Who signs, and what stays private

Who signs

For a child, a parent or legal guardian consents in writing before the first visit. For a child in foster care, the person who can sign depends on the child’s legal status: it may be a birth parent, the county or the agency. We ask for the paperwork first and help you work out who signs.

Teens

Who can consent for a teen depends on the teen’s age and the kind of care under New York law. Lissette explains what applies to your family before the first visit.

What stays private

Sessions are private. Lissette explains in writing what she keeps between her and the child and what she shares with the adults, including a risk of serious harm to the child or someone else. Reports the law requires are made. She tells a teen before she shares.

Caseworkers, schools and courts

We share information with an agency, a school or a court only with written permission from the person who can consent, or when the law requires it. We do not write custody, placement or visitation recommendations.

A plain summary

This page is a plain summary, not legal advice. Lissette follows New York law and confirms with you what applies.