LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FROM ALBANY
(Posted:  11/5/03)

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Assembly Passes Clergy Reporting
This bill would add clergy to the list of individuals who are required by law to inform the state child abuse hotline when they become aware of these types of incidences. The measure also would require information of abuse committed by an official of a religious organization be reported to law enforcement.

The bill also would mandate that church organizations review their records over the past 20 years for reports of child abuse by clergy members who continue to provide services to their religious institution. The measure would charge violators who fail to report incidents of child abuse with a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail. The bill was delivered to the Senate. (A.1516; Passed Assembly)

Relinquishing Custody of Disabled Children
This bill would allow parents to seek and obtain the necessary services for their disabled children without having to relinquish custody, as the current law now requires. (A.5320; Passed Assembly/S.3843; Rules)

Dual Track Response Demonstration Project
This bill would create the Dual Track Response Demonstration Project, conceived as an innovative program for the delivery of child welfare services by localities. The legislation aims to establish a more effective and flexible way for counties to provide services to children and families when child abuse has been reported. (A.5315-B/S.4542-B; Passed Both Houses)

Grandparent Custody Standing
This bill would clarify the circumstances under which a grandparent can obtain standing in a custody proceeding regarding his or her grandchild or grandchildren. (A.8302-B/S.4224-A; Passed Both Houses)