Bill > A01790

This bill amends the Family Court Act to enhance training requirements for attorneys appointed to represent children in legal proceedings. Specifically, the bill expands existing training programs by requiring that they include an overview of juvenile delinquency law and procedure, in addition to the current focus on domestic violence dynamics. The legislation mandates that all attorneys for children, both new and experienced, must receive initial training of six hours and ongoing training as specified by the court. The training programs must be developed in consultation with the State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and approved by the Office of Court Administration. Additionally, the bill encourages public defender offices and representation agencies to provide training on juvenile delinquency issues that are approved for continuing legal education credit. These changes aim to improve the quality of legal representation for children in family court proceedings by ensuring attorneys have comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of relevant legal and social dynamics.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1790