Close to Home is a therapeutic reform program for youth based in neighborhoods around New York City. As of now, there are 30 facilities throughout the 5 boroughs, each housing from 12-18 kids. Initially funded partially with state funds, Albany decided in its 2018 budget stop contributing to the program.   

This comes as it the New York State prepares for an influx of juveniles coming in under the new “Raise the Age” law. This law, signed by Governor Cuomo, means that by October 2019 the state will no longer automatically prosecute all 16 and 17 year olds as adults.  This will put pressure on juvenile detention facilities. 

Close to Home had its inception in 2012.  In recent years, AWOL numbers have lowered considerably.  According to Columbia’s Justice Lab, during the 2016-17 school year 91% of kids in these facilities passed their academic courses and 82 % of them transitioned back to their parents or legal guardians.

Citing Close to Home’s importance, Mayor De Blasio reassured that the initiative will be fully covered by the city’s 2019 budget despite the cuts from the state budget. 

 “It's a very good initiative. I believe in it. But we do not believe it was ever meant to be done without any State support. Unfortunately the State has walked away from it.” De Blasio said.

 The Mayor’s new budget for 2019 is 89 billion, with 31 million of that being allocated to Close to Home.