Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York has approved a class action settlement in C.W. v. The City of New York – litigation brought by The Legal Aid Society and Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, which expands access to essential, life-saving youth programs and services for runaway and homeless youth ages 16 to 20 in New York City.

Under the settlement, the City will implement procedural changes regarding how city agencies manage homeless youth, improving the system for all young people ages 16 to 20 that will enter it going forward, as reported by Norwood News.

“We are very pleased to have an approved settlement that will establish system-changing relief to some of New York City’s most vulnerable youth,” said Beth Hofmeister, Staff Attorney in the Homeless Rights Project at The Legal Aid Society. “We are infinitely grateful to our eleven named plaintiffs who bravely came forward to better the lives of thousands of other runaway and homeless youth. This settlement will ensure that homeless youth will no longer face waiting lists and other obstacles to the vital shelter and supportive services they want and need.”