On October 20 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Milano’s Center for New York City Affairs will hold a panel discussion on how the city and state can improve mental health services and conditions for juvenile delinquents. The discussion is in response to the federal Department of Justice’s threat to take over New York’s juvenile justice system because of violence done by its staff and its inability to provide adequate psychiatric care for mentally ill children. The center will also release its latest Child Welfare Watch report, which examines alternatives to incarceration, such as supervising children in their homes and communities; outlines possible reforms in detention and incarceration; and explores whether federal action can open the door to more sweeping change.

Panelists include Larry Busching, chief of the Family Court Division of the New York City Law Department; Mark Davis, chair of the Civil Service Employees Association Labor Management Committee for OCFS (New York State Office of Children and Family Services;) Sylvia Rowlands, director of the Blue Sky Program at New York Foundling; New York State Assemblyman William Scarborough; and Tammy Steckler, attorney-in-charge of the Legal Aid Society Juvenile Rights Division. The panel will be moderated by Andrew White, director of the Center for New York City Affairs.

The event will be held in Theresa Lang Community and Student Center, Arnhold Hall, 55 West 13th Street, 2nd floor. Admission is free, but reservations are required by calling 212.229.5418 or emailing centernyc@newschool.edu. The event is supported by the Child Welfare Fund, the Ira W. DeCamp Foundation, the Viola W. Bernard Foundation, the Sirus Fund, and the Milano Foundation.