The Trajectory of Childhood - Bridging Adolescence to Adulthood

This article, printed with permission in Family Law Quarterly, is based on “Growing Up NYC: A Policy Framework,” http://s-media.nyc.gov/ agencies/childrenscabinet/NYCDOH_GrowingUP_Policy_Brochure_ For_WEB.pdf, a publication that grew out of collaboration among the offices of the New York City mayor and deputy mayor and the twenty-four agencies and mayoral offices forming the NYC Children’s Cabinet. The Cabinet is a multi-agency initiative created by Mayor Bill de Blasio to bolster communication and coordination among city agencies to improve child safety and well-being. “Growing Up NYC: A Policy Framework” was produced under the direction of Children’s Cabinet Executive Director Benita Miller.

I. Introduction

"Then one day the boy came to the tree and the tree said, “Come, Boy, come and climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and eat apples and play in my shade and be happy.” “I am too big to climb and play,” said the boy. “I want to buy things and have fun. I want some money. Can you give me some money?” “I’m sorry,” said the tree, “but I have no money. I only have leaves and apples. Take my apples, Boy, and sell them in the city. Then you will have money and you will be happy.” And so the boy climbed up the tree and gathered her apples and carried them away. And the tree was happy."

—The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein *