Opinion: Foster Youth Deserve More Than a Trash Bag When Moving – Next100

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Opinion: Foster Youth Deserve More Than a Trash Bag When Moving

Policy Entrepreneur Sofie Fashana co-authored an opinion piece with Council Member Rita Joseph in City Limits, titled “Foster Youth Deserve More Than a Trash Bag When Moving” to raise awareness about Bill 1077.

Policy Entrepreneur Sofie Fashana co-authored an opinion piece with Council Member Rita Joseph in City Limits, titled “Foster Youth Deserve More Than a Trash Bag When Moving” to raise awareness about Bill 1077. The article highlights the dehumanizing practice of providing foster children with trash bags for their belongings during transitions, which can contribute to feelings of worthlessness. To address this issue, the authors introduced the “Provide Luggage for Foster Care Youth” Act, mandating that all children in New York City’s foster system receive proper luggage, ensuring more dignified transitions. This initiative builds on similar legislation enacted in states like Oregon, Texas, and Maryland.

Photo by Adi Talwar

About the Author

Sofie Fashana Economic Opportunity

Sofie is a tenacious advocate for foster youth and cash transfer programs, driven by a deep commitment to ensuring every young adult has their basic needs met. At Next100, her work centers around dismantling systems that dehumanize, and replacing them with initiatives that empower and uplift, especially for foster youth and the unhoused. Sofie's personal experience with homelessness fuels her passion for policy change.

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