponsor and council on legislation that advances transparency while meeting these privacy obligations.
Introduction 0099 would require DHS to report annually on the number and share of families with children.
Placed in shelter in the same or an adjoining zip code as their last address.
We welcome further conversation with the sponsor on the goals of this bill.
DHS makes every effort to place families near the youngest child's school, and the mayor's management report already checks the share of families placed in the borough of that school.
Zip code data may not capture the factors behind placement.
For example, families affected by domestic violence may need to be placed away from their prior address.
We welcome discussion of reporting that accounts for these circumstances.
In conclusion, I appreciate the Council's attention to ensuring that shelters are safe, secure, and well-maintained.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
We welcome your questions.