New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A01234

Introduced
1/9/25  
Refer
1/9/25  

Caption

Requires child protective services to orally and in writing disclose certain information to parents and caretakers who are the subject of a child protective services investigation; requires such oral and written disclosure to contain certain information regarding the rights of the person under investigation.

Summary

Bill A01234 mandates that child protective services (CPS) provide parents and caretakers with specific information about their rights at the onset of an investigation into alleged child maltreatment or abuse. This information must be communicated both orally and in writing, in the preferred language of the parent or caretaker. The bill outlines various rights, including the right to refuse entry to CPS representatives, the right to be informed of allegations, and the right to legal counsel during questioning. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for documentation of this information being provided to the parent or caretaker.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will amend the social services law in New York to enhance transparency and protect the rights of parents and caretakers involved in CPS investigations. It will require CPS to implement new protocols for informing individuals of their rights, potentially leading to changes in how investigations are conducted and how families interact with CPS. This could also influence the legal landscape surrounding child welfare cases, as parents may be more informed and better equipped to navigate the process.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A01234 appears to be supportive among its sponsors and advocates for parental rights, as it aims to empower parents and ensure they are aware of their rights during potentially distressing investigations. However, there may be concerns from some child welfare advocates about the implications of such disclosures on the effectiveness and timeliness of investigations, particularly in cases involving imminent danger to children.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the balance between protecting parental rights and ensuring child safety. Some advocates for child welfare may argue that the bill could hinder the ability of CPS to act swiftly in cases where a child's safety is at risk, while proponents of the bill emphasize the importance of informed consent and parental rights during investigations. This tension highlights the ongoing debate about the role of CPS and the rights of families.

Companion Bills

NY S00551

Same As Requires child protective services to orally and in writing disclose certain information to parents and caretakers who are the subject of a child protective services investigation; requires such oral and written disclosure to contain certain information regarding the rights of the person under investigation.

Previously Filed As

NY S00901

Requires child protective services to orally and in writing disclose certain information to parents and caretakers who are the subject of a child protective services investigation; requires such oral and written disclosure to contain certain information regarding the rights of the person under investigation.

NY A01980

Requires child protective services to orally and in writing disclose certain information to parents and caretakers who are the subject of a child protective services investigation; requires such oral and written disclosure to contain certain information regarding the rights of the person under investigation.

NY S00551

Requires child protective services to orally and in writing disclose certain information to parents and caretakers who are the subject of a child protective services investigation; requires such oral and written disclosure to contain certain information regarding the rights of the person under investigation.

NY SB347

Adult Protective Services - Investigations and Disclosure of Information

NY HB542

Adult Protective Services - Investigations and Disclosure of Information

NY A4776

Establishes "Parents' Bill of Rights Act"; requires disclosure of certain information to parents and guardians.

NY HB2175

Requiring the secretary for children and families to notify the parent of a child who is the subject of an investigation of abuse or neglect of such parent's rights during such investigation and to complete a written report upon closing such an investigation, providing for an agreement between the parent of a child and the secretary if such child is removed from the home during an investigation of abuse or neglect and a parent to withhold certain information except when otherwise ordered by a court.

NY SB2459

Child Protection Services; require disclosure of reporter in certain cases of false abuse and neglect reports.

NY SB732

Permitting audio recording during Child Protective Services investigations

NY S2262

Requires affirmative written consent for certain entities to disclose individual's medical information regarding reproductive health care services, with limited exceptions, unless disclosure is necessary to provide those services.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.