New York Consolidated Laws, Social Services Law - SOS § 374-c. Authority to operate group homes

1. An authorized agency which is not a court, public board, commission or official is hereby empowered and permitted to operate group homes in compliance with regulations of the department.  A social services official who is authorized to place children in family homes and institutions, pursuant to section three hundred ninety-eight, may be authorized by the department to operate group homes in compliance with such regulations, provided that such official demonstrates to the satisfaction of the department the need therefor and that suitable care is not otherwise available for children under the care of such official through an authorized agency under the control of persons of the same religious faith as such children.  Such homes shall be subject to supervision, visitation and inspection by the department and shall also be subject to visitation and inspection by the board.