Res. No. 506
Resolution calling on the New York State Assembly to pass, the New York State Senate to introduce and pass a companion bill, and the Governor to sign A.5276 and its companion bill, relating to the establishment of child care centers in every court in the unified court system
By Council Members Thomas-Henry, Joseph and Louis
Whereas, Every day, hundreds of young children accompany their caregivers to scheduled court appearances; and
Whereas, According to the New York State Permanent Judicial Commission on Justice for Children, while attending court proceedings, children may be exposed to disturbing proceedings, and their presence can be a distraction from judicial business; and
Whereas, Judges across New York stress that a lack of child care is an overwhelming issue faced by litigants, particularly women, who must bring children to court with them or miss proceedings altogether; and
Whereas, In response, the New York State Unified Court system developed the nation’s first statewide system of Children’s Centers in Family Courts; and
Whereas, Safe Horizons operates ten court-based Children’s Centers throughout the five boroughs, including in every Family Court; and
Whereas, These Children’s Centers provide free, supportive, and educational child care to children of adults who must appear in Family Court; and
Whereas, Other courts in New York City, such as the Supreme Court, Criminal Court, Civil Court, and Surrogate’s Court, do not have Children’s Centers available for adults with children to use; and
Whereas, New York State Assembly Bill A.5276 would establish child care centers in every court in the unified court system for the minor children and dependents of jurors, parties in civil cases, and criminal defendants; and
Whereas, Providing safe, on-site, accessible child care in all courts would remove barriers for families accessing justice and would allow caregivers to focus on legal matters while protecting children from distressing court environments; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Assembly to pass, the New York State Senate to introduce and pass a companion bill, and the Governor to sign, A5276 and its companion bill, relating to the establishment of child care centers in every court in the unified court system.
KS
LS 22829
5/11/2026 9:41 AM