Bill > A03227

This bill authorizes the Correctional Association of New York to conduct comprehensive inspections of juvenile detention facilities operated by the Office of Children and Family Services. Specifically, the bill grants the Correctional Association the power to make both scheduled and unannounced visits to secure, limited secure, and non-secure youth facilities, with the ability to examine property, documents, records, policies, procedures, and staff. The association can conduct confidential interviews with residents and staff, and is required to report any instances of youth abuse to the appropriate authorities. Additionally, the bill establishes a confidential hotline through Prisoners' Legal Services of New York, allowing youth in these facilities to report abuse or complaints about their living conditions. The Correctional Association must produce an annual public report detailing the state and condition of these facilities, including recommendations for improvements, which will be published online. The Office of Children and Family Services must then respond in writing to the report, which will also be made publicly available. The bill aims to increase transparency and protect the welfare of youth in residential juvenile detention facilities by providing independent oversight and a mechanism for reporting concerns.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3227