Paul Shew Testifies at Public Hearing on Family Support Services

The New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Mental Health held a public hearing in Albany on October 26, 2010. The purpose of the hearing was to review programs and services that provide supports to families of individuals with developmental disabilities or psychiatric disabilities.

Paul Shew, Executive Director of The Advocacy Center, testified at the hearing, which started at 11 am and lasted well into the evening. Twenty-nine individuals and groups testified, including Max Chmura, Acting Commissioner of New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. 

Shew commented that the hearing confirmed what he already knew, that families desperately need family support services. “Families are living under some very difficult circumstances. Hearing people’s stories at the hearing really hit home how much people need these services.”