N.Y. Family Court Act § 301.1 (2026)

§ 301.1. Purpose. The purpose of this article is to establish
procedures in accordance with due process of law (a) to determine
whether a person is a juvenile delinquent and (b) to issue an
appropriate order of disposition for any person who is adjudged a
juvenile delinquent. In any proceeding under this article, the court
shall consider the needs and best interests of the respondent as well as
the need for protection of the community.