The Safe Landings Act went into effect on June 19, 2025. If a Family Court judge ordered an agency to help you on or after that date, but before you left foster care, you may be eligible for Safe Landings protection. If you are still living in a foster placement after turning 21 but no longer have a court case, you may also be eligible.

If the DSS (in NYC, the Administration for Children’s Services, or ACS) was ordered to help you with things like housing, ID, driver’s license, or school or job support before you left foster care — and they didn’t — you have the right to take action, up until you turn 23.

You have the right to:

• Go back to court any time before you turn 23 to make sure the DSS (ACS in NYC) follows through on court-ordered services they were supposed to give you.
• Ask the court to enforce the order — or even hold the DSS in contempt if they ignored it. That could mean that the DSS has to pay fines or cover your legal costs.
• Keep your case open even after you turn 23, as long as you file your motion before turning 23.
• Say NO if you are between 18 and 21 and the court or the DSS suggests going back into care — they can’t make you return unless you agree.

• This law only applies to court orders made on or after June 19, 2025 — while you were still in foster care.
• If you were promised support and didn’t get it — reach out now. You’re not asking for a favor — you’re standing up for your rights.

For help understanding the Safe Landings Act and navigating interactions with ACS, call The Legal Aid Society at 212-577-3300 to be directed.

The information in this document has been prepared by The Legal Aid Society for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. You should not act upon any information without retaining professional legal counsel.