N.Y. FCT Law § 235

§ 235. Compensation and liability for support and care in counties\nwithin the city of New York. (a) Upon the detention, placement or\ncommitment of a child by the family court in a county within the city of\nNew York to a public or private institution other than a shelter\nmaintained and conducted by a society for the prevention of cruelty to\nchildren, the department of social services of the city of New York\nshall investigate the ability of the parent of the child, or other\nperson legally chargeable, to contribute in whole or in part to the\nexpense incurred by the city of New York on account of the maintenance\nof such child.\n (b) If in the opinion of the department of social services such parent\nor legal custodian is able to contribute in whole or in part the\ncommissioner of social services shall thereupon institute a proceeding\nin the family court to compel such parent or person legally chargeable\nto contribute such portion of such expense on account of maintenance of\nsuch child as shall be proper and just.\n