New York Consolidated Laws, Social Services Law - SOS § 103. Seizure of property of persons liable for support

The responsible public welfare official may apply to a court having jurisdiction in actions involving an amount equal to the value of property to be seized for a warrant to seize the real or personal estate of a person who absents himself, leaving any one for whose support he is liable dependent upon public support or liable to become so dependent.  If such a warrant be issued, the public welfare official may seize the property and apply the proceeds as directed by the court.