Cuomo signs legislation strengthening protections for minors against felony sex offenders

Posted 22 August 2019 at 8:38 am

Press Release, Gov. Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation (S2836C/A4784C) strengthening protections for minors against felony sex offenders.

This prevents minors from being placed in the custody of an individual who has been convicted of rape in the first or second degree, sexual conduct against a child in the first degree or predatory sexual assault against a child.

The new law specifically prohibits courts from placing a child in the custody of an adult who previously committed a felony sexual offense against them. Additionally, this measure prevents sex offenders from having unsupervised visits with a person who has been convicted of a felony sexual offense against the subject of the visitation order.

Although courts already consider these factors in determining whether to place a child in custody of or allow unsupervised visits with an individual, this new law now mandates such a requirement.

“No child should have to endure the trauma of sexual abuse and it is critical that children going into the custody of another individual are safe,” Governor Cuomo said. “This new law is common sense: it mandates that minors not be placed in the custody of or have unsupervised visits with anyone who committed a felony sex offense against them and ensuring the future wellbeing of these vulnerable children.”

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