New York Assembly Bill A09613

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/26
• Refer: 1/21/26

Caption

Relates to protecting family relationships to ensure that family ties are not severed unnecessarily or counter to children's best interests.

Impact

The proposed legislation is expected to amend various provisions within the family court act and social services laws, notably impacting how child custody cases are handled. It introduces new requirements for the court to consider in proceedings that could lead to the termination of parental rights. These provisions include a mandate for social service agencies to demonstrate they've made diligent efforts to strengthen parental relationships and outline the necessity for such actions in determining custody arrangements. If enacted, the bill will likely reshape the processes surrounding child welfare, promoting a more family-oriented approach to case deliberations.

Summary

A09613, known as the Family Protection Act, aims to amend existing laws to strengthen the protection of family relationships within the family court system. The bill is designed to ensure that children are not removed from their families unless absolutely necessary and that family ties are preserved in the best interest of the child. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining connections between children and their parents, siblings, and extended family, advocating for interventions that support family reunification whenever feasible.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding A09613, particularly regarding who ultimately bears the responsibility for proving the necessity of parental rights termination. Critics argue that the bill could potentially delay necessary interventions in cases of abuse or neglect by imposing additional requirements on courts and agencies. Supporters, however, see it as a crucial step towards preventing the severance of family bonds without ensuring every possible effort has been made to maintain those ties. Debates are expected to center around striking a balance between safeguarding children's welfare and honoring family integrity.