A recent undercover investigation conducted by the citizen journalism group Sage Ops has uncovered that several nonprofit organizations in New York have been facilitating gender transition services for minors without parental consent. This controversial practice, uncovered through hidden camera footage, is reportedly backed by substantial federal funding.
The investigation focused on the Ali Forney Center, where Health Services Coordinator Nadia S., who identifies as trans, was recorded detailing their approach to handling minors seeking gender transition. "We’re mandated reporters, we’re mandated to call ACS. We don’t contact the parents," Nadia stated, referring to the Administration for Children’s Services. The center's staff view any parental objection to a child's desire to transition as a form of abuse. Nadia elaborated that they sometimes need to advocate with the ACS and may utilize a 'Family Crisis Contract' to protect the child.
Furthermore, the investigation found that minors are often placed in confidential housing quickly, prioritizing their privacy and autonomy over parental involvement. "The medical part can happen relatively swiftly," Nadia added, emphasizing the secrecy of these operations.
Maria Mendoza, a licensed clinical social worker at the Office of Children and Family Services, confirmed that Child Protective Services (CPS) workers actively support minors in accessing transition services. "A 16-year-old child can get the care she wants – she's allowed to make her own choices," Mendoza said, highlighting the role of CPS in guiding minors through the transition process.
This practice extends to the Institute for Family Health, a partner of the Ali Forney Center, where Associate Regional Director Lindarey Gonzalez disclosed that they provide gender-affirming care without requiring parental consent. She contrasted this with standard medical services, which typically involve parental involvement due to insurance billing.
Financial records from the investigation show that these organizations have received over $180 million from the Department of Health and Human Services since 2020, including nearly $10 million in 2025 and approximately $150 million in Medicaid reimbursements.
The revelation comes in the wake of recent executive orders signed by President Trump in January 2025, aiming to withdraw federal funding from institutions providing gender transition treatments to individuals under 19. Some medical facilities, like NYU Langone and Children’s National, have already suspended such services for minors to comply with the new directives.
During the undercover recording, Gonzalez expressed concerns about the potential impact of these policy changes. "The biggest risk we could face is if the Trump administration decides to withhold the federal piece of Medicaid dollars," she stated, referencing Elon Musk's influence on reducing federal spending and his public stance against gender transition procedures for minors.
