NY A09759

Amends Family Court Act Section 1027-a to require social services officials to place removed children with their minor siblings or half-siblings unless doing so would be contrary to the child's best interests, with a 30-day timeline if placement is not immediately available.

Requires social services officials to arrange appropriate and regular contact between separated siblings unless such contact would not be in the best interests of the child and siblings.

Allows a child (through their attorney or parent) to file a motion with the court seeking an order for sibling placement or contact if the child is not placed together with or afforded regular contact with their siblings.

The motion must be served on the respondent in the proceeding, the local social services official with care of the child, and other specified parties.