N.Y. Family Court Act § 301.1: Purpose

§ 301.1. Purpose. The purpose of this article is to establish

procedures in accordance with due process of law (a) to determine

whether a person is a juvenile delinquent and (b) to issue an

appropriate order of disposition for any person who is adjudged a

juvenile delinquent. In any proceeding under this article, the court

shall consider the needs and best interests of the respondent as well as

the need for protection of the community.