| NEW YORK, NY | New York City Council Member Althea Stevens, Chair of the Committee on Children & Youth, will convene an oversight hearing on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, to examine conditions in New York City's secure juvenile detention facilities and review policies affecting justice-involved youth.
The hearings oversight will be on Secure Detention Conditions and Youth Incarceration Policies in New York City and will address concerns surrounding overcrowding, facility safety, staffing, access to education, and the delivery of essential services to young people in detention. The Committee will also examine the Administration's plans to reduce the number of youth in secure detention and strengthen community-based alternatives.
“We must ensure that these facilities are accountable, that young people have access to education and meaningful support, and that we are investing in alternatives that address their needs before they become further involved in the justice system.” Council Member Althea Stevens, Chair of the Committee on Children & Youth, explains, “Through this hearing and the legislation before us, we are taking an important step toward greater transparency, stronger oversight, and a youth justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation, opportunity, and the well-being of our children. We cannot talk about public safety without talking about the futures of the young people in our care.”
"When New York City takes a young person into custody, it assumes responsibility for their safety, well-being, and continued development. That responsibility extends to the conditions inside our detention facilities, access to education and mental health services, and opportunities for rehabilitation,” said Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams. "My recent visit to Horizon Juvenile Center alongside Council Member Stevens reinforced the importance of sustained oversight and examining whether our policies and practices are meeting those responsibilities. We also have to take a serious look at how we reduce reliance on detention and strengthen community-based alternatives that address the circumstances leading to involvement in the justice system. For far too long, serious concerns about our juvenile detention facilities have gone unresolved, putting the safety, well-being, and long-term prospects of those in the City's custody at risk. We need answers, meaningful reforms, and a clear commitment to improving the conditions and outcomes for young people in our care.”
The Committee will also hear legislation focused on improving access to information about alternatives to detention and incarceration, reviewing the population of youth held in secure facilities, and providing training to identify and support sexually exploited youth. The Committee will consider a resolution calling on New York State to make New York City eligible for Raise the Age program funding.
HEARING DETAILS WHAT: New York City Council Committee on Children & Youth Oversight Hearing: Secure Detention Conditions and Youth Incarceration Policies in New York City WHEN: Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 1:00 PM WHERE: 250 Broadway, 8th floor - Hearing room #1 . LEGISLATION TO BE HEARD
- Introduction 0447-2026, sponsored by Council Member Althea Stevens, concerning information on alternatives to incarceration and alternatives to detention programs for youth.
- Resolution 0274-2026, sponsored by Council Member Althea Stevens, calling on New York State to make New York City eligible to participate in Raise the Age program funding.
- Introduction 0629-2026, sponsored by Council Member Lincoln Restler, concerning the establishment of teams to review the population of youth held in secure detention facilities.
- Introduction 0977-2026, sponsored by Council Member Farah Louis, concerning training to identify and support sexually exploited youth.
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