January 27, 2026
In a moment when so much feels uncertain, we want to share a win for children and families in New York.
A federal court has granted final approval of a settlement agreement that will guarantee New York State’s Medicaid-eligible children access to timely, intensive mental health services—delivered in their homes and communities.
“I am hopeful for all the children in New York and all the families. I think it’s a great day.”
Children’s Rights brought the case in 2022 along with the National Health Law Program, Disability Rights New York, and Proskauer Rose LLP.
The ruling marks the culmination of a hard-fought legal battle to end a painful and too-often tragic reality for families across the state. They have been forced to watch their children’s health deteriorate as they languish in psychiatric hospitals or other institutions for extended periods of time, while they wait for community services that are at best sporadic.
Children’s Rights looks forward to working with state officials to ensure the settlement agreement is enforced, so that the children of New York receive the care they deserve and are legally entitled to.
This victory would not have been possible without Cody Hauptman and his mother, Christina, whose courage and persistence helped bring this case forward, alongside other families with lived experience navigating New York’s mental health system.
Watch: Cody and his mother speak with CBS News about what this ruling means.
This ruling is a reminder of what’s possible when families, advocates, and the courts work together.
Children’s Rights has spent more than 25 years fighting for children’s mental health—and we are committed to continuing that work in New York and nationwide, even as the need grows more urgent.
This is how progress for children happens.