By Jane Standley BBC Correspondent in New York

The authorities in New York say they will stop sending small children to a former prison in the Bronx which has just been opened as an emergency homeless shelter.

The decision follows the discovery of large amounts of dangerous lead-based paint at the shelter for homeless families - which has proved highly controversial since it was opened at the weekend.

New York is failing to provide accommodation for a record number of homeless families in the city.

More homeless shelters are needed

The former Bronx House of Detention for Men temporarily houses 80 to one 100 families who cannot find anywhere else to stay in New York's system of homeless shelters.

The former prison, which was closed two years ago, is surrounded by barbed wire, and armed prison guards.

Some of the families who have stayed there complain that it still feels like a prison.

Peeling paint

The peeling lead paint was found by charities working for the homeless families, who have been arguing anyway that a prison is no place for children.

Now, families with children aged under six will be offered alternative accommodation - but it is not clear where.

Resolving the crisis will be a major challenge for the mayor

Small partitions have been put up between the 280 dormitory-style beds at the former prison, but children are still sleeping next to adults they do not know.

New York City homelessness officials say that this is better than sleeping on the floor of their offices, as more than 80 families have been doing every night.

But they face contempt of court actions for accommodating families in offices.

The number of homeless families in New York has surged by 26% over the summer, to a record high of 8,400 families.

The crisis is emerging as a major test for the new mayor, Michael Bloomberg.