Senate Bill S973

                                BILL NUMBER:S973               REVISED 01/10/2011

TITLE OF BILL:
An act
to amend the social services law, in relation to residential services
for victims of domestic violence

PURPOSE:
This bill would extend the maximum amount of days victims of domestic
violence may stay in residential programs from 135 days to 180 days,
ensuring additional time for them to secure permanent housing.

DESCRIPTION:
This bill would amend the Social Services Law by amending section
459-b adding an additional clause stating that rules and regulations
regarding length of stay in residence programs for victims of
domestic violence, enforced by the Office of Children and Family
Services, should not be any time less than 180 days.

STATEMENT IN SUPPORT:
New York State is the only-state in the nation that provides welfare
based shelter programs, and to qualify, one must receive public
assistance. It has been shown that victims of domestic violence have
the highest rate of leaving public assistance than any other group,
and that these victims typically use public assistance as a means to
secure permanent housing away from their abuser - which can take as
              

long as a year.

Currently, domestic violence victims may not stay in residential
programs more than 90 days. under special circumstances, those in
need of emergency shelter, may stay up to an additional 45 days. In
its 2003 Annual Report to the Governor and Legislature, the Office of
Children and Family Services found an overall increase in shelter
denials to domestic violence victims and their families. Recent
studies indicate that approximately 20% of those denied are either
forced out or discharged because they stayed the maximum amount of
days legally allowed (New Destiny Housing Agency) .

In March 2005, the New York City Public Advocate released a report
detailing the many issues facing victims of domestic violence,
including housing. The report highlights the frequent situation women
often face as they are forced to leave residential programs because
they have stayed the maximum amount of days allowed by current law.
As a result, this legislation seeks to address the specific problem
of length of stay by extending the amount of time an eligible
domestic violence victim may
remain in a shelter. According to the New York State Office of
Prevention of Domestic Violence, there is only minimal additional
costs associated with housing victims for an extended period of time,
and domestic violence agencies agree that this legislation is
necessary.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Senate:
2009-10: S.5043A - Passed Senate
2008:    Referred to Social Services Committee
2006:    Referred to Social Services Committee

Assembly:
2009-10: A.455A (Jacobs) - Referred to Social Services

FISCAL IMPACT:
To be determined.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after becoming a law;
with provisions.