Bill > A06189

This bill allows unaccompanied children in federal placements (such as shelters or foster care for non-citizen children) to petition the family court for a dependency order, which will help ensure they receive proper care. The bill creates a new Article 10-D in the Family Court Act that establishes a legal process for these children to seek dependency status, which can help them obtain special immigration juvenile status. Key provisions include allowing children or adults on their behalf to file a petition alleging dependency, defining terms like "federal placement" and "special findings," and establishing court jurisdiction and venue rules. The bill allows the family court to make dependency findings based on evidence, issue orders to ensure the child's safety and wellbeing, and maintain jurisdiction for potential special immigration juvenile status applications. The court can consider evidence from outside the United States and cannot alter the child's federal custody without consent from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The bill also amends existing law to ensure these children can be appointed legal representation and expands the definition of "dependent child" to include unaccompanied minors in federal placements without parents or guardians in the United States.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6189