"I think programs and trusting our communities that have the infrastructure, grassroots organizations that can provide mentorship, people who have lived experience—the credible messengers. Perez emphasized that breaking the foster care-to-prison pipeline requires combining legislative advocacy with community-based solutions that leverage grassroots organizations and individuals with personal experience navigating these systems."
"Justice Patria Frias-Colon told Perez that she was proud of some of her work in family court, but also dissatisfied with some of the work that needed to be done that I couldn't do, and asked him to reflect on opportunities to provide off-ramps from the foster care-into-prison pipeline. This exchange highlighted the judiciary's recognition of systemic limitations and the need for comprehensive solutions beyond court interventions."
Jose Perez, an artist and program strategist for the Children's Defense Fund-NY, addressed members of the judiciary about his experiences in foster care from ages 3 to 16 and subsequent incarceration. Perez spent approximately 20 years in New York State correctional facilities after being sent to juvenile detention at age 13 for stealing a dollar. During a legal education panel, he discussed how discovering poetry transformed his life trajectory. When asked by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Patria Frias-Colon about creating off-ramps from the foster care-to-prison pipeline, Perez recommended combining legislative advocacy with community organizations. He emphasized the importance of grassroots organizations providing mentorship and credible messengers with lived experience. Currently, Perez works with state Senator Jabari Brisport on legislation establishing universal basic income and wraparound services for youth aging out of foster care.
Read at www.amny.com
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