NY not protecting child performers, audit claims

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A new state audit says officials in New York state aren't doing enough to ensure child performers aren't being exploited or mistreated.

The report issued Thursday by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli looked at the state Department of Labor's record of overseeing the employment of actors, models and other performers under the age of 18.

The audit faulted the department for sloppy paperwork and for not monitoring work conditions or verifying safety and educational provisions for child workers.

DiNapoli says the state must do more to enforce laws protecting the welfare and financial rights of children working in the entertainment and modeling industries.

In its response, the Department of Labor disputed many of the audit's findings and said the agency actively works to protect the welfare of child performers.