Some children have lots of chores to do; others have hardly any at all. We know that doing chores can build a sense of responsibility and belonging. No one would argue that certain tasks are reasonable to expect a young child to do: helping to set and clear the table, keeping their belongings in order, and making their beds. Depending on the child’s age, maturity, and ability, some children are asked to do the laundry, clean the bathroom, do the yard work, and wash the car. On a farm, there are plenty of barnyard and field tasks that need to be done, with children expected to help.

Being part of a family, even temporarily, implies responsibilities as well as rights. Are those responsibilities different if the youngster is a child in foster care? Are foster parents treated differently than biological parents under the law? Are there distinctions between forced labor under federal law and New York law? Of course, the chore requested of the child cannot be dangerous or arduous. Still, from a legal perspective, how much is too much, such that it becomes abusive or might even be construed as forced labor?

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