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- Referred to social services
- Referred to social services
Full text
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Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S973 REVISED 01/10/2011
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.
Description
This bill would amend the Social Services Law by amending section 459-b adding an additional clause stating that rules and regulations regarding length of stay in residence programs for victims of domestic violence, enforced by the Office of Children and Family Services, should not be any time less than 180 days.
Statement in support
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.
Currently, domestic violence victims may not stay in residential programs more than 90 days. under special circumstances, those in need of emergency shelter, may stay up to an additional 45 days. In its 2003 Annual Report to the Governor and Legislature, the Office of Children and Family Services found an overall increase in shelter denials to domestic violence victims and their families. Recent studies indicate that approximately 20% of those denied are either forced out or discharged because they stayed the maximum amount of days legally allowed (New Destiny Housing Agency) .
In March 2005, the New York City Public Advocate released a report detailing the many issues facing victims of domestic violence, including housing. The report highlights the frequent situation women often face as they are forced to leave residential programs because they have stayed the maximum amount of days allowed by current law. As a result, this legislation seeks to address the specific problem of length of stay by extending the amount of time an eligible domestic violence victim may remain in a shelter. According to the New York State Office of Prevention of Domestic Violence, there is only minimal additional costs associated with housing victims for an extended period of time, and domestic violence agencies agree that this legislation is necessary.
Legislative history
Senate: 2009-10: S.5043A - Passed Senate 2008: Referred to Social Services Committee 2006: Referred to Social Services Committee
Assembly: 2009-10: A.455A (Jacobs) - Referred to Social Services
Fiscal impact
To be determined.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after becoming a law; with provisions.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.