§ 374-d. Authority to operate public institutions for children. A
social services official who is authorized to place children in family
homes and institutions, pursuant to section three hundred ninety-eight,
may be authorized by the department to operate public institutions for
children in compliance with regulations of the department, provided that
such official demonstrates to the satisfaction of the department the
need therefor and that suitable care is not otherwise available for
children under the care of such official. Such institutions shall be
subject to supervision, visitation and inspection by the department and
shall also be subject to visitation and inspection by the board.