Joint Statement on NY Court of Appeals Shadow Foster Care Decision

Joint Statement of Lawyers For Children, Legal Aid Society, Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, and Proskauer, on New York Court of Appeals Decision In the Matter of Lawyers For Children, et al., v. New York State Office of Children and Family Services et al.

“Today’s unanimous decision is a major victory for children and families across New York.

“The Court made clear that the State cannot separate families without due process and the protections required by law. Any program overseen by the state that removes children from their homes must include counsel, court oversight, and accountability. 

“This decision honors longstanding laws and policies that prevent children from being unnecessarily separated from their families and protects the rights of children and parents.”

Link to decision