{"id":2801,"date":"2025-02-27T16:06:02","date_gmt":"2025-02-27T21:06:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/?p=2801"},"modified":"2025-02-27T16:06:02","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T21:06:02","slug":"new-york-city-council-votes-to-provide-families-with-information-on-legal-services-in-the-event-of-an-acs-encounter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/2025\/02\/27\/2801\/","title":{"rendered":"New York City Council Votes to Provide Families with Information on Legal Services in the Event of an ACS Encounter"},"content":{"rendered":"

Council also voted on legislation to protect domestic violence survivors\u2019 ability to safely vote<\/em><\/p>\n

City Hall \u2013 <\/strong>Today, the New York City Council voted to pass legislation requiring the Administration for Children\u2019s Services (ACS) to provide families with information on legal services. As the city agency responsible for conducting child welfare investigations, ACS\u2019 invasive methods and disproportionate impact<\/a> on Black, Hispanic, and low-income families have long raised concerns. In 2022, a report<\/a> found that ACS caseworkers were granted permission to enter for less than 0.2% of full home searches that were conducted, partially due to many parents and guardians being unaware of their legal rights in the event of an encounter. This bill seeks to support families by providing them with relevant information on their legal rights.<\/p>\n

The Council also passed legislation to protect domestic violence survivors\u2019 abilities to safely exercise their right to vote. Survivors of domestic violence often face barriers to civic participation, including a lack of resources and clear information on how to use existing laws to protect their privacy and safety. This bill would expand awareness of existing policies and assist voters in utilizing them to make their voter records confidential and vote by special ballot to participate in the democratic process without fear for their safety.<\/p>\n

\u201cEmpowering parents and guardians to know their legal rights is vital, especially when they are subjected to encounters with ACS that can have devastating impacts on their families,\u201d said Speaker Adrienne Adams<\/strong>. \u201cBy passing this legislation, the Council is taking an important step to ensure more families can access information and resources to support their legal rights. I thank Deputy Speaker Ayala for her leadership and our colleagues for their support of this bill.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe’re also proud to pass legislation to protect domestic violence survivors’ ability to vote safely by ensuring they have the information and assistance to make their voter records confidential,\u201d added Speaker Adams<\/strong>. \u201cThe voices of survivors are critical, and by protecting their right to vote, we can empower them to fully participate in our democratic and electoral processes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Providing Legal Services Information for ACS-Involved Families<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 9-B<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala<\/strong>, would require ACS to provide information about where parents and guardians can access legal services after ACS makes contact with them for the first time, at the onset of an ACS child protective investigation, or an ACS child protective response.<\/p>\n

\u201cFamilies who face encounters with the Administration for Children\u2019s Services (ACS) deserve to know and exercise their legal rights,\u201d said Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala<\/strong>. \u201cThere is a long history of ACS deploying invasive methods that disproportionately harming Black, Latino, and low-income families. Too many parents and guardians are not equipped with adequate information on their rights or options for support. This bill takes an important step to rectify this gap, ensuring families have the resources when facing an encounter. I thank Speaker Adams for her leadership and my colleagues for their support of this legislation.\u201d <\/p>\n

Protecting Domestic Violence Survivors\u2019 Ability to Safely Vote<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 565-A<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Council Member Gale A. Brewer<\/strong>, would require the Campaign Finance Board, in consultation with the Board of Elections (BOE) and the Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV), to develop guidance on the procedures under the New York State Election Law for making a voter record confidential and for voting by special ballot. In addition, the bill would require ENDGBV to distribute that guidance to Family Justice Centers, and to provide survivors with information on how to get assistance in preparing and submitting written statements to BOE to make their voter records confidential or establish their eligibility to vote by special ballot.<\/p>\n

\u201cIntro 0565-2024 empowers survivors of domestic violence by ensuring that they have the information and resources they need to vote safely and confidentially,\u201d said Council Member Gale Brewer<\/strong>. \u201cNo survivor should feel that their safety is at risk when engaging in the voting process. This law builds on a state law, and increases how survivors, particularly those utilizing Family Justice Centers, can obtain clear guidance on how to register to vote and do so by special ballot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Strengthening Reporting of Sexual Abuse in City Jails<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 1061-A,<\/strong><\/a> sponsored by Council Member Farah Louis<\/strong> would amend the Department of Correction\u2019s (DOC) semi-annual reports on alleged incidents and investigations of sexual harassment and abuse to require a unique identification number for each alleged incident. It would also require DOC to provide a justification for not reporting any substantiated allegations to a District Attorney\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

\u201cSexual abuse should never be an accepted reality of incarceration. Yet for too long, those held at Rikers Island have faced violence without accountability, leaving the most vulnerable\u2014especially women and LGBTQ+ individuals\u2014at risk,\u201d said Council Member Farah Louis<\/strong>. “That\u2019s why I was proud to sponsor Introduction 1061\u2014to bring long-overdue accountability to our correctional system. This legislation replaces secrecy with transparency, demands answers where there has been silence, and ensures that no allegation of sexual abuse is ignored. Every New Yorker deserves protection from violence, and every incident must be reported. I\u2019d like to thank Speaker Adams for advancing this bill and my colleagues for their support in passing this critical legislation.”<\/p>\n

Facilitating Organic Waste Collection from Community Gardens<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 498-A<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Council Member Shaun Abreu<\/strong>, would require the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) to collect organic waste from community gardens upon request. Community gardens would be able to make such requests through an online application portal.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday marks a significant victory for New York City’s sustainability efforts,\u201d said Council Member Shaun Abreu<\/strong>. \u201cThis law will empower our community gardens, reduce waste, and help make our neighborhoods greener and cleaner. By ensuring organic waste collection for these vital green spaces, we\u2019re not only supporting local gardeners but also promoting a cleaner, more sustainable city for all. This is a big step forward in our fight against waste, and it demonstrates New York\u2019s ongoing commitment to building a healthier and more eco-friendly future for every resident.\u201d<\/p>\n

Distributing Waste Bins and Reimbursing Eligible Building Owners<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 1126-A<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Council Member Yusef Salaam<\/strong>, would require DSNY, or another administering agency, to distribute official NYC waste bins to owners of eligible buildings. Eligible buildings include those with up to two dwelling units where the building owner is enrolled in a New York School Tax Relief (STAR) or Enhanced STAR tax benefit program. In November 2024, the City implemented new rules requiring all properties with up to nine residential units to use bins, 55 gallons or less, with secure lids for trash set-out. Starting in June 2026, property owners will be required to switch to the official NYC Bin<\/a>. This bill would also require DSNY or the administering agency to establish a program to reimburse owners of eligible buildings who purchased official NYC waste bins on or before August 1, 2026. DSNY or the administering agency would be required to submit a report on the law\u2019s implementation.<\/p>\n

\u201cA cleaner, healthier city starts with ensuring that every household has the tools to properly manage waste,\u201d said Council Member Yusef Salaam<\/strong>. \u201cThis bill takes a step in that direction by providing homeowners in buildings with up to two dwelling units and who are enrolled in the New York State’s STAR or Enhanced STAR tax benefit program, with official NYC waste containers at no cost. By also offering reimbursement for prior purchases, we are reinforcing our commitment to reducing litter, improving public health, and building a more sustainable future for our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Protecting Older Adults from Scams<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 1092-A<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson<\/strong>, would require the Department for the Aging (DFTA), in consultation with the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) and the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), to develop informational materials to educate older adults about internet scams, phone scams, and phishing scams, and provide quarterly guidance to older adult centers about emerging scams. The bill would also require DFTA to post the informational materials on its website, share the materials with homebound older adults, and for older adult centers to distribute the materials to older adults in their facilities. Additionally, this bill would require DFTA, to develop printed and digital informational materials to educate older adults about financial literacy and end-of-life preparation.<\/p>\n

\u201cLast year, I launched Age in Place 2.0\u2014a package of eleven bills designed to create a more inclusive New York City\u2014not just for the 1.4 million older adults living here today, but for the growing older adult population of tomorrow,\u201d said Council Member Crystal Hudson<\/strong>. \u201cIntro 1092 ensures that our older adult population has the resources needed to recognize potential scams, report fraudulent activity, and protect their financial well-being. By empowering older New Yorkers with knowledge, we help them make informed decisions and seek help when needed. I\u2019m proud that my colleagues in the Council recognize the need to ensure all older adults in New York City can age in place with dignity, respect, and the resources needed to thrive by passing Intro 1092.\u201d<\/p>\n

Introduction 1101-A<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Council Member Yusef Salaam<\/strong>, would require the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to publish information on its website to help the public understand what constitutes identity theft and how to report alleged identity theft. The NYPD would also be required to train officers on responding to and investigating reports of suspected identity theft.<\/p>\n

\u201cIdentity theft is a growing concern, and too many New Yorkers struggle to navigate the difficult reporting process to receive the support they need,\u201d said Council Member Salaam<\/strong>. \u201cThis bill ensures that the NYPD is better prepared to address identity theft by requiring the department to provide clear public guidance and specialized officer training. By improving public awareness and law enforcement response, we are strengthening protections against financial harm and reinforcing our commitment to public safety and justice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prioritizing Qualifications of Youth Board Members<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 794-A<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Council Member Althea V. Stevens<\/strong>, would require that appointments or recommendations for youth board members be made with best efforts to ensure that appointees have demonstrated relevant experience in the area of youth welfare. Additionally, this bill would require at least three members of the board be between the ages of 16-24, to ensure actual youth representation.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor far too long, decisions impacting young people have been made without their voices in the room. With the passage of Int. 794, we are ensuring that youth have a real seat at the table,\u201d said Council Member Althea Stevens<\/strong>. \u201cBy requiring dedicated youth representation on the NYC Youth Board, this legislation is a step toward a more inclusive, representative government\u2014one that listens to and empowers the next generation of leaders. Our young people are not just the future; they are the present, and their perspectives are essential in shaping the policies that impact their lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

Resolutions on New York State Legislation<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Resolution 561<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson<\/strong>, would call on the New York State Legislature to introduce and pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation to create a statewide public guardianship system to address current inequities and deficits, and to safeguard vulnerable New Yorkers in need of protective arrangements.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor too long, access to ethical, high-quality guardianship has been inconsistent at best, leaving too many older adults and New Yorkers with disabilities without the adequate support they need. Resolution 561 calls upon the New York State Legislature to introduce and pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation to establish a statewide network of nonprofit guardians to meet the growing demand for guardianship services while expanding capacity in communities where these programs don\u2019t yet exist,\u201d said Council Member Crystal Hudson<\/strong>. \u201cWith more older adults aging alone, experiencing cognitive decline, and lacking financial resources, the need for ethical, high-quality guardianship has never been greater. I am proud to sponsor this resolution urging the State Legislature to take action and implement these critical reforms\u2014because no New Yorker should be left without the care and protection they deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n

Preconsidered resolution<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Council Member Lynn Schulman<\/strong>, calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.2705\/S.4801, relating to restoring the state aid reimbursement rate to no less than 35 percent for identified core public health services provided by a municipality in New York City.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs Chair of the New York City Council Health Committee, I and my colleagues have been consistently fighting to restore Article 6 funds, which pay for on-the-ground community health services,\u201d said Council Member Lynn Schulman<\/strong>. \u201cThe resolution that is being passed by the City Council today urges the State Legislature and the Governor to act swiftly to pass, and sign, A.2705\/S.4801 which will give New York City the millions of dollars of public health funding it desperately needs and has had to do without since 2019.  Thank you to Speaker Adams for her resolute support of this effort, and to Assembly Member Jessica Gonzales-Rojas and Senator Gustavo Rivera for introducing this important legislation at the State level.\u201d<\/p>\n

Land Use:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

441 & 467 Prospect Avenue (Arrow Linen) Rezoning \u2013 <\/strong>a private application to facilitate the development of two new residential buildings in Council Member Shahana Hanif\u2019s district on the Arrow Linen site in Windsor Terrace. With the Council\u2019s modifications<\/a>, the two buildings will each be 10 stories tall and include a total of 250 housing units, 100 of which will be permanently affordable. The project includes access to subsidized space for a childcare center and a domestic violence service provider.<\/p>\n

Finance:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Preconsidered Resolution<\/strong><\/a>,<\/u><\/strong> sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan<\/strong>, establishing a new 40-year Article XI tax exemption for three lots in Council Member Althea Stevens\u2019 district.<\/p>\n

Preconsidered Resolution<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan<\/strong>, establishing a new 40-year Article XI tax exemption for one lot in Council Member Jennifer Guti\u00e9rrez\u2019s district.<\/p>\n

The Council approved its Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget<\/a>, including $84.7 million for Personal Services and 30.3 million for Other Than Personal Services (OTPS).<\/p>\n

###<\/p>\n

\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Council also voted on legislation to protect domestic violence survivors\u2019 ability to safely vote<\/em><\/p>\n

City Hall \u2013 <\/strong>Today, the New York City Council voted to pass legislation requiring the Administration for Children\u2019s Services (ACS) to provide families with information on legal services. As the city agency responsible for conducting child welfare investigations, ACS\u2019 invasive methods and disproportionate impact<\/a> on Black, Hispanic, and low-income families have long raised concerns.<\/p>\n

…<\/p>\n

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