Bill > A10521

This bill directs the Office of Children and Family Services, in consultation with the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, to establish a statewide supervised visitation initiative. The initiative will include culturally sensitive services with language access and affordability for those with limited means. The bill requires counties and New York City to submit annual assessments of local needs and plans for meeting those needs, including data on usage and effectiveness. The programs must be available to comply with court orders for supervised visitation and include provisions for fee waivers. The Office of Children and Family Services must promulgate regulations and submit annual reports to the legislature and governor evaluating the effectiveness of the initiative and providing recommendations for enhancement.