Bill > A01375

This bill establishes the Office of the Child Welfare Advocate within the Office of Children and Family Services to provide support and assistance to various stakeholders in the child welfare system, including youth, biological parents, kinship caregivers, and foster parents. The office will be led by a director with at least ten years of child welfare experience, appointed by an independent review board. Its key duties include receiving and responding to inquiries and complaints, gathering information, making referrals, working to resolve conflicts, monitoring child welfare policies, and recommending systemic improvements. The office will produce annual and quarterly reports detailing its activities and findings, while maintaining strict confidentiality of individual cases. An independent 12-member review board, appointed by the chief judge, governor, senate, and assembly, will oversee the office's operations, with members representing diverse perspectives including former foster youth, legal professionals, mental health experts, and child welfare advocates. The bill specifically prohibits the office from participating in ongoing investigations or court proceedings and includes protections against retaliation for individuals seeking the office's assistance. The office will have broad access to child welfare records and will be required to conduct annual anti-bias training for its staff. The legislation is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1375