The state Department of Labor is falling short in enforcing New York’s laws to protect child performers, according to an auditreleased today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. State auditors found shortfalls with how work permits were given to children and employers, inadequate monitoring of work conditions, and insufficient enforcement of requirements to set aside some of the children’s earnings in a trust.

“New York needs to do more to protect child actors, dancers, musicians and models,” DiNapoli said. “We have laws on the books to make certain that children are working with permits, and employers and parents are following the rules to protect the safety, health and financial rights of child performers. The state Department of Labor should hold the entertainment and modeling industries accountable to protect these children.”