In the recent case of Alachi I. (Shelby J.), the Appellate Division, Third Department's opinion concludes with the following compassionate paragraph:

"Although Family court made meaningful and substantial efforts to hear and determine the matter promptly, this case now nonetheless clearly illustrates the adage that justice delayed is justice denied...It is imperative that we ensure that our systems are properly equipped to address the needs of Family Court litigants. This reversal now occurs after a potential separation of the three young children from their mother extending many years. We cannot discern what may have occurred in this enormous span of time...it instead appears that we have failed to address the pressing needs of this family, and the children, at each step [215 A.D.3d at 1019]."

In Alachi I. the children’s mother, who was severely abused by their father in the State of Georgia, had fled to New York where she resided in a shelter. The children were traumatized and had obviously been significantly impaired by their father. In New York, the mother, who was blameless, valiantly attempted to cope with her children’s problems, but received little requested assistance. Multiple child protective reports were filed despite her efforts and the lack of assistance. Subsequently, a Family Court Article 10 petition was filed, and the Family Court authorized the children’s removal, which continued for many years, through a finding of neglect and an appeal. By the time the appeal was decided, and the family thereby reunited the children and their mother had needlessly endured five or six years of separation and trauma.