Efforts are sweeping the state, however, as agencies shift from purely mechanical organizations to proactive, entities implementing authority delegated to them. When necessary it permits the removal of an abused child from a parent who commits abuse or neglect. It is intended to protect children from injury or mistreatment and safeguard their well-being. Its further mission is to provide a system for guaranteeing due process of law when the state intervenes on behalf of the child against the wishes of a parent so that the child's needs are properly met. While parents have a right to raise their children as they see fit, they must do so within reason and with an eye toward the good of the child.
Parents have an affirmative obligation to protect their children.
If they fail to meet that obligation, the state can and will intervene to protect them. 2 Jurisdiction for Abuse, Neglect Article 10 proceedings include ''abuse'' and ''neglect'' proceedings, with abuse encompassing the most serious acts or omissions to act that affect a child's health and safety. The Family Court Act specifies that the Family Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over abuse or neglect proceedings. The State Constitution however, grants the Supreme Court ''general original jurisdiction in law and equity'' 5 and it may opt to exercise its jurisdiction where allegations of abuse or neglect arise in the context of a matrimonial proceeding. As a practical matter, the Supreme Court generally declines to exercise this jurisdiction and defers to the Family Court.