Bill > A00619

This bill modifies the existing social services law to enhance and standardize differential response programs for child protection assessments and investigations across New York state social services districts. Specifically, the bill requires each social services district to establish a differential response program (instead of making it optional) and submit a plan to the Office of Children and Family Services by January 1, 2027. The key changes include mandating that districts develop protocols to remove implicit bias from their decision-making process when determining which child abuse or maltreatment cases will be addressed through a family assessment and services track, rather than traditional investigation methods. The bill also requires the Office of Children and Family Services to post each district's implementation plan on their website within 60 days of approval. These changes aim to create a more nuanced and potentially less punitive approach to addressing child welfare concerns, particularly for cases involving family settings, by allowing for assessment and services instead of immediate formal investigation in certain situations. The bill will take effect 180 days after becoming law, with provisions allowing for immediate preparation of necessary regulations.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A619