Press Releases

January 24, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: pressoffice@acs.nyc.gov, (212) 341-0999

Alan Sputz joins the New York City Administration for Children’s Services as Deputy Commissioner for Family Court Legal Services

The New York City Administration for Children’s Services announced that Alan Sputz has joined the agency as Deputy Commissioner for Family Court Legal Services (FCLS). As Deputy Commissioner, Alan will be responsible for all aspects of FCLS’ mission and operations, including managing and directing division staff representing ACS before the Family Court in all five boroughs, the IV-E claiming unit, the Legal Compliance Unit, as well as the Legal Support and Training Unit. Additionally, he will participate in child welfare program policy development.

“Alan brings the skills and experiences needed to advance our work in the Family Court and to improve outcomes for children and families that come before the Court,” said ACS Commissioner Ronald E. Richter. “He has cultivated relationships with agencies and the Court, while developing a reputation as a problem-solver and effective administrator.”

Mr. Sputz served for over 17 years with the New York City Law Department in the Family Court Division. Starting as a Staff Attorney in the juvenile delinquency unit, he was successively promoted to his most recent position as Deputy Division Chief with responsibility for oversight and management of day-to-day operations of the borough offices that handle prosecution of juvenile delinquency cases and litigation of interstate child support matters. Alan has overseen the operations of borough offices in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Island at different points in his tenure with the Law Department.

“I am honored to join the ACS team to help strengthen the agency’s relationship with the family court, and promote the well being of the City’s children,” said Mr. Sputz.

Alan is also a member of the United States Army Reserve, Judge Advocate General’s Corps, in which he has served since February, 2001, and has achieved the rank of Major. Alan has been deployed to Iraq and Kuwait as an operational law attorney with Coalition Forces where he was assigned to handle matters involving international law and detainee operations; he was also deployed to Afghanistan along side NATO Forces where he served as a legal advisor to the Afghan National Police.

Alan received a Bachelor of Arts degree from The George Washington University and his JD from The Pennsylvania State University, The Dickinson School of Law. He is a member of the Bar in New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia.

The Division of Family Court Legal Services (FCLS) is responsible for representing Children’s Services in child neglect and abuse cases, permanency hearings, and other child welfare proceedings in the New York City Family Courts. FCLS attorneys work collaboratively with Child Protective Specialists, case planners, and other child welfare stakeholders to further the agency’s mission on behalf of children and families. Attorneys also provide legal assistance for the agency and foster care provider agencies and provide training for attorneys and social work staff on Family Court practice.