Requires limit to maximum length of stay at residential program for victims of domestic violence

21 Co-sponsors

• Ruth Hassell-Thompson
• Eric Adams
• Tony Avella
• Ruben Diaz
• Martin Malavé Dilan
• Thomas K. Duane
• Martin J. Golden
• Kemp Hannon
• Shirley L. Huntley
• Owen H. Johnson
• Liz Krueger
• George D. Maziarz
• Velmanette Montgomery
• Suzi Oppenheimer
• Kevin S. Parker
• Bill Perkins
• Michael H. Ranzenhofer
• John L. Sampson
• Diane J. Savino
• Andrea Stewart-Cousins
• Lee M. Zeldin

BILL NUMBER:S6308A REVISED 05/15/12

Title of bill

An act to amend the social services law, in relation to residential services for victims of domestic violence

Purpose

This bill would extend the maximum amount of days victims of domestic violence may stay in residential programs from 135 days to 180 days, ensuring additional time for them to secure permanent housing.

Summary of provisions

Section One - amends section 459-b of the social services law by stating that up to two extensions of up to forty-five days of necessary and available emergency shelter and services at a residential program for victims of domestic violence if neither the resident, the social services district nor the residential program is able to secure alternative housing, as defined by regulation, for the resident and such housing is necessary.

Section Two - This act shall take effect on the 180th day after it shall have become law, with provisions.

Justification

New York State is the only state in the nation that provides welfare based shelter programs, and to qualify, one must receive public assistance. It has been shown that victims of domestic violence have the highest rate of leaving public assistance than any other group, and that these victims typically use public assistance as a means to secure permanent housing away from their abuser - which can take as long as a year.

This legislation will provide for a second, 45 day extension for an individual or family affected by domestic violence if neither the resident or social services is unable to secure safe, alternative housing. Expecting an individual, more importantly, family to start a new life in 90 days is unrealistic in some cases. This legislation would provide for the support of an additional 45 day extender is necessary.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the 180th day after it shall have become law, with provisions.