N.Y. Educ. Law § 4707
Children not more than eighteen nor less than eight years of age may be admitted to or received in such school, either (1) upon the application of the parents or guardians having the legal custody or control of such children, accompanied by the written consent of such parents or guardians, or (2) upon commitment thereto as truants or (3) upon commitment thereto as juvenile delinquents as provided by law, provided that children convicted of crime shall not be committed to such school. Children who have no homes or who are without proper parental control or who are under improper guardianship may be sent to and received in such school, in the same manner and under the same authority as in case of other children who are improperly provided for at home.
N.Y. Educ. Law § 4707