New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07920

Introduced
5/14/25  

Caption

Allows the court to enter an order regarding a destitute minor freeing the child for adoption and granting guardianship and custody to the commissioner of social services for the purposes of consenting to an adoption; authorizes certain commissioners of public welfare and city public welfare officers to consent to such adoptions.

Impact

Should S07920 be enacted into law, it would specifically modify existing regulations that pertain to the care and legal status of destitute minors in New York. The changes would grant local social services agencies more authority in determining legal guardianship and adoption processes. This shift not only accelerates the adoption for children awaiting placement but also further solidifies the role of social services in handling these sensitive cases. The bill aims to align the legal framework with the child welfare goals of providing permanent homes for children in state care more efficiently.

Summary

Bill S07920, introduced by Senator Persaud, seeks to amend the Family Court Act and Social Services Law to provide clear and streamlined dispositional alternatives for children classified as destitute minors. The bill allows courts to enter orders that facilitate adoption processes for these children by enabling the Commissioner of Social Services to grant custody and guardianship. Such provisions are particularly pertinent in cases where both parents are deceased or where one parent cannot provide consent for the adoption process. The bill emphasizes the priority of achieving timely permanency for these vulnerable children.

Contention

There are potential points of contention regarding the bill's impact on parental rights and the autonomy of local social service agencies. Critics may argue that empowering social services with expanded authority to expedite adoption processes risks sidelining biological family members who may still be capable of providing care. Stakeholders might also voice concerns about ensuring that children's best interests are thoroughly considered in expedited cases, particularly involving emotional and developmental needs during transitions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY S07447

Allows the court to enter an order regarding a destitute minor freeing the child for adoption and granting guardianship and custody to the commissioner of social services for the purposes of consenting to an adoption; authorizes certain commissioners of public welfare and city public welfare officers to consent to such adoptions.

NY A08481

Allows the court to enter an order regarding a destitute minor freeing the child for adoption and granting guardianship and custody to the commissioner of social services for the purposes of consenting to an adoption; authorizes certain commissioners of public welfare and city public welfare officers to consent to such adoptions.

NY S08605

Provides that consenting registrants of the adoption information registry may pre-authorize the release of identifying information.

NY S01787

Establishes confirmatory adoptions allowing adoption and parentage judgements for a child with more than two parents; recognizes functional parents as legal parents; allows "de facto parents" to get a court order confirming their parentage; grants all legal parents standing to seek visitation or custody of their children.

NY A10259

Establishes confirmatory adoptions allowing adoption and parentage judgements for a child with more than two parents; recognizes functional parents as legal parents; allows "de facto parents" to get a court order confirming their parentage; grants all legal parents standing to seek visitation or custody of their children.

NY A01946

Relates to additional options for local social services districts to implement effective welfare-to-work programs.

NY S02249

Requires a state agency to get approval from the senate and the assembly prior to adopting or readopting a rule on an emergency basis unless such rule is necessary on an emergency basis for the preservation of the public health, safety and general welfare of the public.

NY A04170

Requires a state agency to get approval from the senate and the assembly prior to adopting or readopting a rule on an emergency basis unless such rule is necessary on an emergency basis for the preservation of the public health, safety and general welfare of the public.

NY S07261

Relates to birth certificates for foreign adoptions; makes certain provisions retroactive.

NY A08412

Relates to birth certificates for foreign adoptions; makes certain provisions retroactive.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.