Asm. Micah Lasher

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's Family Court Act to require courts to clearly explain the consequences of admitting to child abuse or neglect allegations before accepting such admissions. It specifies that a court's finding of abuse or neglect will remain on the State Central Register for 10 years after the youngest child in the case turns 18, unless vacated. Respondents cannot amend these records, and employers or child care agencies may access the records when screening for roles involving regular contact with children, unless the finding is for neglect and the report is at least 8 years old or deemed irrelevant in a prior review. The policy directly affects individuals facing abuse/neglect allegations in family court and the entities that conduct background checks for child-related positions.