Committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and families, this Bureau takes on the critical responsibility of prosecuting juvenile delinquency, child welfare and child support matters in the County’s three Family Courts. The Family Court Bureau pursues justice with compassion and integrity in order to achieve a safer community for Westchester’s over 1 million residents.
Family Court Bureau Focus:
Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings:
Operating under New York State law, this Bureau acts as the Presentment Agency, prosecuting juveniles aged eleven to eighteen who have been arrested for conduct that would constitute a crime. The bureau’s work spans a spectrum from severe offenses such as attempted murder and rape to less serious offenses like petit larceny and trespass. The Bureau is tasked with balancing the needs and best interests of each youth referred with the need to protect the community as a whole.
Child Abuse and Neglect Proceedings:
Annually initiating hundreds child protective proceedings on behalf of the Westchester County Department of Social Services, the Bureau addresses cases involving intentional physical injury, inappropriate engagement in sexual activity, excessive corporal punishment and failure to provide basic needs.
Child Support Proceedings:
Initiating hundreds of proceedings annually, the Bureau provides representation to the Department of Social Services in child support matters, appears on behalf of out-of-state custodial petitioners under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act ("UIFSA") and Section 111-g of the New York State Social Services Law. These proceedings cover a range of issues, including paternity, initial support orders, modification of existing orders and prosecution of non-custodial parents who fail to meet their support obligations.
It is the mission of the Family Court Bureau to protect and promote the safety and well-being of Westchester’s children, families and communities by providing support, child welfare and juvenile justice services.