In custody and visitation, delinquency, persons in need of supervision, child abuse and neglect, termination of parental rights, family offense, and adoption cases, an evaluation of the parties by a mental health professional is often necessary to assist the court in reaching an appropriate decision. To assure that the court and the parties have access to qualified mental health professionals, a panel of social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists shall be established in the First and Second Judicial Departments in accordance with this Part and Part 623 of this Title.
N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 22 § 680.1