Tasks the child care availability taskforce with evaluation of the office of children and family services' regulations regarding minimum supervision ratios based on group size for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
Establishes alternative living arrangements for children who are at a substantial risk of abuse; defines an alternative living arrangement as a temporary, written and agreed upon out of home living arrangement developed as a result of an investigation of child maltreatment by the child protective service that would allow for a relative or suitable person to temporarily care for a child who is at a substantial risk of abuse or in imminent danger of neglect; requires annual reporting.
Permits mentoring programs to conduct background clearances of prospective employees and volunteers to determine whether any such person has been reported for child abuse or maltreatment or is on the sex offender registry.
Provides that any person charged with enforcing laws prohibiting cruelty to animals shall cause a report to be made when, in the performance of his or her duties, such person has reasonable cause to believe that abuse or maltreatment of a child has also occurred; provides that a person charged with the responsibility of filing a report of child abuse or maltreatment shall also file a report of suspected animal cruelty.
Commissions a study regarding the quality of health care services received by foster children in New York state; provides for a report to be submitted by the commissioner of the office of children and family services detailing the findings of such study.
Relates to establishing a program for financial transitional living services for foster children; establishes independent development savings accounts for foster children over the age of 16; requires foster children to attend financial literacy and independent living classes.
Establishes a state youth commission to advise the governor on youth issues in the state of New York, including juvenile crime prevention, job opportunities for youth, recreational activities for teenagers, opportunities for effective participation by youth in the governmental process, and changes in city and county regulations that are necessary to improve the social, economic, educational, and recreational advantages of children and youth.
Directs the commissioner of the office of children and family services to establish a consumer directed childcare pilot program for eligible families, within amounts appropriated therefor, in up to five counties with populations between 160,000 and 300,000.