I. Purpose
The purpose of this directive is to inform you of procedures for
determining and enforcing visitation rights of non-custodial parents
and grandparents of children placed in foster care, as established by
Chapter 457 of the Laws of 1988. The directive describes required
agency actions for compliance with the Chapter 457 amendments to the
Social Services Law, Domestic Relations Law, and the Family Court
Act. It includes the provisions in these amendments for petitioning
the court for visitation rights; the right of social services
officials to oppose such visitation if the child's life or health
would be endangered; the requirement to screen petitioners for
visitation rights with the State Central Register of Child Abuse and
Maltreatment; and the allowance for alternative visitation schedules
based on change of circumstances and/or on the best interests of the
child.
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