N.Y. DOM Law § 109

§ 109. Definitions. When used in this article, unless the context or\nsubject matter manifestly requires a different interpretation:\n 1. "Adoptive parent" or "adoptor" shall mean a person adopting and\n"adoptive child" or "adoptee" shall mean a person adopted.\n 2. "Judge" shall mean a judge of the family court of any county in the\nstate.\n 3. "Surrogate" shall mean the surrogate of any county in the state and\nany other judicial officer while acting in the capacity of surrogate.\n 4. "Authorized agency" shall mean an authorized agency as defined in\nthe social services law and, for the purpose of this article, shall\ninclude such corporations incorporated or organized under the laws of\nthis state as may be specifically authorized by their certificates of\nincorporation to receive children for purposes of adoption.\n 5. "Private-placement adoption" shall mean any adoption other than\nthat of a minor who has been placed for adoption by an authorized\nagency.\n 6. "Lawful custody" shall mean a custody (a) specifically authorized\nby statute or (b) pursuant to judgment, decree or order of a court or\n(c) otherwise authorized by law.\n 7. "A child who has been surrendered to an authorized agency for the\npurpose of adoption" shall mean a child who has been surrendered to such\nan agency pursuant to the provisions of section three hundred\neighty-three-c or three hundred eighty-four of the social services law.\n