2007 NYSAC Press Releases
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New Law Gives Counties Another Option to Help Protect Kids
August 8, 2007
Measure enables renewed focus on child safety and family engagement
Every child who needs protective services in New York State has their own individual story with their own individual needs. A new law signed by Governor Eliot Spitzer last week provides counties an option to respond to these children in ways that will be most helpful to their specific circumstance.
The measure, Chapter 452 of the Laws of 2007, establishes a differential response program for child protection assessments or investigations. It offers counties the option to create and implement a new way of delivering child welfare services, via the differential response program; and it was supported by the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) and other child advocacy groups.
“Across this state, our counties are charged with protecting the safety of at-risk children. This new law gives our local policy makers the flexibility they need to respond to the wide variety of situations facing these kids,” said NYSAC President Lucille M. McKnight, an Albany County Legislator. “Providing counties with the option of a differential response program is a testament to the ongoing state-county partnership aimed at improving the programs and services we provide to New Yorkers.”
The measure provides for a differential response program in which local social services districts, authorized by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), may adopt a non-investigative, non-adversarial, service-oriented approach to address certain family services matters that are presently addressed as allegations of child abuse or maltreatment.
“Counties have long needed the opportunity to make decisions about how best to respond to the great differences among reports of child maltreatment. This bill does that, and at the same time helps families to keep children safe,” Karen Schimke, president of Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, which has been advocating for this legislation for seven years.
Currently, twenty-four states have either implemented differential response models or adopted other innovative response initiatives that allow for more than the traditional investigative response to reports of child abuse and maltreatment. This optional approach would allow for a new means of focusing on both child safety and family engagement.
Counties choosing to implement a differential response program must simultaneously address the inherent and profound significance of detailed coordination and accessibility of all involved community resources.
“This law would not be on the books without the leadership and tireless efforts of the bill’s sponsors, Senator Mary Lou Rath and Assemblywoman Amy Paulin,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. “They have consistently moved this piece of legislation and our counties appreciate their work on its behalf.”
The New York State Association of Counties is a bipartisan municipal association serving all 62 counties of New York State including the City of New York. Organized in 1925, NYSAC’s mission is to represent, educate and advocate for member counties and the thousands of elected and appointed county officials who serve the public.
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Media Questions
For more information about NYSAC, our advocacy efforts or specific reporter requests or questions, contact Mark LaVigne or call NYSAC at 518-465-1473.
2007 Press Releases
- Albany County Executive Michael Breslin Receives Excellence in Leadership Award--June 20, 2007
- NYSAC to Host Municipal Energy Coalition's Bid Opening for Renewable Energy Credits-- June 19, 2007