Bill > S04789

This bill amends the Family Court Act to enhance training requirements for attorneys representing children in legal proceedings. Specifically, the bill requires training programs to be developed in consultation with the State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, and these programs must now include an overview of juvenile delinquency law and procedure. The bill mandates that all attorneys for children, both new and experienced, must receive initial training for six hours and ongoing training as prescribed by the court. 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. The training programs must cover the dynamics of domestic violence, its effects on victims and children, and how these dynamics relate to court considerations such as custody, visitation, and child support. The training programs and providers must be approved by the Office of Court Administration after consulting with the State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. The bill aims to ensure that attorneys representing children are well-informed and equipped to handle complex family court cases involving domestic violence and juvenile issues.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4789