NY A06189

Creates new Article 10-D of the Family Court Act establishing the "Access to Family Court Act," giving family courts exclusive jurisdiction over dependency petitions filed by unaccompanied non-citizen children in federal placements or adults acting on their behalf

Expands the definition of "dependent child" to include children under 18 residing in federal placement facilities who have no parent or legal guardian in the United States able to provide for their essential needs

Allows courts to make "special findings" necessary for children to petition for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, including findings that reunification with parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment

Requires family courts to appoint attorneys to represent minors alleged to be dependent children under the new article when independent legal representation is unavailable

Maintains court jurisdiction until age 21 with the child's consent, with a presumption that continued jurisdiction serves the child's best interests while Special Immigrant Juvenile Status applications are pending