N.Y. Soc. Serv. Law § 103

§ 103. Seizure of property of persons liable for support. The\nresponsible public welfare official may apply to a court having\njurisdiction in actions involving an amount equal to the value of\nproperty to be seized for a warrant to seize the real or personal estate\nof a person who absents himself, leaving any one for whose support he is\nliable dependent upon public support or liable to become so dependent.\nIf such a warrant be issued, the public welfare official may seize the\nproperty and apply the proceeds as directed by the court.\n