N.Y. Soc. Serv. Law § 395

§ 395. Responsibility of public welfare districts for the welfare of\nchildren. A public welfare district shall be responsible for the\nwelfare of children who are in need of public assistance and care,\nsupport and protection, residing or found in its territory, insofar as\nnot inconsistent with the jurisdiction of a family court. Such\nassistance and care shall be administered either directly by the public\nwelfare official charged therewith, or by another public welfare\nofficial acting on his behalf by and pursuant to the provisions of this\nchapter, or through an authorized agency as defined by this chapter.\n