Areas of Work

The Governor's Children's Cabinet

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Children's Cabinet?
• What is the mission of the Children's Cabinet?
• What is the Council's role in the Children's Cabinet?
• What is the composition of the Children's Cabinet?
• How often does the Children's Cabinet meet?

What is the Children's Cabinet?

The Governor’s Children’s Cabinet (referred to as Children’s Cabinet) was established by Executive Order on June 12, 2007. The Governor recognizes that to ensure the well-being and future success and development of New York State, it is essential to provide improved services to children in the areas of health, education, safety and general child welfare.

Governmental programs must collaborate to develop and implement effective, efficient and coordinated service delivery to ensure that all of New York’s children are given an equal opportunity to reach their full potential.

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What is the mission of the Children's Cabinet?

Thus far, the Children’s Cabinet has focused on:

• implementation and expansion of a plan to provide universal health insurance to children;
• implementation of the phase-in of universal pre-kindergarten throughout New York State; and
• development of a legislative program focused on the Governor’s Birth to Five Agenda.

The meetings have been focused on an expanded set of priorities, including the implementation of the Universal Prekindergarten program, strategic planning for the eventual development of a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), financing early learning programs and the implementation of the plan to provide universal health insurance for children.

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What is the Council's role in the Children's Cabinet?

The Governor recognizes the importance of collaboration among state agencies to achieve the goals of the Children's Cabinet. Due to the interagency nature of the Children's Cabinet initiative, the Council is a logical choice to provide staff support. Council staff work as part of the Children's Cabinet Steering Committee, assisting Executive Chamber staff in planning and implementing the Governor's Children's Cabinet Agenda.

The Council is also actively involved in the Cabinet's high priority goal of implementing the phase-in of universal pre-kindergarten programs throughout New York State. The Council has provided background data and expertise to assist the Cabinet in understanding the challenges of implementing a universal pre-kindergarten program in New York State and will continue to be actively involved in this issue.

What is the composition of the Children's Cabinet?

The Children's Cabinet is comprised of the Commissioners and Directors of the New York State Agencies listed below. The Children's Cabinet Advisory Board assists the Cabinet in its efforts.

• Department of Agriculture and Markets
• Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
• Division of Budget
• Office of Children and Family Services
• Consumer Protection Board
• Division of Criminal Justice Services
• Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
• State Education Department
• Department of Environmental Conservation
• Executive Chamber
• Department of Health
• Division of Housing and Community Renewal
• Department of Labor
• Office of Mental Health
• Office for People with Developmental Disabilities
• Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
• Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives
• Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
• Department of State
• Department of Taxation and Finance
• Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

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How often does the Children's Cabinet meet?

The Cabinet and the Advisory Board meet quarterly.

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