In re William S.

OPINION OF THE COURT

Daniel D. Leddy, Jr., J.

This proceeding illustrates the need for immediate legislative action to strengthen the power of the Family Court in reviewing the appropriateness of the initial voluntary foster care placement of a child. For here, a natural mother, with the aid of the New York City Department of Social Services, improperly utilized the foster care system to shun her responsibilities as a parent and to punish her 10-year-old son for running away from home. Despite the obvious prejudice to the child and the overburdened taxpayers, the present law offers no judicial…