Bill > A04122

This bill authorizes and directs the New York Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), working with the inspector general, to conduct a comprehensive study on the Family Assessment Response (FAR) program. The study aims to evaluate the program's effectiveness, design, and potential for statewide expansion. Specifically, the bill requires the OCFS to assess whether the FAR program is meeting its intended goals, identify areas for improvement, examine the local application and approval processes, and analyze data such as the frequency of child protective services investigations following a FAR case and the rate of subsequent child maltreatment determinations. The bill mandates that OCFS and the inspector general publish a detailed report of their findings within one year, to be delivered to the governor, senate president, and assembly speaker. The act will take effect immediately and automatically expire two years after its effective date, ensuring a time-limited, focused evaluation of the FAR program's performance and potential for statewide implementation.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4122