NY highest court questions whether state proposed host homes program would be a shadow foster care system
Case Summary
The highest court in New York expressed concerns about a proposed state program called Host Homes, which would allow families in crisis to place children temporarily with unlicensed caregivers. Judges questioned whether the program might function as a shadow foster care system, highlighting the lack of legal protections for both parents and children and the state's limited liability if adverse events occur. The program was introduced by the Office of Children and Family Services in 2021 as an alternative to traditional foster care placements.
Stage
Active litigation
Timeline
1 event
Coverage
1 article
Sources
1
Key Issues
- • Child welfare
- • Host Homes program
- • Legal protections
- • State liability
- • Foster care alternatives
update What Changed This Week
Case Timeline
1 eventNY highest court questions whether state proposed host homes program would be a shadow foster care system
The New York highest court expressed concerns about a state program called Host Homes, which lets families temporarily place their children with non-licensed caregivers during difficult times. Judges questioned the program's lack of legal safeguards for both parents and children, and the state's limited responsibility if problems arise. This scrutiny highlights worries that Host Homes might operate like an unofficial foster care system without the usual protections.