N.Y. Family Court Act § 522: Persons who may originate proceedings

§ 522. Persons who may originate proceedings. Proceedings to establish

the paternity of the child and to compel support under this article may

be commenced by the mother, whether a minor or not, by a person alleging

to be the father, whether a minor or not, by the child or child's

guardian or other person standing in a parental relation or being the

next of kin of the child, or by any authorized representative of an

incorporated society doing charitable or philanthropic work, or if the

mother or child is or is likely to become a public charge on a county,

city or town, by a public welfare official of the county, city or town

where the mother resides or the child is found. If a proceeding is

originated by a public welfare official and thereafter withdrawn or

dismissed without consideration on the merits, such withdrawal or

dismissal shall be without prejudice to other persons.