A. 5612 2
§ 3. Section 501 of the executive law is amended by adding two new
subdivisions 7-a and 12-a to read as follows:
7-A. TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISSEMINATION OF RECORDS, FILES AND PAPERS
PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION THREE OF SECTION FIVE HUNDRED ONE-C OF THIS
TITLE, PARAGRAPH ONE OF SUBDIVISION (B) OF SECTION ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-SIX
OF THE FAMILY COURT ACT, PARAGRAPH (A) OF SUBDIVISION FIVE OF SECTION
720.35 OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE LAW AND PARAGRAPH (A) OF SUBDIVISION
TWO OF SECTION 725.15 OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE LAW.
12-A. TO ESTABLISH AND PROVIDE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A COURSE OF
TRAINING TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL STAFF MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBLE
FOR THE CARE, CUSTODY, TREATMENT, HOUSING, EDUCATION, REHABILITATION OR
GUIDANCE OF CHILDREN IN FACILITIES IN WHICH CHILDREN ARE PLACED OR
COMMITTED BY THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES. THE COMMISSION-
ER OF SUCH OFFICE SHALL ESTABLISH PROGRAMS FOR PREEMPLOYMENT TRAINING
AND IN SERVICE STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING. ALL SUCH TRAINING SHALL
INCLUDE INSTRUCTION IN CHILD ABUSE AND MALTREATMENT PREVENTION AND IDEN-
TIFICATION; STAFF ABUSE PREVENTION AND IDENTIFICATION; SAFETY AND SECU-
RITY PROCEDURES; THE PRINCIPLES OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT; THE USE OF PHYS-
ICAL INTERVENTION; TECHNIQUES OF GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL CHILD MANAGEMENT;
GANG AWARENESS; ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE PROCEDURES; CONFLICT RESOLUTION;
AND THE LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN
FROM ABUSE AND MALTREATMENT. SUCH COMMISSIONER SHALL ENSURE THAT ALL
TRAINING CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO THIS SUBDIVISION IS EVIDENCE BASED, AND
EVALUATED AND UPDATED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS. THE FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE
TRAINING REQUIRED BY THIS SUBDIVISION SHALL CONSTITUTE NEGLECT OF DUTY
FOR WHICH THE GOVERNOR MAY REMOVE THE COMMISSIONER OF CHILDREN AND FAMI-
LY SERVICES FROM OFFICE.
§ 4. Section 501-c of the executive law is amended by adding a new
subdivision 3 to read as follows:
3. NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION,
THE RECORDS AND FILES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, UNUSUAL INCIDENT
REPORTS, MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY REPORTS, AND
PROGRESS REPORTS, OF EACH JUVENILE DELINQUENT, JUVENILE OFFENDER OR
YOUTHFUL OFFENDER PLACED WITH OR COMMITTED TO THE CUSTODY OF THE OFFICE
OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE:
(A) TO THE STAFF MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE FACILITY, WHETHER OPER-
ATED BY SUCH OFFICE OR NOT, IN WHICH THE DELINQUENT OR OFFENDER IS
PLACED OR COMMITTED, WHEN THE STAFF MEMBER OR EMPLOYEE IS RESPONSIBLE
FOR THE CARE, CUSTODY, TREATMENT, HOUSING, EDUCATION, REHABILITATION OR
GUIDANCE OF THE AFFECTED YOUTH;
(B) IN THE EVENT SUCH DELINQUENT OR OFFENDER ENGAGES IN CONDUCT OR
COMMITS AN ACT WHICH WOULD CONSTITUTE A CRIME DEFINED IN THE PENAL LAW
IF THE YOUTH WAS AN ADULT OR COMMITS A CRIME DEFINED IN THE PENAL LAW,
TO THE COURT, THE PRESENTMENT AGENCY OR DISTRICT ATTORNEY, AND THE
ATTORNEY REPRESENTING THE YOUTH UPON THE FILING OF CHARGES AGAINST THE
YOUTH RELATING TO SUCH CRIME; AND
(C) TO ANY FOSTER PARENTS HAVING CUSTODY OF SUCH DELINQUENT OR OFFEN-
DER AFTER RELEASE FROM THE CUSTODY OF THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY
SERVICES, EXCLUDING MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY REPORTS.
§ 5. The executive law is amended by adding a new section 501-i to
read as follows:
§ 501-I. CUSTODY, CONTROL AND DISCHARGE OF DETAINED YOUTH. 1. PLACE-
MENT. THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES SHALL PLACE EACH YOUTH
COMMITTED TO ITS CUSTODY UPON THE BASIS OF SUCH YOUTH'S RISK ASSESSMENT
VALUE AS SET FORTH IN SUBDIVISION THREE OF THIS SECTION. PROVIDED, THAT
NO YOUTH CONVICTED OF OR ADJUDICATED AS HAVING COMMITTED A DESIGNATED
A. 5612 3
FELONY, OR FOUND TO HAVE COMMITTED TWO OR MORE LEVEL C RULE VIOLATIONS
WHILE IN CUSTODY, OR FOUND TO HAVE COMMITTED FOUR OR MORE LEVEL B RULE
VIOLATIONS WITHIN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS SHALL BE AUTHORIZED TO BE
PLACED IN ANY PROGRAM OR FACILITY THAT IS NOT DESIGNATED AS A SECURE
FACILITY. FURTHERMORE, NO YOUTH HAVING A RISK LEVEL OF III SHALL BE
PLACED IN ANY PROGRAM LICENSED, REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED BY THE OFFICE OF
CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES WHICH IS NOT A SECURE FACILITY.
2. MOVEMENT TO LOWER LEVEL OF CUSTODY. PRIOR TO THE MOVEMENT OF ANY
YOUTH TO A LOWER LEVEL OF CUSTODY, A RISK ASSESSMENT SHALL BE CONDUCTED
FOR SUCH YOUTH. SUCH ASSESSMENT SHALL BE COMPLETED BY THE STAFF CHARGED
WITH THE DAILY CARE AND CUSTODY OF THE YOUTH. UPON COMPLETION OF A RISK
ASSESSMENT OF A YOUTH, THE FACILITY OR PROGRAM WHICH WILL RECEIVE SUCH
YOUTH SHALL VERIFY WHETHER IT MEETS THE STAFFING REQUIREMENTS OF SUBDI-
VISION SIX OF THIS SECTION.
3. RISK ASSESSMENT. THE COMMISSIONER OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES,
OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE, SHALL ESTABLISH A RISK ASSESSMENT VALUE FOR EACH
YOUTH COMMITTED TO THE CUSTODY OF THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY
SERVICES. THE RISK ASSESSMENT VALUE OF EACH YOUTH SHALL BE DERIVED BY
ADDING THE YOUTH'S FACTORS FOR FACILITY RULE VIOLATIONS TO HIS OR HER
PRIOR OFFENSE HISTORY, AND SUBTRACTING THEREFROM HIS OR HER MITIGATING
FACTORS.
(A) FACILITY RULE FACTORS SHALL BE DETERMINED BY:
(I) THE NUMBER OF LEVEL B RULE VIOLATIONS MULTIPLIED BY TWO; AND
(II) THE NUMBER OF LEVEL C RULE VIOLATIONS MULTIPLIED BY THREE.
(B) PRIOR OFFENSE HISTORY FACTOR SHALL BE DETERMINED BY:
(I) THE NUMBER OF OPEN OR PRIOR JUVENILE DELINQUENCY DETERMINATIONS
WITHIN THE PREVIOUS THREE YEARS: ONE POINT PER OFFENSE, BUT NOT TO
EXCEED THREE POINTS;
(II) THE NUMBER OF OFFENSES PENDING PROSECUTION BY THE COUNTY ATTOR-
NEY: ONE POINT PER OFFENSE, BUT NOT TO EXCEED THREE POINTS;
(III) A PENDING FAMILY COURT FELONY OFFENSE: FOUR POINTS;
(IV) A PENDING FAMILY COURT MISDEMEANOR OFFENSE: ONE POINT PER
OFFENSE, BUT NOT TO EXCEED THREE POINTS;
(V) A PAST FELONY ADJUDICATION WITHIN THE PREVIOUS THREE YEARS: FIVE
POINTS;
(VI) TWO OR MORE MISDEMEANOR ADJUDICATIONS WITHIN THE PREVIOUS THREE
YEARS: THREE POINTS; AND
(VII) ONE MISDEMEANOR ADJUDICATION WITHIN THE PREVIOUS THREE YEARS:
ONE POINT.
(C) MITIGATING FACTOR SHALL BE DETERMINED BY:
(I) THE LACK OF PRIOR ARRESTS OR ADJUDICATIONS: ONE POINT;
(II) NOT BEING SUBJECT TO A PERSON IN NEED OF SUPERVISION PROCEEDING
WITHIN THE PREVIOUS THREE YEARS: ONE POINT;
(III) CURRENTLY ACTIVELY COOPERATING IN COUNSELING, PREVENTION,
SERVICES OR A PROGRAM: ONE POINT.
4. DEFINITIONS. AS USED IN THIS ARTICLE:
(A) "DESIGNATED FELONY" SHALL MEAN AND INCLUDE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING
FELONIES DEFINED IN THE PENAL LAW: MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE, MURDER IN
THE SECOND DEGREE, MANSLAUGHTER IN THE FIRST DEGREE, MANSLAUGHTER IN THE
SECOND DEGREE, KIDNAPPING IN THE FIRST DEGREE, ARSON IN THE FIRST
DEGREE, ASSAULT IN THE FIRST DEGREE, GANG ASSAULT IN THE FIRST DEGREE,
ARSON IN THE SECOND DEGREE, ROBBERY IN THE FIRST DEGREE, GANG ASSAULT IN
THE SECOND DEGREE, AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE FIRST DEGREE, RAPE IN
THE FIRST DEGREE, CRIMINAL SEXUAL ACT IN THE FIRST DEGREE, BURGLARY IN
THE FIRST DEGREE.
A. 5612 4
(B) "DESIGNATED RISK LEVEL" SHALL MEAN AN ASSESSMENT OF EACH YOUTH
COMMITTED TO THE CUSTODY OF THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES,
IN WHICH, IN LIGHT OF ALL AVAILABLE RECORDS, THE NUMBER AND TYPES OF
OFFENSES AND RULE VIOLATIONS COMMITTED BY SUCH YOUTH WHILE IN THE CARE
AND CUSTODY OF THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES AND IN ANY
PROGRAM LICENSED, REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED BY SUCH OFFICE, AND PREVIOUS
CRIMINAL AND JUVENILE DELINQUENCY DETERMINATIONS, SUCH YOUTH IS DETER-
MINED TO PRESENT A LOW, MODERATE OR HIGH RISK OF COMMITTING ANOTHER
CRIME DEFINED IN THE PENAL LAW OR WHICH WOULD CONSTITUTE SUCH A CRIME IF
COMMITTED BY AN ADULT, OR POSES A THREAT TO THE SAFETY OF HIMSELF OR
HERSELF OR OTHERS.
(I) "RISK LEVEL I" MEANS A YOUTH HAS A LOW RISK OF REPEATING OR
COMMITTING ADDITIONAL OFFENSES OR RULE VIOLATIONS, OR POSES NO DANGER TO
PUBLIC SAFETY. A YOUTH DETERMINED TO HAVE A RISK LEVEL OF I SHALL HAVE A
RISK FACTOR OF THREE POINTS OR LESS.
(II) "RISK LEVEL II" MEANS A YOUTH HAS A MODERATE RISK OF REPEATING OR
COMMITTING ADDITIONAL OFFENSES OR RULE VIOLATIONS, OR POSES A MODERATE
THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY. A YOUTH DETERMINED TO HAVE A RISK LEVEL OF II
SHALL HAVE A RISK FACTOR OF BETWEEN FOUR AND EIGHT POINTS.
(III) "RISK LEVEL III" MEANS A YOUTH HAS A HIGH RISK OF REPEATING OR
COMMITTING ADDITIONAL OFFENSES OR RULE VIOLATIONS, OR POSES A SERIOUS
THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY. A YOUTH DETERMINED TO BE A RISK LEVEL OF III
SHALL HAVE A RISK FACTOR OF NINE OR MORE POINTS.
(C) "EGREGIOUS ACT" SHALL MEAN AN ACT WHICH IS CONSPICUOUSLY OFFEN-
SIVE, INTENTIONAL OR BLATANT.
(D) "PERSISTENT PATTERN" SHALL MEAN A COURSE OF CONDUCT THAT IS INTEN-
TIONALLY REPETITIVE.
5. RULE VIOLATIONS. (A) A YOUTH IS GUILTY OF A LEVEL B VIOLATION WHEN
HE OR SHE:
(I) ATTEMPTS TO, CONSPIRES TO OR ACTS AS AN ACCESSORY TO AN ESCAPE
ATTEMPT FROM ANY FACILITY, PROGRAM OR CUSTODY;
(II) WITHHOLDS INFORMATION ABOUT AN ATTEMPTED ESCAPE OR ABSENCE WITH-
OUT LEAVE;
(III) ENGAGES IN ANY VIOLENT CONDUCT INVOLVING THE THREAT OF VIOLENCE;
(IV) PRACTICES OR INSTRUCTS OTHERS IN MARTIAL ARTS, SPARRING OR SELF
DEFENSE TECHNIQUES;
(V) ENGAGES IN GANG-RELATED HAND, VERBAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION;
(VI) INTENTIONALLY EXPOSES THE PRIVATE PARTS OF THEIR BODIES;
(VII) MAKES ANY THREAT VERBALLY, IN WRITING OR BY GESTURE TO ANY
PERSON;
(VIII) POSSESSES UNAUTHORIZED SECURITY-RELATED EQUIPMENT SUCH AS KEYS,
VEHICULAR KEYS, COMMUNICATION DEVICES OR RESTRAINT EQUIPMENT;
(IX) MAKES, USES, POSSESSES, SELLS OR EXCHANGES, OR IS UNDER THE
INFLUENCE OF ANY ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE OR INTOXICANT;
(X) MAKES, USES, POSSESSES, SELLS OR EXCHANGES, OR IS UNDER THE INFLU-
ENCE OF ANY NARCOTIC, NARCOTIC PARAPHERNALIA OR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE;
(XI) POSSESSES OUTDATED OR UNAUTHORIZED TYPES OR QUANTITIES OF MEDICA-
TION;
(XII) SELLS OUTDATED OR UNAUTHORIZED TYPES OR QUANTITIES OF MEDICA-
TION;
(XIII) ATTEMPTS TO SMUGGLE OR ATTEMPTS TO SOLICIT OTHERS TO SMUGGLE
ANY ITEM INTO OR OUT OF A FACILITY OR PROGRAM OR FROM ONE FACILITY OR
PROGRAM AREA TO ANOTHER;
(XIV) ENGAGES IN ANY VERBAL BEHAVIOR WHICH INTERFERES WITH THE SECURE
AND ORDERLY OPERATION OF THE FACILITY;
A. 5612 5
(XV) ENGAGES IN ANY VERBAL BEHAVIOR WHICH MAY RESULT IN INJURY TO
STAFF OR RESIDENTS;
(XVI) ENGAGES IN ANY PHYSICAL, PERSISTENT OR EGREGIOUS BEHAVIOR WHICH
INTERFERES WITH THE SECURE AND ORDERLY OPERATION OF THE FACILITY;
(XVII) ENGAGES IN ANY PHYSICAL, PERSISTENT OR EGREGIOUS BEHAVIOR WHICH
MAY RESULT IN INJURY TO STAFF OR RESIDENTS;
(XVIII) SPITS, URINATES OR DEFECATES ON THE FLOOR OR ANY OTHER AREA;
(XIX) THROWS URINE OR FECES OR SANITARY ITEMS;
(XX) FAILS TO COMPLY OR OTHERWISE DISRUPTS FACILITY AND PROGRAM COUNT
PROCEDURES;
(XXI) MUTILATES OR DEFACES HIS OR HER BODY, OR ENGAGES IN THE MUTILA-
TION OR DEFACEMENT OF ANOTHER PERSON'S BODY; OR
(XXII) ENGAGES IN A PERSISTENT PATTERN OF INFRACTIONS AND FAILS TO
RESPOND TO SANCTIONS PREVIOUSLY IMPOSED BY AN INDIVIDUAL CHARGED WITH
SUCH YOUTH'S CARE OR CUSTODY.
(B) A YOUTH IS GUILTY OF A LEVEL C VIOLATION WHEN HE OR SHE:
(I) COMMITS OR ATTEMPTS TO COMMIT ANY OFFENSE DEFINED IN THE PENAL
LAW;
(II) STARTS OR ATTEMPTS TO START A FIRE, WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION;
(III) CAUSES OR ATTEMPTS TO CAUSE AN EXPLOSION;
(IV) POSSESSES AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE OR MATERIALS WHICH CAN BE USED TO
MAKE AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE;
(V) INFLICTS OR ATTEMPTS TO INFLICT BODILY HARM UPON ANOTHER RESIDENT,
A STAFF MEMBER OR ANY OTHER PERSON;
(VI) ENGAGES IN FIGHTING;
(VII) CONSPIRES OR TAKES ANY ACTION WHICH IS INTENDED TO OR RESULTS IN
THE TAKEOVER OF ANY AREA OF A FACILITY OR PROGRAM, OR, ACTING IN A
GROUP, ENGAGES IN ANY VIOLENT CONDUCT OR CONDUCT INVOLVING THE THREAT OF
VIOLENCE;
(VIII) ENGAGES WITH OTHERS IN ANY VIOLENT CONDUCT OR THREAT OF
VIOLENCE;
(IX) LEADS, ORGANIZES OR URGES OTHER RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN
ACTIONS DETRIMENTAL TO THE ORDER OF A FACILITY OR PROGRAM;
(X) ENGAGES IN OR ENCOURAGES OTHERS TO ENGAGE IN UNAUTHORIZED ORGAN-
IZATIONAL ACTIVITIES OR MEETINGS;
(XI) DISPLAYS, WEARS, POSSESSES, DISTRIBUTES OR USES UNAUTHORIZED
ORGANIZATIONAL INSIGNIA OR MATERIALS;
(XII) MAKES, POSSESSES, SELLS, EXCHANGES OR USES ANY GUN, FIREARM OR
AMMUNITION, KNIFE, RAZOR, SHARPENED INSTRUMENT, TOOL OR OTHER ITEM CLAS-
SIFIED AS A WEAPON BY USE OR APPEARANCE;
(XIII) CONSPIRES TO, IS AN ACCESSORY TO OR COMMITS ESCAPE FROM ANY
PROGRAM OR CUSTODY, OR WITHHOLDS INFORMATION ABOUT AN ESCAPE OR ABSENCE
WITHOUT LEAVE;
(XIV) INTENTIONALLY FAILS OR ATTEMPTS TO FAIL TO RETURN AT OR BEFORE
THE TIME PRESCRIBED FOR HIS OR HER RETURN;
(XV) ENGAGES IN, ENCOURAGES, SOLICITS OR ATTEMPTS TO FORCE OTHERS TO
ENGAGE IN SEXUAL ACTS OR GESTURES;
(XVI) TAMPERS WITH OR THREATENS WITNESSES OR INFORMANTS IN ANY INVES-
TIGATION; OR
(XVII) POSSESSES TOOLS, CULINARY INSTRUMENTS OR OTHER ITEMS THAT MAY
BE CLASSIFIED AS WEAPONS BY USE OR APPEARANCE WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION.
6. STAFFING. PROGRAMS OPERATED, LICENSED, CERTIFIED OR REGISTERED BY
THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES SHALL COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOW-
ING STAFFING REQUIREMENTS:
A. 5612 6
(A) THOSE PROGRAMS ACCEPTING YOUTHS WITH RISK LEVEL I ASSESSMENTS
SHALL HAVE STAFFING SUFFICIENT TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE EMPLOYEES AND
RESIDENTS OF THE PROGRAM.
(B) THOSE PROGRAMS ACCEPTING YOUTHS WITH RISK LEVEL II ASSESSMENTS
SHALL HAVE STAFFING SUFFICIENT TO ENSURE THAT NO EMPLOYEE SHALL BE
REQUIRED TO SUPERVISE NO MORE THAN ONE SUCH YOUTH, UNLESS THE EMPLOYEE
IS ACCOMPANIED BY NOT LESS THAN ONE OTHER EMPLOYEE OF THE PROGRAM OR
ANOTHER APPROPRIATE PERSON.
(C) THOSE PROGRAMS ACCEPTING YOUTHS WITH RISK LEVEL III ASSESSMENTS
SHALL BE SECURE OR LIMITED SECURE FACILITIES.
§ 6. Subdivision 4 of section 504 of the executive law, as amended by
chapter 687 of the laws of 1993, is amended to read as follows:
4. The [division] OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES shall deter-
mine, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION FIVE HUNDRED ONE-I OF THIS
ARTICLE, the particular [division] OFFICE facility or program in which a
child placed with [the division] SUCH OFFICE shall be cared for, based
upon an evaluation of such child. The [division] OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND
FAMILY SERVICES shall, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION FIVE HUNDRED
ONE-I OF THIS ARTICLE AND AFTER A COMPLETE REVIEW OF THE RECORDS AND
FILES OF A CHILD, also have authority to discharge or conditionally
release children placed with it and to transfer such children from a
limited secure or non-secure facility to any other limited secure or
non-secure facility, when the interest of such children requires such
action; provided that a child transferred to a non-secure facility from
a limited secure facility may be returned to a limited secure facility
upon a determination by the [division] OFFICE that, for any reason, care
and treatment at the non-secure facility is no longer suitable.
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT NO SUCH DISCHARGE, RELEASE OR TRANSFER SHALL BE
AUTHORIZED IF THE CHILD'S RECORDS AND FILES INCLUDE (A) TWO OR MORE
LEVEL C RULE VIOLATIONS WITHIN THREE MONTHS PRIOR TO A PROPOSED PLACE-
MENT IN A LESS SECURE FACILITY, OR (B) FOUR OR MORE LEVEL B RULE
VIOLATIONS WITHIN THREE MONTHS PRIOR TO A PROPOSED PLACEMENT IN A LESS
SECURE FACILITY, OR (C) NOTATION OF ANY CONDUCT OR ACT COMMITTED BY SUCH
CHILD WHICH WOULD CONSTITUTE A CRIME DEFINED IN THE PENAL LAW IF COMMIT-
TED BY AN ADULT.
§ 7. Section 507-a of the executive law is amended by adding a new
subdivision 6 to read as follows:
6. THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES NOT LESS THAN TEN DAYS
BEFORE THE MOVEMENT OF ANY YOUTH, COMMITTED TO THE CUSTODY OR SUPER-
VISION OF SUCH OFFICE, TO ANY FACILITY OR PROGRAM OPERATED, LICENSED,
REGISTERED, CERTIFIED OR AUTHORIZED BY THE OFFICE, SHALL PROVIDE NOTICE
OF THE MOVEMENT OF SUCH YOUTH TO THE DIVISION OF STATE POLICE AND THE
LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY HAVING JURISDICTION OVER THE FACILITY OR
PROGRAM TO WHICH THE YOUTH IS TO BE MOVED. SUCH NOTICE SHALL INCLUDE,
BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, REPORTS OF THE YOUTH'S PRIOR ASSAULTS, ACTS OF
VIOLENCE, ATTEMPTED SUICIDES, ESCAPES AND ATTEMPTED ESCAPES WHILE IN THE
CARE AND CUSTODY OF THE OFFICE, AND CRIMINAL CHARGES.
§ 8. Title 2 of article 19-G of the executive law is amended by adding
a new section 510 to read as follows:
§ 510. REPORTS OF YOUTH CRIMINAL ACTIVITY; REQUIRED. 1. (A) EVERY
OFFICER AND EMPLOYEE OF A FACILITY OR PROGRAM, THAT IS SUBJECT TO THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE, SHALL REPORT OR CAUSE A REPORT TO BE MADE TO A
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY HAVING JURISDICTION WHEN SUCH OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE
HAS REASONABLE CAUSE TO SUSPECT BASED UPON PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE OF FACTS,
CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES THAT A YOUTH IN SUCH FACILITY OR PROGRAM HAS
COMMITTED AN ACT, WHICH IF THE YOUTH WAS AN ADULT, WOULD BE A CRIME
A. 5612 7
DEFINED IN THE PENAL LAW, OR HAS COMMITTED A CRIME DEFINED IN THE PENAL
LAW.
(B) AFTER SUBMITTING A REPORT TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY HAVING
JURISDICTION, THE OFFICER AND EMPLOYEE SHALL PROVIDE NOTICE THEREOF TO
HIS OR HER EMPLOYER AND TO THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES.
NEITHER OPERATOR OF A FACILITY OR PROGRAM THAT IS SUBJECT TO THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE, NOR THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES
SHALL DENY A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY ACCESS TO ANY PROGRAM, FACILITY,
OFFICER, EMPLOYEE OR YOUTH WHILE SUCH AGENCY IS IN THE COURSE OF AN
INVESTIGATION RELATING TO A REPORT SUBMITTED PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (A)
OF THIS SUBDIVISION.
(C) NO OPERATOR OF A PROGRAM OR FACILITY LICENSED, REGISTERED OR
CERTIFIED BY THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES SHALL TAKE ANY
RETALIATORY PERSONNEL ACTION, AS SUCH TERM IS DEFINED IN PARAGRAPH (E)
OF SUBDIVISION ONE OF SECTION SEVEN HUNDRED FORTY OF THE LABOR LAW,
AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE BECAUSE SUCH EMPLOYEE BELIEVES THAT HE OR SHE HAS
REASONABLE CAUSE TO SUSPECT THAT A YOUTH HAS COMMITTED A CRIMINAL ACT
AND THAT EMPLOYEE THEREFORE MAKES A REPORT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS
TITLE. NO FACILITY OR PROGRAM, LICENSED, REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED BY SUCH
OFFICE SHALL IMPOSE ANY CONDITIONS, INCLUDING PRIOR APPROVAL OR PRIOR
NOTIFICATION, UPON A MEMBER OF ITS STAFF SPECIFICALLY REQUIRED TO REPORT
UNDER THIS TITLE. AT THE TIME OF THE MAKING OF A REPORT, OR AT ANY TIME
THEREAFTER, SUCH PERSON OR OFFICIAL MAY EXERCISE THE RIGHT TO REQUEST
THE FINDINGS OF AN INVESTIGATION MADE PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION.
2. ANY PERSON, OFFICIAL OR INSTITUTION REQUIRED BY THIS TITLE TO
REPORT A YOUTH'S CRIMINAL ACT WHO WILLFULLY CONCEALS THE COMMISSION OF
SUCH CRIME SHALL BE GUILTY OF A CLASS A MISDEMEANOR.
3. ANY PERSON, OFFICIAL OR INSTITUTION REQUIRED BY THIS TITLE TO
REPORT A YOUTH'S CRIMINAL ACT WHO KNOWINGLY CONCEALS THE COMMISSION OF
SUCH CRIME SHALL BE CIVILLY LIABLE FOR THE DAMAGES PROXIMATELY CAUSED BY
SUCH CONCEALMENT.
4. THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES SHALL INCLUDE INSTRUC-
TION ON THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION AS PART OF THE TRAINING REQUIRED
BY SUBDIVISION TWELVE-A OF SECTION FIVE HUNDRED ONE OF THIS ARTICLE.
§ 9. Subdivision 1 of section 510-c of the executive law, as amended
by chapter 465 of the laws of 1992, is amended to read as follows:
1. The [division] OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES may, SUBJECT
TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION FIVE HUNDRED ONE-I OF THIS ARTICLE AND
AFTER A COMPLETE REVIEW OF THE RECORDS AND THE FILES OF A CHILD,
discharge from its custody any child placed with the [division] OFFICE
whenever it deems such discharge to be in the best interest of the child
and there is reasonable probability that the child can be discharged
without endangering the public safety; provided, however, that no child
while absent from [a division] AN OFFICE facility without the consent of
the director of such facility shall be discharged by the [division]
OFFICE solely by reason of the absence[, and]; provided further that no
child in the custody of the [division] OFFICE and transferred to the
department of mental hygiene, while absent from a department of mental
hygiene facility without the consent of the superintendent or director
of such facility, shall be discharged by the [division]OFFICE; AND
PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT NO CHILD SHALL BE DISCHARGED IF HIS OR HER
RECORDS AND FILES INCLUDE (A) TWO OR MORE LEVEL C RULE VIOLATIONS WITHIN
THREE MONTHS PRIOR TO A PROPOSED PLACEMENT IN A LESS SECURE FACILITY, OR
(B) FOUR OR MORE LEVEL B RULE VIOLATIONS WITHIN THREE MONTHS PRIOR TO A
PROPOSED PLACEMENT IN A LESS SECURE FACILITY, OR (C) NOTATION OF ANY
A. 5612 8
CONDUCT OR ACT COMMITTED BY SUCH CHILD WHICH WOULD CONSTITUTE A DESIG-
NATED FELONY CRIME DEFINED IN THE PENAL LAW IF COMMITTED BY AN ADULT.
§ 10. Section 837 of the executive law is amended by adding a new
subdivision 21 to read as follows:
21. ESTABLISH RULES AND REGULATIONS REQUIRING, UPON REQUEST OF THE
OPERATOR OF A FACILITY OR PROGRAM LICENSED, REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED BY
THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES, WHEN A YOUTH HAS ABSENTED
HIMSELF OR HERSELF FROM SUCH FACILITY OR PROGRAM WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION,
THAT A POLICE OFFICER HAVING JURISDICTION ESCORT AN EMPLOYEE OF SUCH
FACILITY OR PROGRAM TO THE ABSENT YOUTH'S PLACE OF RESIDENCE TO INVESTI-
GATE WHERE SUCH YOUTH HAS FLED. EVERY SUCH POLICE OFFICER SHALL ASSIST
THE EMPLOYEE IN TAKING THE YOUTH INTO CUSTODY AND RETURNING THE YOUTH TO
THE FACILITY OR PROGRAM TO WHICH THE YOUTH IS ASSIGNED.
§ 11. Section 166 of the family court act is amended to read as
follows:
§ 166. Privacy of records. (A) The records of any proceeding in the
family court shall not be open to indiscriminate public inspection.
However, the court in its discretion in any case may permit the
inspection of any papers or records. Any duly authorized agency, associ-
ation, society or institution to which a child is committed may cause an
inspection of the record of investigation to be had and may in the
discretion of the court obtain a copy of the whole or part of such
record.
(B) NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF SUBDIVISION (A) OF THIS SECTION,
THE RECORDS OF EVERY JUVENILE DELINQUENCY PROCEEDING IN THE FAMILY COURT
OF A PERSON, WHO IS PLACED WITH OR COMMITTED TO THE CUSTODY OF THE
OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES, SHALL BE OPEN TO AND BE
PROVIDED:
(1) TO THE STAFF MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE FACILITY, WHETHER OPER-
ATED BY SUCH OFFICE OR NOT, IN WHICH SUCH PERSON IS PLACED OR COMMITTED
AS A JUVENILE DELINQUENT, JUVENILE OFFENDER OR YOUTHFUL OFFENDER BY THE
OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES WHEN THE STAFF MEMBER OR EMPLOYEE
IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CARE, CUSTODY, TREATMENT, HOUSING, EDUCATION,
REHABILITATION OR GUIDANCE OF THE PERSON;
(2) IN THE EVENT SUCH PERSON ENGAGES IN CONDUCT OR COMMITS AN ACT
WHICH WOULD CONSTITUTE A CRIME DEFINED IN THE PENAL LAW IF THE PERSON
WAS AN ADULT OR COMMITS A CRIME DEFINED IN THE PENAL LAW, TO THE COURT,
THE PRESENTMENT AGENCY OR DISTRICT ATTORNEY, AND SUCH PERSON'S ATTORNEY
UPON THE FILING OF CHARGES AGAINST THE PERSON RELATING TO SUCH CRIME;
AND
(3) TO ANY FOSTER PARENTS HAVING CUSTODY OF SUCH PERSON AFTER RELEASE
FROM THE CUSTODY OF THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES.
§ 12. Section 720.35 of the criminal procedure law is amended by
adding a new subdivision 5 to read as follows:
5. NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION,
ALL OFFICIAL RECORDS AND PAPERS OF A YOUTHFUL OFFENDER, WHO IS COMMITTED
TO THE CUSTODY OF THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES SHALL BE
OPEN TO AND BE PROVIDED TO:
(A) THE STAFF MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE FACILITY, WHETHER OPERATED
BY SUCH OFFICE OR NOT, IN WHICH THE OFFENDER IS COMMITTED BY THE OFFICE
OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES WHEN THE STAFF MEMBER OR EMPLOYEE IS
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CARE, CUSTODY, TREATMENT, HOUSING, EDUCATION, REHA-
BILITATION OR GUIDANCE OF THE YOUTHFUL OFFENDER;
(B) IN THE EVENT THE YOUTHFUL OFFENDER COMMITS A CRIME DEFINED IN THE
PENAL LAW, TO THE COURT, THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY, AND THE YOUTHFUL
A. 5612 9
OFFENDER'S ATTORNEY UPON THE FILING OF CHARGES AGAINST SUCH OFFENDER
RELATING TO SUCH CRIME; AND
(C) TO ANY FOSTER PARENTS HAVING CUSTODY OF SUCH YOUTHFUL OFFENDER
AFTER RELEASE FROM THE CUSTODY OF THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY
SERVICES.
§ 13. Section 725.15 of the criminal procedure law, as amended by
chapter 7 of the laws of 2007, is amended to read as follows:
§ 725.15 Sealing of records.
1. Except where specifically required or permitted by statute or upon
specific authorization of the court that directed removal of an action
to the family court all official records and papers of the action up to
and including the order of removal, whether on file with the court, a
police agency or the division of criminal justice services, are confi-
dential and must not be made available to any person or public or
private agency, provided however that availability of copies of any such
records and papers on file with the family court shall be governed by
provisions that apply to family court records, and further provided that
all official records and papers of the action shall be included in those
records and reports that may be obtained upon request by the commission-
er of mental health or commissioner of [mental retardation and] develop-
mental disabilities, as appropriate; the case review panel; and the
attorney general pursuant to section 10.05 of the mental hygiene law.
2. NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION,
ALL OFFICIAL RECORDS AND PAPERS OF AN ACTION RELATING TO A JUVENILE
OFFENDER, WHO IS PLACED WITH THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES
SHALL BE OPEN TO AND BE PROVIDED:
(A) TO THE STAFF MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE FACILITY, WHETHER OPER-
ATED BY SUCH OFFICE OR NOT, IN WHICH THE OFFENDER IS PLACED BY THE
OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES WHEN THE STAFF MEMBER OR EMPLOYEE
IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CARE, CUSTODY, TREATMENT, HOUSING, EDUCATION,
REHABILITATION OR GUIDANCE OF THE JUVENILE OFFENDER;
(B) IN THE EVENT THE JUVENILE OFFENDER ENGAGES IN CONDUCT OR COMMITS
AN ACT WHICH WOULD CONSTITUTE A CRIME DEFINED IN THE PENAL LAW IF THE
OFFENDER WAS AN ADULT OR COMMITS A CRIME DEFINED IN THE PENAL LAW, TO
THE COURT, THE PRESENTMENT AGENCY OR DISTRICT ATTORNEY, AND SUCH
OFFENDER'S ATTORNEY UPON THE FILING OF CHARGES AGAINST THE JUVENILE
OFFENDER RELATING TO SUCH CRIME; AND
(C) TO ANY FOSTER PARENTS HAVING CUSTODY OF SUCH JUVENILE OFFENDER
AFTER RELEASE FROM THE CUSTODY OF THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY
SERVICES.
§ 14. Subdivision 2 of section 212 of the judiciary law is amended by
adding a new paragraph (u) to read as follows:
(U) ADOPT RULES, ORDERS AND FORMS PROVIDING FOR THE PROVISION OF THE
OFFICIAL RECORDS AND PAPERS OF JUVENILE DELINQUENTS, JUVENILE OFFENDERS
AND YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION (A) OF SECTION ONE
HUNDRED SIXTY-SIX OF THE FAMILY COURT ACT, SUBDIVISION FIVE OF SECTION
720.35 OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE LAW, AND SUBDIVISION TWO OF SECTION
725.15 OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE LAW.
§ 15. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section or
part of this act shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdic-
tion to be invalid and after exhaustion of all further judicial review,
the judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder there-
of, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence,
paragraph, section or part of this act directly involved in the contro-
versy in which the judgment shall have been rendered.
A. 5612 10
§ 16. This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeed-
ing the date on which it shall have become a law; provided that, effec-
tive immediately, any rules and regulations necessary to implement the
provisions of this act on its effective date are authorized to be
promulgated, repealed and/or amended on or before such date.