Bill Text: NJ A2706 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Clarifies procedures for closing active child protective services cases.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-02-01 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Human Services Committee [A2706 Detail]

Download: New_Jersey-2018-A2706-Introduced.html

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ASSEMBLY, No. 2706

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

218th LEGISLATURE

 

INTRODUCED FEBRUARY 1, 2018

 

 

Sponsored by:

Assemblyman  JOHN F. MCKEON

District 27 (Essex and Morris)

 

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS

     Clarifies procedures for closing active child protective services cases.

 

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As introduced.

  

An Act concerning child abuse and neglect and supplementing Title 9 of the Revised Statutes.

 

     Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

     1.    Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a Division of Youth and Family Services caseworker shall not close an active child protective services case involving an allegation of child abuse or neglect until the following criteria are met:

     a.     the caseworker conducts a home visit and meets directly with the child who is the subject of the case;

     b.    the caseworker verifies that the child's parent, guardian or caregiver does not pose an immediate threat to the child's safety; and

     c.     the caseworker verifies that the child's emotional, physical, health care and educational needs are being met by the child's parent, guardian or caregiver.

 

     2.    Pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), the Commissioner of Human Services shall adopt rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act.

 

     3.    This act shall take effect immediately.

 

 

STATEMENT

 

     This bill provides that an active child protective services case involving an allegation of child abuse or neglect shall not be closed by a Division of Youth and Family Services caseworker unless the caseworker:

·        conducts a home visit and meets directly with the child who is the subject of the case;

·        verifies that the child's parent, guardian or caregiver does not pose an immediate threat to the child's safety; and

·        verifies that the child's emotional, physical, health care and educational needs are being met by the child's parent, guardian or caregiver.