In New York, corporal punishment by a parent is not automatically considered abuse or neglect. The law allows for reasonable physical discipline, but when the actions of a parent result in physical injury or pose a risk to a child’s physical or mental health, they may cross the line into…
In New York, parents may discipline their children, including using reasonable corporal punishment. However, when that discipline becomes excessive or causes harm, it can cross the line into child neglect or abuse under the Family Court Act. When the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) receives a report of suspected child…
In New York, parents are legally permitted to discipline their children using reasonable corporal punishment. However, when that punishment causes injury or creates a risk of harm, it may be considered abuse or neglect under the Family Court Act. In Matter of A.H. (J.H.), 2025 NY Slip Op 50317(U), the…
In New York, the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR) maintains records of indicated reports of abuse and neglect. These reports can affect a person’s ability to work with children or adopt. In the case of Matter of Johnny S. v. New York State Office of Children…
Child custody cases often present the court with difficult decisions that impact the well-being of a child. In the matter of B.N. v. J.N., the New York Family Court was asked to decide whether temporary changes to a custody agreement were needed after serious allegations were raised and the parenting…
Family Court decisions can significantly impact families, particularly when they involve decisions about a child’s future care. A permanency goal in New York refers to a plan established during family court proceedings to determine the long-term living arrangement for a child in foster care. Goals can include reunification with parents,…
This case involved proceedings under Family Court Act Article 10 to determine whether the maternal grandmother of three children, Talia, Jonah, and Adele, was legally responsible for their care and whether she neglected them. In April 2014, the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) initiated proceedings against the parents and the maternal…
In Admin. for Children’s Servs. v. Ketly M, the Family Court of Kings County addressed allegations of child neglect against a stepmother. The case raised questions about the use of corporal punishment and its legal limits. The court found that the stepmother had neglected one child through excessive corporal punishment…
Permanency hearings are critical in child welfare cases, ensuring that children placed in the care of social services have stable and appropriate long-term plans. In Matter of Malazah W. and Malikah W., the Family Court addressed the permanency goal for two children removed from their mother’s care due to neglect.…
In a case addressing allegations of sexual abuse and derivative neglect, the Family Court, Richmond County, issued an order that found Alquiber R., Sr., responsible for sexually abusing his stepson, Joshua P., and derivatively neglecting his two biological children, Luis P. and Alquiber R. The decision underscores the court’s role…