N.Y. Social Services Law § 377: License to board children

§ 377. License to board children. 1. Application for a license to

receive, board or keep any child shall be made in writing to the

commissioner of social services in and for the social services district

wherein the premises to be licensed are located, in the form and manner

prescribed by the office of children and family services. The office

shall require that an applicant set forth: his or her employment

history, provide personal and employment references and sign a sworn

statement indicating whether, to the best of his or her knowledge, he or

she has ever been convicted of a crime in this state or any other

jurisdiction. In accordance with the regulations of the office of

children and family services, in addition to the requirements set forth

in subdivision two of section three hundred seventy-eight-a of this

title and paragraph (a) of subdivision one of section four hundred

twenty-four-a of this article, such commissioner of social services

shall review information available in the statewide automated child

welfare information system to determine whether the applicant previously

held such a license, or a certificate or approval as a foster parent,

and, if so, whether such license, certificate or approval was revoked,

not renewed, or a foster child was removed from his or her home for

health or safety reasons and shall consider such information in

determining whether a license should be issued to such applicant. Not

until all inquiries are completed and evaluated shall the commissioner

of social services cause such license to be issued.

2. Before any such license shall be issued an authorized agent or

employee of the social services district shall visit and inspect the

premises for which such license is requested, make such further inquiry

and investigation as may be required to ascertain compliance with

applicable requirements.

3. If it appears from such inquiry and investigation that the

applicant maintains a home suitable for the care of children in

accordance with the regulations of the department, the commissioner of

social services shall cause such license to be issued in such manner as

the department may provide.

4. The commissioner of social services, issuing or renewing any such

license, shall in accordance with the directions of the department,

transmit a copy or report thereof to the department.