Wayne County Department of Social Services v. Hawthorne
Opinion of the Court
— Order unanimously reversed, with costs, and petition dismissed. Memorandum: Absent a finding of abuse or unreasonable parental demands, it is an improper use of judicial discretion to direct reimbursement by a parent to the Department of Social Services for public assistance rendered to a minor who has abandoned her home. Although the statutory obligation of parents to support a child (Family Ct Act, § 415; Social Services Law, § 101) is stated in mandatory
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.