ALBANY, N.Y. -- A new law aimed at protecting children from abuse and neglect goes into effect Saturday.

Co-sponsored by Syracuse area Senator John DeFrancisco, the law applies to children in residential facilities and programs operated or licensed by the state.

The goal is to clarify safety standards and strengthen the process used to investigate and respond to the alleged abuse and neglect. Specific actions that constitute child abuse are characterized in the bill including throwing, shoving and kicking, among others.