Opinion ID: 2006858
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Kareem R.

Text: Kareem R. was adjudicated a juvenile delinquent in January 2001, when he was 16 years old, for having committed an act that would constitute the crime of criminal trespass in the third degree if committed by an adult. Family Court ordered a period of probation on the condition that respondent attend school regularly, complete 100 hours of community service, attend counseling and report to his probation officer. In June 2002, the presentment agency filed a petition alleging that Kareem had violated his probation by failing to report to his probation officer on 10 occasions and community service on 11 occasions, and refusing to attend counseling. At an August hearing, respondent admitted that he had violated his probation as alleged and the Probation Department was directed to conduct an investigation to determine the appropriate disposition. In the meantime, Kareem was placed in interim detention with OCFS. At the dispositional hearing conducted in October 2002, respondent's attorney advised the court that respondent had turned 18 years of age in May and, thus, argued that he could not be placed in OCFS custody due to his age. The presentment agency asserted that placement was necessary because respondent's mother had been unable or unwilling to appropriately supervise him when he was in her care. Noting that he had thrived during the period he spent in interim detention pending the dispositional hearing, Family Court concluded that Kareem should be placed with OCFS for a period of 12 months, less the period of time he had already spent in detention. Both juveniles appealed the orders to the Appellate Division, contending that Family Court Act § 355.3 (6) did not allow the placement of a juvenile delinquent with OCFS beyond the age of 18 unless the juvenile consented or had committed a designated felony, which was not the case for either of these youths. The presentment agency acknowledged that the Family Court Act restricts an extension of placement beyond the age of 18 but claimed that Family Court's initial placement of a juvenile in OCFS custody could extend beyond the 18th birthday under Family Court Act §§ 352.2 and 353.3. Since these cases involved initial placements and not extensions, the presentment agency asserted that Family Court had not exceeded its authority. The Appellate Division agreed with the presentment agency and affirmed the Family Court order in each case, relying on its prior decision in Matter of Jude F. (291 AD2d 165 [2d Dept 2002]).