Attorney for Child Could File Abuse Petition After Abuse Petition Withdrawn by Department of Social Services
The Second Department determined that the attorney for the child had the power to file a child abuse petition after the Department of Social Services withdrew its petition:
Although the primary responsibility for initiating a child neglect or abuse proceeding “has been assigned by the Legislature to child protective agencies” … , Family Court Act § 1032 also permits such a proceeding to be initiated by “a person on the court’s direction.” “The requirement for court approval or authorization for proceedings prompted by those other than child protective agencies indicates the Legislature’s concern that judicial proceedings touching the family relationship should not be casually initiated and imposes upon the courts the obligation to exercise sound discretion before permitting such petitions to be filed” … . Contrary to the appellant’s contentions, the record demonstrates that the attorney for the child was in fact authorized by the Family Court to file a new abuse petition on behalf of Amber A., and that the Family Court’s decision to authorize him to do so was a provident exercise of its discretion… . Matter of Amber A, 2013 NY Slip Op 05308. 2nd Dept 7-17-13
