New York Consolidated Laws, Social Services Law - SOS § 376. Certificate to board children and/or minors under age of eighteen years

1. An authorized agency which shall board out any child and/or minor under the age of eighteen years shall issue to the person receiving such child and/or minor for board a certificate to receive, board or keep a child and/or minor under the age of eighteen years.  Prior to issuing such certificate, the agency shall require that an applicant set forth:  his or her employment history, provide personal and employment references and sign a sworn statement indicating whether the applicant, to the best of his or her knowledge, has ever been convicted of a crime in this state or any other jurisdiction.  In accordance with the regulations of the office of children and family services, in addition to the requirements set forth in subdivision two of section three hundred seventy-eight-a of this title and paragraph (a) of subdivision one of section four hundred twenty-four-a of this article, the agency shall review information available in the statewide automated child welfare information system to determine whether the applicant previously held such a certificate, or a license or approval as a foster parent and, if so, whether such certificate, license or approval was revoked, not renewed, or a foster child was removed from his or her home for health or safety reasons and shall consider such information in determining whether a certificate should be issued to such applicant.  Not until all inquiries are completed and evaluated shall the agency cause such certificate to be issued.

2. The agency issuing or renewing any such certificate shall forthwith transmit a copy or report thereof to the board.

3. No person shall be certified by more than one authorized agency but any person so certified may receive for care at board or otherwise a child and/or minor under the age of eighteen years from other sources upon the written consent and approval of the certifying agency as to each such child and/or minor.