It Takes a Special Person to Raise a Special Needs Child: How New York's Existing Family Regulation Systems Are Not Equipped for Children with Autism

Authors

Alexandra DeBenedictis, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

Abstract

The note argues that New York's current family regulation systems, including the Family Court Act (FCA) and the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), are inadequately equipped to protect children with autism in foster care. These systems fail to address the unique needs of autistic children, leading to increased vulnerability to abuse, neglect, and prolonged stays in foster care. The note proposes reforms to improve monitoring, education, and resource accessibility to better safeguard these children.

Disciplines

Disability Law | Education Law | Judges | Law | Psychiatry and Psychology

Recommended Citation

Alexandra DeBenedictis, It Takes a Special Person to Raise a Special Needs Child: How New York's Existing Family Regulation Systems Are Not Equipped for Children with Autism, 30 Cardozo J. Equal Rts. & Soc. Just. 727 (2024).
Available at: https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/cardozoersj/vol30/iss3/6