What's happening
This bill directs the Office of Children and Family Services to study and report on the effectiveness of the family assessment response program.
Why it matters
Evaluates the effectiveness and fidelity of the Family Assessment Response (FAR) program. The study will specifically assess whether the FAR program is meeting its intended goals and if it is being implemented as originally designed, which could affect the safety and outcomes for children and families involved with child protective services.
Seeks targeted improvements and accountability. By requiring identification of areas needing improvement and specifying reasons for changes, the study aims to ensure that any weaknesses in the program are addressed transparently, potentially leading to better child welfare practices statewide.
Considers statewide standards and expansion. The bill asks whether localities should have autonomy in designing FAR programs or if a standardized, state-vetted template would lead to more consistent and effective services. It also weighs whether the program should be expanded or mandated across New York, which could have significant policy and budget implications.
Focuses on New York City’s unique context. By calling for a particular examination of the FAR program's expansion and projected outcomes in New York City, the study acknowledges the city's distinct challenges and the broader impact of policy changes in the state's largest urban area.
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Study Family Assessment Response
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to children and families
- Referred to children and families
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Study Family Assessment Program
In Assembly Committee · Children And Families · Sponsor Michaelle C. Solages
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
5827
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
May 15, 2019
Introduced by Sen. PERSAUD -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Children and Families
AN ACT authorizing and directing the office of children and family services to conduct a study on the family assessment response program and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The office of children and family services, in conjunction with the inspector general, is authorized and directed to conduct a study on the family assessment response program. Such study shall:
(a) determine if the program is accomplishing the program's intended goals;
(b) determine if the program is being operated as designed;
(c) identify areas where the program can be improved;
(d) suggest changes to the program to improve areas where the program needs improvement;
(e) specify why certain areas of the program require changes;
(f) identify if localities should be designing family assessment response programs or following a template that has been vetted and crafted by the state;
(g) determine if the program is worth expanding across the state, making the program either an opt-out or mandatory program; and
(h) examining the expected expansion of the family assessment response program into New York City including, but not limited to:
(i) how has the program worked in New York City prior to the expansion; and
(ii) expected outcomes for child welfare investigations in the city; and
(i) study anything else the office of children and family services or the inspector general determines necessary to determine if the family
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD11148-01-9
S. 5827 2
assessment response program is working as designed, if it can be improved, and if it is worth expanding and/or mandating state-wide.
§ 2. The office of children and family services, in conjunction with the inspector general, shall publish a report containing the finds of the study. Such report shall be delivered to the governor, the temporary president of the senate, and the speaker of the assembly no later than one year after the effective date of this act.
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be deemed repealed two years after such effective date.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act authorizing and directing the office of chil- dren and family services to conduct a study on the family assessment response program and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
Purpose or general idea of bill
This bill seeks to study the family assessment response program ,in order to determine if it is working as designed, and if the program can be improved.
Summary of specific provisions
Section one of the bill directs the office of children and family services, in conjunction with the inspector general, to conduct a study on the family assessment response program.
Section two of the bill directs the office in conjunction with the inspector general, finds of the study, and directing delivery temporary president of the senate, and the than one year after the effective date.of children and family services, to publish a report containing the of the report to the governor, speaker of the assembly no later
Section three of the bill provides the effective date, and repeal date.
Justification
Family Assessment Response (FAR) is New York State's alternative Child Protective response to some reports of child maltreatment. New York State enacted FAR enabling legislation in 2007, and made it permanent in 2011. FAR does not require an investigation and determination of allega- tions and individual culpability for families reported to the SCR. The vast majority of reports received by CPS are for some form of maltreat- ment, not abuse. Most of these families are not found to have maltreated their children and want the best for their children, but sometimes require assistance to provide a lifestyle conducive to this. It is an alternative approach to providing protection to children by engaging families in an assessment of child safety and of family needs, in find- ing solutions to family problems and in identifying informal and formal supports to meet their needs and increase their ability to care for their children.
However, varying levels of success of the FAR program exist across the state. In Monroe County last year, they suspended the program after a review of the program, which had been precipitated by a death of a child in a family being served by FAR. In 2013, Erie County suspended its FAR program, because the program was found to be "seriously flawed". Yet in NYC, the program is expected to expand citywide, following pilots in Brooklyn and Queens.
While the FAR program is the right direction for the future of CPS investigations, it seems clear the program could benefit greatly from an expert review, in order to make it work as best as possible for all the people across the state of New York.
Prior legislative history
New Bill.
Fiscal implications
To be determined.
Effective date
Effective Immediately, and repealed two years after such date.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.