Aysha Schomburg Takes the Helm at New York’s Oldest Child Protection Agency
Aysha Schomburg, a trailblazer in child welfare policy, has stepped into a historic role as the new president and CEO of the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC), the world’s first child protective agency. her appointment, announced in May 2024, marks a significant milestone for the organization, which was founded in 1875. Schomburg is not only the first new permanent leader in over two decades but also the first Black leader in the society’s 149-year history.
Schomburg’s leadership comes on the heels of a transformative three-year tenure as associate commissioner of the federal Children’s Bureau, where she oversaw a $10 billion budget. During her time in government, she played a pivotal role in reducing child poverty and calls to Child Protective Services to historic lows, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Child poverty and calls to Child Protective Services plunged to historic lows after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the article notes, highlighting her impact.
The NYSPCC, cofounded by a crusading animal rights activist and supported by Gilded Age barons like Cornelius Vanderbilt,has evolved significantly as its inception. Today, the nonprofit boasts $36 million in assets and provides critical services, including therapy for children referred by city and family courts. It also offers training for child welfare professionals nationwide and a support program for those dealing with second-hand trauma.
Schomburg’s appointment signals a new chapter for the organization, which holds a unique private archive documenting its long history of advocacy. Her innovative approach to child welfare, rooted in her extensive policy background and commitment to racial justice, is expected to drive the NYSPCC’s mission forward.
Key Highlights of Aysha Schomburg’s Leadership
Table of Contents
| Aspect | details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Role | President and CEO, NYSPCC |
| Previous Position | Associate Commissioner, Children’s Bureau (2021–2024) |
| Historic Achievements | Reduced child poverty and CPS calls to historic lows during the pandemic |
| NYSPCC’s legacy | World’s first child protective agency, founded in 1875 |
| Assets | $36 million (2022 tax filings) |
| Programs | Therapy services, professional training, trauma support programs |
Schomburg’s leadership arrives at a critical juncture for child welfare, as the nation continues to grapple with the long-term effects of the pandemic and systemic inequities in the foster care system. Her vision for the NYSPCC is poised to build on its storied legacy while addressing contemporary challenges.
As Schomburg takes the reins, her appointment underscores the importance of innovative leadership in child welfare. Her work at the NYSPCC will undoubtedly shape the future of child protection, ensuring that the organization remains a beacon of hope for vulnerable children and families.
For more on Aysha Schomburg’s journey and the NYSPCC’s mission, visit their official website here.
Aysha Schomburg: Carrying Forward a Legacy of Advocacy and Reform in Child Welfare
Aysha Schomburg, a prominent figure in child welfare and a member of the Biden management, is making waves in her new role as associate commissioner of the Children’s Bureau. her work is deeply rooted in her family’s storied legacy, particularly that of her great-grandfather, Arturo Schomburg, an intellectual icon of the Harlem Renaissance. Arturo’s renowned archive of documents, photographs, and artifacts from the African Diaspora now resides at the Schomburg Centre for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. Aysha’s commitment to preserving history and addressing systemic inequities mirrors her ancestor’s dedication to cultural preservation and social justice.Schomburg’s journey to the Biden administration was paved by her extensive experience as a senior administrator for New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services.During the tumultuous early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked tirelessly to address inequities and racism within the foster care system, collaborating with city departments like the Department of Education and the Department of Homeless Services.
In a recent interview with The Imprint, Schomburg reflected on her tenure at the Children’s Bureau and her vision for the future. she emphasized the importance of strengthening families, supporting parents’ rights, and amplifying the voices of youth. “If half of Black children in this country will be the subject of an investigation by the time they are 18, society is failing,” she stated, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reform.
A Roadmap from History
Schomburg believes that history serves as a crucial guide for addressing contemporary challenges in child welfare. “History can also be a roadmap. We can look back at it and avoid historical mistakes; we can look back and know what not to do and why,” she explained. “In fact,in this very crucial profession where children are at the core,we absolutely must look back — keep history in front of us and commit to doing better.”
Her approach is evident in her work with the Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Children, which has recently focused on trauma recovery services, therapeutic supervised visitation, and training for Child Protective Services (CPS) workers nationwide. These initiatives aim to address the root causes of family separation and provide holistic support to families in crisis.
Community-Driven Solutions
One of Schomburg’s proudest achievements during her time at the Children’s Bureau was the implementation of community-initiated funding opportunities. These grants allowed local communities to determine how best to address racial bias and inequities in foster care. “One parent said, let communities — rather than the federal government — determine how they want to spend the money,” Schomburg recalled. “That really stayed with me at my first chance to actually utilize some federal discretionary funds.”
This initiative not only empowered communities but also ensured that resources were directed toward culturally relevant and impactful programs. Schomburg also highlighted the importance of supporting kinship caregivers, who frequently enough step in to care for children when parents are unable to do so.
Breaking Down Barriers
Schomburg’s work extends beyond funding initiatives. She has championed policies that address systemic barriers to family stability, such as housing insecurity. “Housing is one of those issues that can bring children under the radar of foster care even when we don’t want them to be,” she noted. To combat this, she advocated for federal reimbursement for attorneys representing families in housing court, ensuring that parents have access to legal support before their children are placed in foster care.
A Vision for the Future
As Schomburg looks ahead, she remains committed to centering the voices of those most impacted by the child welfare system. Her plans include enhancing diversity within her organization, supporting parents’ rights, and ensuring that youth have a seat at the table in shaping policies that affect their lives.
Her work is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions and the importance of learning from history to create a more equitable future.By addressing systemic inequities and prioritizing the needs of families, Schomburg is carrying forward her family’s legacy of advocacy and reform.
Key Achievements and initiatives
| Initiative | Impact |
|————————————|—————————————————————————-|
| Community-Initiated Funding | Empowered communities to address racial bias and inequities in foster care.|
| Support for Kinship Caregivers | Provided resources and support for relatives caring for children. |
| Housing Stability Advocacy | Advocated for legal support to prevent housing-related family separation. |
| Trauma Recovery Services | Offered therapeutic support to families impacted by trauma. |
Schomburg’s work serves as a call to action for all of us to reevaluate how we support vulnerable families and children. By learning from the past and investing in community-driven solutions, we can create a child welfare system that truly serves the needs of all families.
For more insights into Schomburg’s work and the impact of community-driven initiatives, explore The Imprint’s coverage on her efforts to address racial bias in foster care.
A Transformative Shift in Child Welfare: Aysha Schomburg’s Vision for the NYSPCC
In a bold move that signals a transformative shift in child welfare,Aysha Schomburg has returned to New York City to lead the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC). With a career deeply rooted in advocating for children and families, Schomburg’s tenure at the Children’s Bureau in Washington, D.C., has shaped her vision for a more equitable and preventive approach to child welfare.
“Parents deserve to know their rights when there’s a knock at the door and there’s a potential for their children to be removed from their care,” Schomburg emphasized in a recent interview. “I think one day we will look back and say, why was that even a fight?”
This statement encapsulates her commitment to empowering families and reimagining a system that has historically been reactive rather than proactive.
A Legacy of Innovation and a New Vision
Founded in 1875, the NYSPCC is widely regarded as the architect of child welfare investigations. It pioneered the concept of citizen vigilance, an early analogue to today’s mandated reporting system. Though, Schomburg is rapid to point out the evolution of this model.
“The original intent was to protect a child who was literally being abused,” she explained. “The child whose case was the impetus for founding NYSPCC was not about neglect or inadequate housing — she was being physically abused and needed help.”
Over time, the scope of mandated reporting has expanded to include issues like inadequate supervision and housing. While well-intentioned, this expansion has led to unintended consequences, particularly for Black and brown families.
“If half of Black children in this country will be the subject of an investigation by the time they are 18, society is failing,” schomburg stated.
Shifting Toward Prevention and Support
Schomburg’s vision for the NYSPCC is rooted in prevention and family support. During her time in D.C., she worked closely with youth ambassadors from across the country, who identified mental health support, housing, and financial literacy as their top priorities.
“My time in D.C. allowed me to have access to children and families all over the country and to learn from their experiences,” she said. “Coming to an organization like NYSPCC, which prioritizes these issues and is willing to invest in solutions, was really critically important to me.”
one of her key initiatives is the concept of ‘warmlines’ — resources that provide support and guidance to families before crises escalate. This approach aims to reduce the reliance on mandated reporting, which often disproportionately impacts marginalized communities.
Addressing Disparities in Child Welfare
The disproportionate impact of child welfare investigations on Black and brown children is a pressing issue. Schomburg highlighted the stark reality: Black children are more likely to experience investigations, family separation, and foster care placements.
“We have to do more to make people aware of the resources that are out there,” she said. “Mandated reporting has a life of its own, but we need to shift the focus to prevention and support.”
This shift aligns with broader trends in child welfare, which increasingly emphasize family preservation and community-based solutions.
A Transformative Leadership
Schomburg’s hiring has been described as a “transformative shift” for the NYSPCC. Her leadership brings a fresh outlook to an organization with a storied history, blending its legacy of innovation with a forward-looking approach to child welfare.
“We worked on affirming placements for LGBTQ+ youth in foster care — they deserve to be safe and affirmed,” she noted, underscoring her commitment to inclusivity and equity.
Key Takeaways
| Focus Area | Schomburg’s Vision |
|——————————|—————————————————————————————|
| Prevention | Shift from reactive investigations to proactive family support and resource provision.|
| Equity | Address disparities in mandated reporting and foster care placements for black and brown children. |
| Youth Priorities | Prioritize mental health, housing, and financial literacy based on youth input. |
| Innovation | Introduce ‘warmlines’ and other preventive measures to reduce reliance on mandated reporting. |
A Call to Action
As Schomburg steps into her new role, she invites the community to join her in reimagining child welfare.“We know that it makes a difference when you have legal representation,” she said. “Parents and children deserve better.”
For those interested in learning more about the NYSPCC’s initiatives or supporting their work, visit their official website here.
Schomburg’s leadership marks a pivotal moment for the NYSPCC and the broader child welfare system. By prioritizing prevention, equity, and family empowerment, she is paving the way for a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
Aysha Schomburg on Narrowing the Front Door to Foster Care and Prioritizing Family stability
In a recent interview, Aysha Schomburg, the first Black leader of a 149-year-old child welfare organization, shared her vision for transforming the system to better serve families and children. Her insights, drawn from her experience at The Reckoning convening in New York City, highlight the urgent need to address systemic issues like housing insecurity and the lack of legal representation, which frequently enough push families into the child welfare system unnecessarily.
Housing Insecurity: A Gateway to Foster Care
Schomburg emphasized the critical role housing plays in family stability. “Housing is one of those issues that can bring children under the radar of foster care even when we don’t want that to happen,” she said. “We certainly know that it makes a difference when you have legal representation.”
This sentiment echoes the discussions at The Reckoning, where advocates and child welfare executives gathered to explore strategies for “narrowing the front door” to foster care. The goal is clear: keep families together by addressing root causes like housing instability, rather than separating children from their parents.
A New Era of Leadership and Representation
As the first person of color to lead her organization, Schomburg is committed to ensuring that the staff and leadership reflect the communities they serve. “This is not 1875, and the children that we serve are largely Latinx and Black,” she noted.To bridge this gap, Schomburg has prioritized hiring bilingual and culturally competent therapists. “We want to make sure that we are able to support the Spanish-speaking children and families and communities,” she explained. “Cultural understanding and humility play a part in how well therapy can work.”
Partnering for Holistic Support
Schomburg recognizes that families often face multiple challenges, from domestic violence to housing insecurity. “We can’t do it all ourselves,” she admitted. To address these interconnected issues, she has forged partnerships with key organizations, including the New York City Department of Social services, Safe Horizon, and District Attorney’s offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.
These collaborations aim to provide comprehensive support to families in crisis. “They were really excited about partnering with us,” Schomburg shared, highlighting the potential for systemic change through collective action.
Key Takeaways
| Priority | Action | impact |
|—————————–|—————————————————————————|—————————————————————————-|
| Housing Stability | Partnering with housing authorities and legal aid organizations | Reduces needless foster care placements |
| Cultural Competence | Hiring bilingual and Black therapists | improves therapy outcomes for diverse communities |
| Holistic Family Support | Collaborating with social services and advocacy groups | Addresses root causes of family instability |
Looking Ahead
Schomburg’s leadership marks a pivotal moment in child welfare reform. By prioritizing housing stability, cultural competence, and holistic family support, she is paving the way for a more equitable and effective system.
For those interested in staying updated on child welfare and youth justice issues in New York,sign up for the New York Child Welfare & Youth Justice Reader newsletter.
As Schomburg aptly put it, “We’re in a unique position to serve families in more ways.” Her vision is a testament to the power of representation, collaboration, and systemic change in creating a brighter future for vulnerable families.
New York City Foster Care: Progress, Challenges, and the Push for Parental Rights
New York city’s foster care system has seen significant progress over the years, but challenges remain. Leadership in the child welfare space is stepping up, with figures like CEOs Kimberly Watson and Michelle Yanche actively engaging in difficult conversations. “It feels like leadership in the new York City foster care space is really listening differently and committing to taking action and raising awareness about it,” says one advocate.
The numbers tell a story of conversion. When one child welfare professional first started in the field, there were 47,000 foster children in New York City. Today, that number has dropped to roughly 6,700, according to state data. this reduction is a testament to the city’s efforts to improve its foster care system.
Though, disparities persist.Black children continue to enter foster care at higher rates, particularly in New York.“We still have those disparities, still have more Black children coming into care,” the advocate notes. “So we’ve still got a lot of work to do.”
advocacy and Policy Goals
Beyond program-level improvements, there’s a growing push for broader policy changes. One such initiative is the family “Miranda-rights” legislation,which aims to ensure parents are informed of their rights when child welfare agencies intervene.
“One of the things that I wish I had been able to do before I left the federal government was to have the Department of Health and Human Services make a statement about parents’ rights,” the advocate shares. “Parents deserve to know their rights when there’s a knock at the door and there’s a potential for their children to be removed from their care. I feel very, very strongly about that. I think one day we will look back and say,why was that even a fight?”
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Foster Care Census | Dropped from 47,000 to 6,700 in New York City over the years. |
| Disparities | Black children continue to enter foster care at higher rates. |
| Advocacy Goals | Push for family “Miranda-rights” legislation to inform parents of their rights. |
| Leadership Engagement | CEOs like kimberly Watson and Michelle Yanche are actively involved. |
The journey to reform New York City’s foster care system is far from over. while progress has been made,addressing racial disparities and ensuring parental rights remain critical priorities. As advocates and leaders continue to push for change, the hope is to create a system that truly serves every child and family equitably.
For more facts on foster care resources in New York City, visit the ACS Parent’s Guide to Foster Care.
It truly seems like there’s a summary section at the end of the text that outlines the key priorities, actions, and impacts of Schomburg’s initiatives. However, it’s not fully completed.Here’s how it could look if completed:
| Priority | Action | Impact |
| — | — | — |
| Addressing Mandated Reporting Disparities | Introducing ‘warmlines’ and other preventive measures | Reduces reliance on mandated reporting, promotes early intervention |
| Ensuring Mental Health Support | Prioritizing mental health services based on youth input | Improves mental health outcomes for youth in the system |
| Fostering Financial Literacy | providing financial literacy education to youth | Empowers youth with essential financial skills |
| Reducing Housing Disparities | Partnering with housing authorities and legal aid organizations | Keeps families together by addressing housing insecurity |
| Improving Cultural Competence | hiring bilingual and culturally competent therapists | Enhances therapy outcomes for diverse communities |
| Ensuring holistic Family Support | Collaborating with social services and advocacy groups | Addresses root causes of family instability and promotes well-being |
| Fostering Family Empowerment | Encouraging family involvement and decision-making | Strengthens families’ abilities to navigate the system and advocate for their needs |
