Require Social Workers in NYC Jails for Mental Health
In committee as of May 4, 2026Under review by an assigned committee.
✦ Plain-Language Summary
This law would require NYC jails to have at least one social worker for every ten incarcerated people at each facility by 2026. Social workers provide mental health support and services to people behind bars. The Department of Correction would also need to publicly report staffing numbers every three months so the public and city leaders can track progress.
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Details
- Introduced
- Mar 10, 2026
- Body
- Committee on Criminal Justice
- Type
- Introduction
- Status
- Committee
Sponsors (3)
Official Description
This bill would require the Department of Correction (“DOC”) to maintain a ratio of at least one social worker for every ten incarcerated persons at each City correctional facility by 2026. This bill would also require DOC to report the number of social workers and the number of incarcerated persons at each correctional facility on a quarterly basis. This report would be posted on the DOC website and submitted to the Mayor and Speaker of the Council. The first report would be due on January 31, 2023.