§ 235. Compensation and liability for support and care in counties
within the city of New York. (a) Upon the detention, placement or
commitment of a child by the family court in a county within the city of
New York to a public or private institution other than a shelter
maintained and conducted by a society for the prevention of cruelty to
children, the department of social services of the city of New York
shall investigate the ability of the parent of the child, or other
person legally chargeable, to contribute in whole or in part to the
expense incurred by the city of New York on account of the maintenance
of such child.

(b) If in the opinion of the department of social services such parent
or legal custodian is able to contribute in whole or in part the
commissioner of social services shall thereupon institute a proceeding
in the family court to compel such parent or person legally chargeable
to contribute such portion of such expense on account of maintenance of
such child as shall be proper and just.