Relates to the notification of certain relatives prior to the placement of children

1 Co-sponsor

• John J. Bonacic

Title of bill

An act to amend the elder law and the domestic relations law, in relation to the notification of certain relatives prior to the placement of children

Summary of provisions

The bill makes the following amendments: Section 1- amends 202 of the elder law to require the director to monitor kinship placements. Section 2 - amends section 72 of the domestic relations law, to include a relative within the third degree of consanguinity as suitable for emergency placement of a child, if the court makes a finding of extraordinary circumstances. Also extends the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" to include a period of less than 245 months during which time the child resided for at least six months continually with the parent, grandparent, or relative.

Justification

Too often in our current system, children are placed in foster care even though there may be relatives whose homes are available for placement, and where the child can receive a safe and nurturing environment. This bill will help increase the options for placement in a manner that allows families to remain intact while reducing further trauma for children placed in the foster care system.

Prior legislative history

S.5968 - 2007 - Referred to Rules S.5968A - 2008 - Referred to Aging

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediately.