What kind of legal rights do children have while in OCFS custody?
Children in OCFS custody have all the rights provided to them by the constitutions and laws of the United States of America and New York State, as well as any rights granted by court orders, decisions, or stipulations; state and federal regulations; and OCFS agency or facility policies. A legal right is something that the youth is entitled to. Because OCFS policies cover every aspect of a youth’s placement from intake to discharge, what is considered a legal right within the authority of the Office of the Ombudsman is pretty broad.
