Summary
A $750,000 three-year state grant extension will create a Family Defense Unit in the Assigned Counsel Program, fully reimbursed by the state, to help parents in CPS neglect and abuse cases — with the goal of reducing removals of children from families and cutting county costs.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 27, 2026.
Impact analysis
No net county cost — the state reimburses 100% of the new unit's costs.
Parents facing CPS cases in Family Court, and county taxpayers through reduced mandated costs.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Public Safety Committee - Regular Meeting — October 27, 2026
A $750,000 three-year state grant extension will create a Family Defense Unit in the Assigned Counsel Program, fully reimbursed by the state, to help parents in CPS neglect and abuse cases — with the goal of reducing removals of children from families and cutting county costs.
Public Safety Committee - Regular Meeting — May 26, 2026
Tompkins County will keep providing conflict defender services to Schuyler County for another five years, with Schuyler covering all costs — over $622,000 total. The arrangement also helps fund Tompkins' own defense program.
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