BILL NUMBER: S504
SPONSOR: PALUMBO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to authorizing
school officials to temporarily retain custody of a suspected abused or
maltreated child
 
PURPOSE:
To allow school officials to retain a child when abuse or neglect is
suspected.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Section 417 of the social services law is amended by adding a
new subdivision 2-a which will authorize school. officials to retain a
student when abuse or neglect is suspected until such time a member of
Child Protection Services or law enforcement takes custody and can
decide that the child may be returned home.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Too many children are falling through the cracks when it comes to being
protected from abuse and neglect. We must do more. This bill adds anoth-
er level of protection when it comes to school officials. Many times,
teachers, guidance counselors or other school officials will become
aware of a child being abused but their hands are tied. This bill gives
them the authority to retain the child until Child Protection Services
or law enforcement can step in, take custody and evaluate the situation.
The child will be returned to the guardian when it is deemed safe.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024 S.8753
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately

Statutes affected:
S504: 417 social services law