New York City is now taking steps to address the issue of foster kids being given trash bags for their belongings during transitions in a new bill.
The legislation, introduced by Democratic New York City Councilmember Rita Joseph, would require the Administration for Children's Services (ACS) to provide foster youth with proper luggage when they transition from one placement to another.
"No child should ever have to carry their belongings in a trash bag," Joseph wrote in an announcement. "This legislation [helps] foster a sense of self-worth and dignity during a challenging time."
Currently, foster children in NYC are forced to use trash bags to carry their possessions when they enter, exit, or transition from one placement to another.
It is unclear how much the legislation will cost the city if passed. For perspective, there were an estimated 6,337 children in foster care at the end of 2023, according to Gothamist, citing data from the ACS.
How Will Legislation Impact Foster Care Youth?
Giving foster care youth trash bags for their belongings could make them feel devalued and equated with trash. It could also result in their belongings getting mixed up with actual trash and discarded.
NYC has launched the "My Bag" program in November of 2021. The initiative aims to distribute duffel bags to local departments of social services (LDSS), which then give these bags to foster youth for their belongings.
That said, no child received any duffel bag from the initiative in 2023, The Next 100 noted. The organization also said the duffel bags provided to the LDSS may not be given directly to foster care youth.
Where Else Are Trash Bags Banned for Foster Children's Belongings?
Joseph's bill aligns with other similar initiatives in states like Maryland, Oregon, and Texas.
Oregon, for instance, passed Senate Bill 548 that requires the Department of Human Services to maintain an inventory of proper luggage for child welfare caseworkers to use when transporting the belongings of a foster child. Should trash bags be used, the department is also required to keep track of these instances and provide explanations for their use.
Texas has also required the Department of Family and Protective Services to provide foster youth with either a duffel bag or a backpack when they enter foster care.
