Lorenzo v. Sipprell

The petitioner is of Puerto Rican descent and speaks Spanish only. She has resided in Buffalo, New York, since February, 1971, in an unfurnished 2-bedroom apartment with her 6 children and 3 stepchildren. The family unit includes the petitioner, 5 girls; ages 13, 2, 21 months (twins) and 9 months old, and 4 boys; ages 9, 8, 6 and 5 years old. The petitioner has been abandoned by her husband and she and her family are dependent on (and receive) public assistance. She owns a refrigerator and stove purchased with special grants issued by the Erie County Department of Social Services. She also…