Joseph Hof
Apr 25, 2025
New York, NY – Today, Hof Law formally submitted a community-driven proposal to the offices of City Council Districts 5 and 8, calling for the City of New York to explore an innovative and compassionate solution to address the alarmingly high pregnancy rate among girls in the City’s foster care system.
Prompted by an April 25, 2025 Spectrum One news report citing that 75% of girls in the care of the Administration for Children’s Services are either pregnant or parenting, the proposal urges the City Council to commission a feasibility study examining the emotional and therapeutic potential of pairing foster youth with trained emotional support animals—specifically French Bulldogs.
The proposal recommends collaboration between the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Administration for Children’s Services to design a pilot program that would provide foster youth with consistent companionship, emotional grounding, and the caregiving bond shown to reduce stress and promote healthy behavioral outcomes.
"This is a deeply human issue,” said Joseph Hof, Managing Attorney at Hof Law. “We must be bold enough to look beyond traditional systems and ask what truly works to heal trauma, provide meaningful support, and prevent future harm. Sometimes, that answer begins with something as simple—and profound—as the companionship of a dog.”
At the heart of this proposal is Hof Law’s guiding mission: to help people.
“We believe that the law can be a force for healing and compassion,” Joe continued. “When we center people—and especially our most vulnerable youth—we open the door to creative, life-changing solutions.”
The firm further recommends inclusion of key stakeholders, including community-based youth organizations, trauma-informed care professionals, and animal welfare partners, in evaluating the program’s feasibility and implementation.
To read the full proposal or for press inquiries, please contact: press@hoflawllc.com.