Opinion ID: 691035
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Contempt Proceedings and the Appeal

Text: 12 On July 14, 1993, Plaintiffs filed a contempt motion against the City, alleging that the City had failed to comply with numerous provisions of the Wilder Decree. As a defense to Plaintiffs' claim that the City was required to evaluate and place kinship foster children in accordance with the terms of the Decree, the City contended that the Decree does not apply to kinship foster care but covers only placements in non-relative foster homes or with agencies. 13 In reaching his conclusion as to the scope of the Wilder Decree, Judge Ward observed that the Decree expressly applies to all New York City children in foster care (Decree, p 4) (emphasis added), and that foster children placed with relatives were therefore covered, notwithstanding the fact that kinship foster care was not specifically mentioned by the parties either during settlement negotiations or in the Decree. 153 F.R.D. at 530-31. 14 Although Judge Ward found it unnecessary to look further than the language of the Decree, which was in his view unambiguous, he also noted that the City was certifying kinship homes as approved foster homes at the time of the 1984 settlement negotiations and was aware of the State's plan to promulgate specific regulations governing kinship foster care. Id. at 531. Therefore, if the City intended to exclude kinship foster care, it could and should have done so explicitly. Judge Ward further noted that even if kinship foster care did not exist in 1984, the consent decree applies to all foster programs in existence and any that might come into existence in the future. Id. In addition, he observed that the Decree is compatible with kinship foster care and state regulations requiring kinship placements. Id. at 532-33. Finally, Judge Ward indicated that although the increased burdens on the City as a result of including kinship foster care within the Decree did not justify restricting the Decree's scope, the City might well be successful in making a motion for modification of the Decree under Fed.R.Civ.P. Rule 60(b) and p 77 of the Decree. 2 Id. at 534. 15 Judge Ward did not find the City in contempt, nor did he impose sanctions, but he directed the City to take all appropriate steps to ensure that the protections of the consent decree are extended to children in kinship foster care. Id. at 535. 16 Appellants petitioned this Court on March 14 and March 23, 1994, for permission to appeal Judge Ward's order pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1292(b). Permission was denied on May 3, 1994. Appellants then filed Notices of Appeal, asserting appellate jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. Secs. 1291 or 1292(a)(1). On June 21, 1994, this Court referred Plaintiffs' motion to dismiss the appeal on jurisdictional grounds to the panel hearing the appeal on the merits.