Section 5521. Preferences

(a) Preferences in the hearing of an appeal
  may be granted in the discretion of the court to  which  the  appeal  is
  taken.
    (b) Consistent with the provisions of section one thousand one hundred
  twelve  of  the  family  court  act,  appeals  from orders, judgments or
  decrees in proceedings brought pursuant to articles  three,  seven,  ten
  and  ten-A and parts one and two of article six of the family court act,
  and pursuant to sections  three  hundred  fifty-eight-a,  three  hundred
  eighty-three-c,   three   hundred   eighty-four,   and   three   hundred
  eighty-four-b of the social services law, shall be given preference  and
  may be brought on for argument on such terms and conditions as the court
  may direct without the necessity of a motion.