LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the New
York State Family Court

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across the great State
of New York is reflective of certain exemplary institutions whose
purpose is dedicated to serving the community and the needs of its citi-
zenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of the New York State Family Court, to be
observed at a Ceremony at the Court of Appeals on Friday, September 14,
2012; and
WHEREAS, In 1901, the first juvenile court in America was established
in Chicago and the New York State Legislature segregated juvenile cases
by creating specialized children's parts within New York City; and
WHEREAS, In 1922, joining the by then national movement, New York
established a separate Children's Court, where children's issues were
divorced from the criminal court milieu; and
WHEREAS, Between 1922-1962, the Children's Court continued but by
1960, the court's limitations and deficiencies had been well documented,
including split jurisdiction and the absence of legal representation;
and
WHEREAS, In 1961, New York State decided to reorganize the entire
court structure; and
WHEREAS, In 1962, the New York State Family Court was established to
adjudicate every justiciable family-related dispute, and incorporated,
the parts equivalent to domestic violence parts of the local criminal
courts, the former State Children's Courts, and the paternity parts of
the former Court of Special Sessions; and
WHEREAS, The Family Court was also granted adoption and abandonment
jurisdiction and concurrent child custody jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, For the first time, children were afforded assigned counsel
which ultimately led to the expansion of children's rights, such as the
right to appeal adverse decisions, the right to discover and present
evidence addressing the child's interest; and
WHEREAS, The Family Court Act also incorporated expanded child protec-
tive provisions affecting children and their parents; and
WHEREAS, In 50 years, substantive statutory amendments have included
the expansion of termination of parental rights provisions, expansion of
the Court's domestic violence authority, and the enactment of the Child
Support Standards Act, which enhanced the economic responsibility of
parents; and
WHEREAS, Family Court judges today preside over child protective
proceedings, juvenile delinquency and person in need of supervision
proceedings, family offenses, custody, guardianship and visitation
proceedings, adoptions, paternity and child and spousal support
proceedings; and
WHEREAS, Family Court has a rich history to cherish and build upon
throughout the next century; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of New York State Family Court; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman.