LEGAL ACTION CENTER

Need-to-Know News: Aug. 16-20, 2010

August 16, 2010

Registration is now open for the H.I.R.E. Network's 5th Annual Reentry Policy Conference, Elevating Women: Strengthening Policies and Practices to Support the Needs of Justice-Involved Women. Click here to read more, and to register online.
Sad news since we asked for help on urging Gov. David Paterson to sign S4687/A8012 into law. Citing cost concerns, Gov. Paterson vetoed the bill, which would help thousands of New Yorkers with criminal histories fight illegal discrimination. Many thanks to all who reached out on behalf of this critical legislation -- and please stay tuned, as LAC will be pushing for it once again next session.

State

An analysis funded by NYSHealth reports that federal health reform could expand health care coverage for an estimated 1.2 million people in New York State who are currently uninsured.
For anyone who missed it: The Adoption and Safe Families Act Expanded Discretion Bill was signed into law in June, giving families separated by the criminal justice and child welfare systems a more fair chance to stay together before parental rights are terminated.

National

A new report, based on a national survey commissioned by SAMHSA, reveals wide variations in patterns of substance use problems in 344 areas across the country.

State Senator Velmanette Montgomery reports that the NYS Office of Children and Family Services has more than $6 million in TANF and Local Assistance Appropriation funding to assist service providers help troubled youth avoid detention and residential placement. Applications are due by Aug. 31; click here for details.
SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Prevention is now accepting applications for its Prevention Fellowship Program.Click here to learn more.
Tickets are now available online for the 4th Annual Understanding Addiction, Treatment and Recovery Forum at at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx.
The AIDS Alliance for Children, Youth and Families is now accepting applications for its Consumer Leadership Corps Training Program. All materials are due by 5 p.m. EST on Sept.
Workshop listings have been announced for the 2010 Ryan White Grantee Meeting on Aug. 23-26 in Washington, DC. Click here for a PDF of the listings. (Advance registration has ended, but on-site registration will open on August 22.)
With support from Merck, the Black AIDS Institute has announced the launch of the Black Treatment Advocates Network to link black Americans with HIV into care and treatment; strengthen local and national leadership; raise HIV science and treatment literacy in black communities; and advocate for policy change and research priorities.