In re Kittridge

OPINION OF THE COURT

Philip C. Segal, J.

At issue in this child protective proceeding (Family Ct Act art 10) is whether New York City has the authority to remove a child from his mother, an undocumented alien, but then deny social services ordered by the Family Court to rehabilitate and reunite the family because she is an undocumented alien. Simply stated, the issue is whether the City may use Family Court Act article 10 both as a sword, in removing a child from his home, and a shield, in allowing the City to refuse to provide services needed for family unification. The issue is raised in the…