Albany County Department of Social Services – Legal Division – Albany, NY

Albany County DSS Legal Division

Legal Support for Social Welfare Programs

The Legal Division of the Albany County Department of Social Services (DSS), located within the agency’s main headquarters on Washington Avenue, provides critical legal counsel and representation for the department’s various bureaus. This unit is responsible for handling the legal aspects of the county’s safety net programs, ensuring compliance with New York State Social Services Law. The attorneys and support staff in this division represent the department in Family Court proceedings related to child support enforcement, foster care placement, and adult protective services cases. They also play a key role in the prosecution of welfare fraud and the recovery of misappropriated public funds.

• Child Welfare Proceedings: Represents the agency in court cases involving child abuse, neglect, and termination of parental rights to ensure the safety of vulnerable minors.
• Child Support Enforcement: Works to establish paternity and enforce child support orders, ensuring non-custodial parents meet their financial obligations.
• Fair Hearings: Prepares and presents the department’s case during administrative hearings when a client appeals a decision regarding their benefits (SNAP, HEAP, Temporary Assistance).
• Fraud and Recovery: Collaborates with the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) to pursue civil or criminal action against individuals who obtain benefits through fraudulent means.

Access and Procedures

While the Legal Division primarily serves the internal needs of the DSS and interacts with the courts, it interacts with the public during administrative hearings and legal disputes. Visitors to the 162 Washington Avenue facility must pass through security screening at the entrance. For clients involved in a Fair Hearing, it is crucial to bring all relevant documentation and notices to the appointment. The division operates in close coordination with the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) to uphold the integrity of the social welfare system in Albany County.