Bill Text: NJ A3101 | 2012-2013 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Reorganizes Department of Children and Families.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 5-1)
Status: (Passed) 2012-06-29 - Approved P.L.2012, c.16. [A3101 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2012-A3101-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman MARY PAT ANGELINI
District 11 (Monmouth)
SYNOPSIS
Reorganizes Department of Children and Families.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act reorganizing the Department of Children and Families, transferring the Division on Women from the Department of Community Affairs to the Department of Children and Families and reconstituting the division as the Office on Women, transferring certain services for youth from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Children and Families, amending various parts of the statutory law, and supplementing P.L.1974, c.87 (C.52:27D-43.8) and Title 30 of the Revised Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Section 24 of P.L.1982, c.77 (C.2A:4A-43) is amended to read as follows:
24. Disposition of delinquency cases. a. In determining the appropriate disposition for a juvenile adjudicated delinquent the court shall weigh the following factors:
(1) The nature and circumstances of the offense;
(2) The degree of injury to persons or damage to property caused by the juvenile's offense;
(3) The juvenile's age, previous record, prior social service received, and out-of-home placement history;
(4) Whether the disposition supports family strength, responsibility and unity and the well-being and physical safety of the juvenile;
(5) Whether the disposition provides for reasonable participation by the child's parent, guardian, or custodian, provided, however, that the failure of a parent or parents to cooperate in the disposition shall not be weighed against the juvenile in arriving at an appropriate disposition;
(6) Whether the disposition recognizes and treats the unique physical, psychological, and social characteristics and needs of the child;
(7) Whether the disposition contributes to the developmental needs of the child, including the academic and social needs of the child where the child has mental retardation or learning disabilities;
(8) Any other circumstances related to the offense and the juvenile's social history as deemed appropriate by the court;
(9) The impact of the offense on the victim or victims;
(10) The impact of the offense on the community; and
(11) The threat to the safety of the public or any individual posed by the child.
b. If a juvenile is adjudged delinquent, and except to the extent that an additional specific disposition is required pursuant to subsection e. or f. of this section, the court may order incarceration pursuant to section 25 of P.L.1982, c.77 (C.2A:4A-44) or any one or more of the following dispositions:
(1) Adjourn formal entry of disposition of the case for a period not to exceed 12 months for the purpose of determining whether the juvenile makes a satisfactory adjustment, and if during the period of continuance the juvenile makes such an adjustment, dismiss the complaint; provided that if the court adjourns formal entry of disposition of delinquency for a violation of an offense defined in chapter 35 or 36 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes the court shall assess the mandatory penalty set forth in N.J.S.2C:35-15 but may waive imposition of the penalty set forth in N.J.S.2C:35-16 for juveniles adjudicated delinquent;
(2) Release the juvenile to the supervision of the juvenile's parent or guardian;
(3) Place the juvenile on probation to the chief probation officer of the county or to any other suitable person who agrees to accept the duty of probation supervision for a period not to exceed three years upon such written conditions as the court deems will aid rehabilitation of the juvenile;
(4) Transfer custody of the juvenile to any relative or other person determined by the court to be qualified to care for the juvenile;
(5) Place the juvenile under the care and responsibility of the Department of Children and Families so that the commissioner may designate a division or organizational unit in the department pursuant to P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-1 et seq.) for the purpose of providing services in or out of the home. Within 14 days, unless for good cause shown, but not later than 30 days, the Department of Children and Families shall submit to the court a service plan, which shall be presumed valid, detailing the specifics of any disposition order. The plan shall be developed within the limits of fiscal and other resources available to the department. If the court determines that the service plan is inappropriate, given existing resources, the department may request a hearing on that determination;
(6) Place the juvenile under the care and custody of the Commissioner of Human Services for the purpose of receiving the services of the Division of Developmental Disabilities of that department, provided that the juvenile has been determined to be eligible for those services under P.L.1965, c.59, s.16 (C.30:4-25.4);
(7) Commit the juvenile, pursuant to applicable laws and the Rules of Court governing civil commitment, to the Department of Children and Families under the responsibility of the Division of [Child Behavioral Health Services] Children's System of Care for the purpose of placement in a suitable public or private hospital or other residential facility for the treatment of persons who are mentally ill, on the ground that the juvenile is in need of involuntary commitment;
(8) Fine the juvenile an amount not to exceed the maximum provided by law for such a crime or offense if committed by an adult and which is consistent with the juvenile's income or ability to pay and financial responsibility to the juvenile's family, provided that the fine is specially adapted to the rehabilitation of the juvenile or to the deterrence of the type of crime or offense. If the fine is not paid due to financial limitations, the fine may be satisfied by requiring the juvenile to submit to any other appropriate disposition provided for in this section;
(9) Order the juvenile to make restitution to a person or entity who has suffered loss resulting from personal injuries or damage to property as a result of the offense for which the juvenile has been adjudicated delinquent. The court may determine the reasonable amount, terms, and conditions of restitution. If the juvenile participated in the offense with other persons, the participants shall be jointly and severally responsible for the payment of restitution. The court shall not require a juvenile to make full or partial restitution if the juvenile reasonably satisfies the court that the juvenile does not have the means to make restitution and could not reasonably acquire the means to pay restitution;
(10) Order that the juvenile perform community services under the supervision of a probation division or other agency or individual deemed appropriate by the court. Such services shall be compulsory and reasonable in terms of nature and duration. Such services may be performed without compensation, provided that any money earned by the juvenile from the performance of community services may be applied towards any payment of restitution or fine which the court has ordered the juvenile to pay;
(11) Order that the juvenile participate in work programs which are designed to provide job skills and specific employment training to enhance the employability of job participants. Such programs may be without compensation, provided that any money earned by the juvenile from participation in a work program may be applied towards any payment of restitution or fine which the court has ordered the juvenile to pay;
(12) Order that the juvenile participate in programs emphasizing self-reliance, such as intensive outdoor programs teaching survival skills, including but not limited to camping, hiking, and other appropriate activities;
(13) Order that the juvenile participate in a program of academic or vocational education or counseling, such as a youth service bureau, requiring attendance at sessions designed to afford access to opportunities for normal growth and development. This may require attendance after school, evenings, and weekends;
(14) Place the juvenile in a suitable residential or nonresidential program for the treatment of alcohol or narcotic abuse, provided that the juvenile has been determined to be in need of such services;
(15) Order the parent or guardian of the juvenile to participate in appropriate programs or services when the court has found either that such person's omission or conduct was a significant contributing factor towards the commission of the delinquent act, or, under its authority to enforce litigant's rights, that such person's omission or conduct has been a significant contributing factor towards the ineffective implementation of a court order previously entered in relation to the juvenile;
(16) (a) Place the juvenile in a nonresidential program operated by a public or private agency, providing intensive services to juveniles for specified hours, which may include education, counseling to the juvenile and the juvenile's family if appropriate, vocational training, employment counseling, work, or other services;
(b) Place the juvenile under the custody of the Juvenile Justice Commission established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1995, c.284 (C.52:17B-170) for placement with any private group home or private residential facility with which the commission has entered into a purchase of service contract;
(17) Instead of or in addition to any disposition made according to this section, the court may postpone, suspend, or revoke for a period not to exceed two years the driver's license, registration certificate, or both of any juvenile who used a motor vehicle in the course of committing an act for which the juvenile was adjudicated delinquent. In imposing this disposition and in deciding the duration of the postponement, suspension, or revocation, the court shall consider the severity of the delinquent act and the potential effect of the loss of driving privileges on the juvenile's ability to be rehabilitated. Any postponement, suspension, or revocation shall be imposed consecutively with any custodial commitment;
(18) Order that the juvenile satisfy any other conditions reasonably related to the rehabilitation of the juvenile;
(19) Order a parent or guardian who has failed or neglected to exercise reasonable supervision or control of a juvenile who has been adjudicated delinquent to make restitution to any person or entity who has suffered a loss as a result of that offense. The court may determine the reasonable amount, terms and conditions of restitution; or
(20) Place the juvenile, if eligible, in an appropriate juvenile offender program established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.81 (C.30:8-61 et al.).
c. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsections e. and f. of this section, if the county in which the juvenile has been adjudicated delinquent has a juvenile detention facility meeting the physical and program standards established pursuant to this subsection by the Juvenile Justice Commission, the court may, in addition to any of the dispositions not involving placement out of the home enumerated in this section, incarcerate the juvenile in the youth detention facility in that county for a term not to exceed 60 consecutive days. Counties which do not operate their own juvenile detention facilities may contract for the use of approved commitment programs with counties with which they have established agreements for the use of pre-disposition juvenile detention facilities. The Juvenile Justice Commission shall promulgate such rules and regulations from time to time as deemed necessary to establish minimum physical facility and program standards for the use of juvenile detention facilities pursuant to this subsection.
(2) No juvenile may be incarcerated in any county detention facility unless the county has entered into an agreement with the Juvenile Justice Commission concerning the use of the facility for sentenced juveniles. Upon agreement with the county, the Juvenile Justice Commission shall certify detention facilities which may receive juveniles sentenced pursuant to this subsection and shall specify the capacity of the facility that may be made available to receive such juveniles; provided, however, that in no event shall the number of juveniles incarcerated pursuant to this subsection exceed 50% of the maximum capacity of the facility.
(3) The court may fix a term of incarceration under this subsection where:
(a) The act for which the juvenile was adjudicated delinquent, if committed by an adult, would have constituted a crime or repetitive disorderly persons offense;
(b) Incarceration of the juvenile is consistent with the goals of public safety, accountability, and rehabilitation and the court is clearly convinced that the aggravating factors substantially outweigh the mitigating factors as set forth in section 25 of P.L.1982, c.77 (C.2A:4A-44); and
(c) The detention facility has been certified for admission of adjudicated juveniles pursuant to paragraph (2).
(4) If as a result of incarceration of adjudicated juveniles pursuant to this subsection, a county is required to transport a predisposition juvenile to a juvenile detention facility in another county, the costs of such transportation shall be borne by the Juvenile Justice Commission.
d. Whenever the court imposes a disposition upon an adjudicated delinquent which requires the juvenile to perform a community service, restitution, or to participate in any other program provided for in this section other than subsection c., the duration of the juvenile's mandatory participation in such alternative programs shall extend for a period consistent with the program goal for the juvenile and shall in no event exceed one year beyond the maximum duration permissible for the delinquent if the juvenile had been committed to a term of incarceration.
e. In addition to any disposition the court may impose pursuant to this section or section 25 of P.L.1982, c.77 (C.2A:4A-44), the following orders shall be included in dispositions of the adjudications set forth below:
(1) An order of incarceration for a term of the duration authorized pursuant to this section or section 25 of P.L.1982, c.77 (C.2A:4A-44) or an order to perform community service pursuant to paragraph (10) of subsection b. of this section for a period of at least 60 days, if the juvenile has been adjudicated delinquent for an act which, if committed by an adult, would constitute the crime of theft of a motor vehicle, or the crime of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle in violation of subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:20-10, or the third degree crime of eluding in violation of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:29-2;
(2) An order of incarceration for a term of the duration authorized pursuant to this section or section 25 of P.L.1982, c.77 (C.2A:4A-44) which shall include a minimum term of 60 days during which the juvenile shall be ineligible for parole, if the juvenile has been adjudicated delinquent for an act which, if committed by an adult, would constitute the crime of aggravated assault in violation of paragraph (6) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:12-1, the second degree crime of eluding in violation of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:29-2, or theft of a motor vehicle, in a case in which the juvenile has previously been adjudicated delinquent for an act, which if committed by an adult, would constitute unlawful taking of a motor vehicle or theft of a motor vehicle;
(3) An order to perform community service pursuant to paragraph (10) of subsection b. of this section for a period of at least 30 days, if the juvenile has been adjudicated delinquent for an act which, if committed by an adult, would constitute the fourth degree crime of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle in violation of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:20-10;
(4) An order of incarceration for a term of the duration authorized pursuant to this section or section 25 of P.L.1982, c.77 (C.2A:4A-44) which shall include a minimum term of 30 days during which the juvenile shall be ineligible for parole, if the juvenile has been adjudicated delinquent for an act which, if committed by an adult, would constitute the crime of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle in violation of N.J.S.2C:20-10 or the third degree crime of eluding in violation of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:29-2, and if the juvenile has previously been adjudicated delinquent for an act which, if committed by an adult, would constitute either theft of a motor vehicle, the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle or eluding.
f. (1) The minimum terms of incarceration required pursuant to subsection e. of this section shall be imposed regardless of the weight or balance of factors set forth in this section or in section 25 of P.L.1982, c.77 (C.2A:4A-44), but the weight and balance of those factors shall determine the length of the term of incarceration appropriate, if any, beyond any mandatory minimum term required pursuant to subsection e. of this section.
(2) When a court in a county that does not have a juvenile detention facility or a contractual relationship permitting incarceration pursuant to subsection c. of this section is required to impose a term of incarceration pursuant to subsection e. of this section, the court may, subject to limitations on commitment to State correctional facilities of juveniles who are under the age of 11 or developmentally disabled, set a term of incarceration consistent with subsection c. which shall be served in a State correctional facility. When a juvenile who because of age or developmental disability cannot be committed to a State correctional facility or cannot be incarcerated in a county facility, the court shall order a disposition appropriate as an alternative to any incarceration required pursuant to subsection e..
(3) For purposes of subsection e. of this section, in the event that a "boot camp" program for juvenile offenders should be developed and is available, a term of commitment to such a program shall be considered a term of incarceration.
g. Whenever the court imposes a disposition upon an adjudicated delinquent which requires the juvenile to perform a community service, restitution, or to participate in any other program provided for in this section, the order shall include provisions which provide balanced attention to the protection of the community, accountability for offenses committed, fostering interaction and dialogue between the offender, victim and community and the development of competencies to enable the child to become a responsible and productive member of the community.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.18)
2. Section 10 of P.L.1982, c.80 (C.2A:4A-85) is amended to read as follows:
10. Alcoholic, drug-dependent parent. a. When a petition is filed and as a result of any information supplied on the family situation by the crisis intervention unit, court intake services has reason to believe that the parent or guardian is an alcoholic, as defined by P.L.1975, c.305 (C. 26:2B-8), or a drug-dependent person, as defined by section 2 of the "New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Act," P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-2), intake services shall state the basis for this determination and provide recommendations to the court.
b. When, as a result of any information supplied by the crisis intervention unit, court intake services has reason to believe that a juvenile is an "abused or neglected child," as defined in P.L.1974, c.119 (C. 9:6-8.21), they shall handle the case pursuant to the procedure set forth in that law. The Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency shall, upon disposition of any case originated pursuant to this subsection, notify court intake services as to the nature of the disposition.
c. (1) When, as a result of any information supplied with regard to any juvenile by the crisis intervention unit or from any other source, court intake services has reason to believe that the juvenile may have an auditory or vision problem, intake services shall state the basis for this determination and provide recommendations to the court. Before arriving at its determination, intake services may request the court to order any appropriate school medical records of the juvenile. On the basis of this recommendation or on its own motion, the court may order any juvenile concerning whom a complaint is filed to be examined by a physician, optometrist, audiologist, or speech language pathologist.
(2) Any examination shall be made and the findings submitted to the court within 30 days of the date the order is entered, but this period may be extended by the court for good cause.
(3) Copies of any reports of findings submitted to the court shall be available to counsel for all parties prior to an adjudication of whether or not the juvenile is delinquent.
(cf: P.L.1985, c.437, s.1)
3. Section 1 of P.L.2009, c.217 (C.2A:4A-92) is amended to read as follows:
1. a. As provided in [this act] P.L.2009, c.217, a "Court Appointed Special Advocate" (CASA) shall mean a community volunteer who has been recruited, screened, trained, and supervised by a CASA program affiliated with Court Appointed Special Advocates of New Jersey or a similar organization as determined by the Administrative Office of the Courts. An affiliate CASA program shall meet all State Court Appointed Special Advocate and National Court Appointed Special Advocate standards, and shall be affiliated with Court Appointed Special Advocates of New Jersey and the National Court Appointed Special Advocates Association.
b. There shall be established in the State of New Jersey a Court Appointed Special Advocate program which shall serve as a resource to the courts in determining the best interests of any child less than 18 years of age who has been removed from his home due to abuse or neglect. A Court Appointed Special Advocate may continue to undertake activities in furtherance of the child's best interests, in appropriate cases, until the child who is the subject of the court appointment reaches 21 years of age.
c. Pursuant to the Rules of Court, the court may appoint a special advocate from the CASA program to act on behalf of the court. The special advocate shall undertake certain activities in furtherance of the child's interests, but shall not supplant or interfere with the role of counsel or guardian ad litem for that child. Any such special advocate shall be a volunteer associated with a court-authorized CASA program. The duties and activities of a CASA program and all of its volunteers shall be subject to guidelines and standards established by the Administrative Director of the Courts.
d. A person seeking to volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate shall be subject to the following:
(1) a criminal history record background check submitted by the Administrative Office of the Courts or its designee to the appropriate authorities. A copy of the results shall be provided to the affiliate CASA program. A person shall not be approved as a Court Appointed Special Advocate if criminal history record information exists on file with the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Division of State Police which would disqualify that person from serving in that capacity, as determined by the affiliate CASA program; and
(2) a child abuse record information check conducted by the Department of Children and Families to determine if an incident of child abuse or neglect has been substantiated, pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.11), against the prospective CASA volunteer. The department shall cooperate by conducting the child abuse record information check and providing the results to the affiliate CASA program.
If a prospective volunteer refuses to consent to, or cooperate in, the securing of a criminal history record background check or a child abuse record information check, the person shall not be appointed as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.
e. Upon presentation of an order of appointment, the special advocate shall be provided access to all information and records relevant to the child, including but not limited to: school records, child care records, medical records, mental health records, family court and juvenile court records, and records of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families.
f. Any special advocate or affiliate CASA program staff member acting in good faith within the scope of his appointment or employment shall have immunity from any civil or criminal liability that otherwise might result by reason of his actions or failure to act, except in cases of willful or wanton misconduct.
(cf: P.L.2009, c.217, s.1)
4. Section 6 of P.L.2004, c.157 (C.2A:23C-6) is amended to read as follows:
6. Exceptions to Privilege.
a. There is no privilege under section 4 of P.L.2004, c.157 (C.2A:23C-4) for a mediation communication that is:
(1) in an agreement evidenced by a record signed by all parties to the agreement;
(2) made during a session of a mediation that is open, or is required by law to be open, to the public;
(3) a threat or statement of a plan to inflict bodily injury or commit a crime;
(4) intentionally used to plan a crime, attempt to commit a crime, or to conceal an ongoing crime or ongoing criminal activity;
(5) sought or offered to prove or disprove a claim or complaint filed against a mediator arising out of a mediation;
(6) except as otherwise provided in subsection c., sought or offered to prove or disprove a claim or complaint of professional misconduct or malpractice filed against a mediation party, nonparty participant, or representative of a party based on conduct occurring during a mediation; or
(7) sought or offered to prove or disprove child abuse or neglect in a proceeding in which the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families is a party, unless the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency participates in the mediation.
b. There is no privilege under section 4 of P.L.2004, c.157 (C.2A:23C-4) if a court, administrative agency, or arbitrator finds, after a hearing in camera, that the party seeking discovery or the proponent of the evidence has shown that the evidence is not otherwise available, that there is a need for the evidence that substantially outweighs the interest in protecting confidentiality, and that the mediation communication is sought or offered in:
(1) a court proceeding involving a crime as defined in the "New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice," N.J.S. 2C:1-1 et seq.; or
(2) except as otherwise provided in subsection c., a proceeding to prove a claim to rescind or reform or a defense to avoid liability on a contract arising out of the mediation.
c. A mediator may not be compelled to provide evidence of a mediation communication referred to in paragraph (6) of subsection a. or paragraph (2) of subsection b.
d. If a mediation communication is not privileged under subsection a. or b., only the portion of the communication necessary for the application of the exception from nondisclosure may be admitted. Admission of evidence under subsection a. or b. does not render the evidence, or any other mediation communication, discoverable or admissible for any other purpose.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.22)
5. Section 5 of P.L.1994, c.133 (C.2C:7-5) is amended to read as follows:
5. a. Records maintained pursuant to [this act] P.L.1994, c.133 (C.2C:7-1 et seq.) shall be open to any law enforcement agency in this State, the United States, or any other state and may be released to the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families for use in carrying out its responsibilities under law. Law enforcement agencies in this State shall be authorized to release relevant and necessary information regarding sex offenders to the public when the release of the information is necessary for public protection in accordance with the provisions of P.L.1994, c.128 (C.2C:7-6 et seq.).
b. An elected public official, public employee, or public agency is immune from civil liability for damages for any discretionary decision to release relevant and necessary information, unless it is shown that the official, employee, or agency acted with gross negligence or in bad faith. The immunity provided under this section applies to the release of relevant information to other employees or officials or to the general public.
c. Nothing in [this act] P.L.1994, c.133 shall be deemed to impose any liability upon or to give rise to a cause of action against any public official, public employee, or public agency for failing to release information as authorized in subsection d. of this section.
d. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent law enforcement officers from notifying members of the public exposed to danger of any persons that pose a danger under circumstances that are not enumerated in [this act] P.L.1994, c.133.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.23)
6. N.J.S.2C:12-1 is amended to read as follows:
2C:12-1. Assault. a. Simple assault. A person is guilty of assault if he:
(1) Attempts to cause or purposely, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; or
(2) Negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or
(3) Attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
Simple assault is a disorderly persons offense unless committed in a fight or scuffle entered into by mutual consent, in which case it is a petty disorderly persons offense.
b. Aggravated assault. A person is guilty of aggravated assault if he:
(1) Attempts to cause serious bodily injury to another, or causes such injury purposely or knowingly or under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life recklessly causes such injury; or
(2) Attempts to cause or purposely or knowingly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or
(3) Recklessly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or
(4) Knowingly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life points a firearm, as defined in section 2C:39-1f., at or in the direction of another, whether or not the actor believes it to be loaded; or
(5) Commits a simple assault as defined in subsection a. (1), (2) or (3) of this section upon:
(a) Any law enforcement officer acting in the performance of his duties while in uniform or exhibiting evidence of his authority or because of his status as a law enforcement officer; or
(b) Any paid or volunteer fireman acting in the performance of his duties while in uniform or otherwise clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of the duties of a fireman; or
(c) Any person engaged in emergency first-aid or medical services acting in the performance of his duties while in uniform or otherwise clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of emergency first-aid or medical services; or
(d) Any school board member, school administrator, teacher, school bus driver, or other employee of a public or nonpublic school or school board while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of his duties or because of his status as a member or employee of a public or nonpublic school or school board or any school bus driver employed by an operator under contract to a public or nonpublic school or school board while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of his duties or because of his status as a school bus driver; or
(e) Any employee of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of his duties or because of his status as an employee of the division; or
(f) Any justice of the Supreme Court, judge of the Superior Court, judge of the Tax Court or municipal judge while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of judicial duties or because of his status as a member of the judiciary; or
(g) Any operator of a motorbus or the operator's supervisor or any employee of a rail passenger service while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of his duties or because of his status as an operator of a motorbus or as the operator's supervisor or as an employee of a rail passenger service; or
(h) Any Department of Corrections employee, county corrections officer, juvenile corrections officer, State juvenile facility employee, juvenile detention staff member, juvenile detention officer, probation officer or any sheriff, undersheriff, or sheriff's officer acting in the performance of his duties while in uniform or exhibiting evidence of his authority; or
(i) Any employee, including any person employed under contract, of a utility company as defined in section 2 of P.L.1971, c.224 (C.2A:42-86) or a cable television company subject to the provisions of the "Cable Television Act," P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.) while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of his duties in regard to connecting, disconnecting or repairing or attempting to connect, disconnect or repair any gas, electric or water utility, or cable television or telecommunication service; or
(j) Any health care worker employed by a licensed health care facility to provide direct patient care, any health care professional licensed or otherwise authorized pursuant to Title 26 or Title 45 of the Revised Statutes to practice a health care profession, except a direct care worker at a State or county psychiatric hospital or State developmental center or veterans' memorial home, while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the duties of providing direct patient care or practicing the health care profession; or
(k) Any direct care worker at a State or county psychiatric hospital or State developmental center or veterans' memorial home, while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the duties of providing direct patient care or practicing the health care profession, provided that the actor is not a patient or resident at the facility who is classified by the facility as having a mental illness or developmental disability; or
(6) Causes bodily injury to another person while fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer in violation of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:29-2 or while operating a motor vehicle in violation of subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:20-10. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a person shall be strictly liable for a violation of this subsection upon proof of a violation of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:29-2 or while operating a motor vehicle in violation of subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:20-10 which resulted in bodily injury to another person; or
(7) Attempts to cause significant bodily injury to another or causes significant bodily injury purposely or knowingly or, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life recklessly causes such significant bodily injury; or
(8) Causes bodily injury by knowingly or purposely starting a fire or causing an explosion in violation of N.J.S.2C:17-1 which results in bodily injury to any emergency services personnel involved in fire suppression activities, rendering emergency medical services resulting from the fire or explosion or rescue operations, or rendering any necessary assistance at the scene of the fire or explosion, including any bodily injury sustained while responding to the scene of a reported fire or explosion. For purposes of this subsection, "emergency services personnel" shall include, but not be limited to, any paid or volunteer fireman, any person engaged in emergency first-aid or medical services and any law enforcement officer. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a person shall be strictly liable for a violation of this paragraph upon proof of a violation of N.J.S.2C:17-1 which resulted in bodily injury to any emergency services personnel; or
(9) Knowingly, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, points or displays a firearm, as defined in subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-1, at or in the direction of a law enforcement officer; or
(10) Knowingly points, displays, or uses an imitation firearm, as defined in subsection v. of N.J.S.2C:39-1, at or in the direction of a law enforcement officer with the purpose to intimidate, threaten, or attempt to put the officer in fear of bodily injury or for any unlawful purpose; or
(11) Uses or activates a laser sighting system or device, or a system or device which, in the manner used, would cause a reasonable person to believe that it is a laser sighting system or device, against a law enforcement officer acting in the performance of his duties while in uniform or exhibiting evidence of his authority. As used in this paragraph, "laser sighting system or device" means any system or device that is integrated with or affixed to a firearm and emits a laser light beam that is used to assist in the sight alignment or aiming of the firearm.
Aggravated assault under subsections b. (1) and b. (6) is a crime of the second degree; under subsections b. (2), b. (7), b. (9), and b. (10) is a crime of the third degree; under subsections b. (3) and b. (4) is a crime of the fourth degree; and under subsection b. (5) is a crime of the third degree if the victim suffers bodily injury, otherwise it is a crime of the fourth degree. Aggravated assault under subsection b.(8) is a crime of the third degree if the victim suffers bodily injury; if the victim suffers significant bodily injury or serious bodily injury it is a crime of the second degree. Aggravated assault under subsection b. (11) is a crime of the third degree.
c. (1) A person is guilty of assault by auto or vessel when the person drives a vehicle or vessel recklessly and causes either serious bodily injury or bodily injury to another. Assault by auto or vessel is a crime of the fourth degree if serious bodily injury results and is a disorderly persons offense if bodily injury results.
(2) Assault by auto or vessel is a crime of the third degree if the person drives the vehicle while in violation of R.S.39:4-50 or section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a) and serious bodily injury results and is a crime of the fourth degree if the person drives the vehicle while in violation of R.S.39:4-50 or section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a) and bodily injury results.
(3) Assault by auto or vessel is a crime of the second degree if serious bodily injury results from the defendant operating the auto or vessel while in violation of R.S.39:4-50 or section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a) while:
(a) on any school property used for school purposes which is owned by or leased to any elementary or secondary school or school board, or within 1,000 feet of such school property;
(b) driving through a school crossing as defined in R.S.39:1-1 if the municipality, by ordinance or resolution, has designated the school crossing as such; or
(c) driving through a school crossing as defined in R.S.39:1-1 knowing that juveniles are present if the municipality has not designated the school crossing as such by ordinance or resolution.
Assault by auto or vessel is a crime of the third degree if bodily injury results from the defendant operating the auto or vessel in violation of this paragraph.
A map or true copy of a map depicting the location and boundaries of the area on or within 1,000 feet of any property used for school purposes which is owned by or leased to any elementary or secondary school or school board produced pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) may be used in a prosecution under subparagraph (a) of paragraph (3) of this subsection.
It shall be no defense to a prosecution for a violation of subparagraph (a) or (b) of paragraph (3) of this subsection that the defendant was unaware that the prohibited conduct took place while on or within 1,000 feet of any school property or while driving through a school crossing. Nor shall it be a defense to a prosecution under subparagraph (a) or (b) of paragraph (3) of this subsection that no juveniles were present on the school property or crossing zone at the time of the offense or that the school was not in session.
(4) Assault by auto or vessel is a crime of the third degree if the person purposely drives a vehicle in an aggressive manner directed at another vehicle and serious bodily injury results and is a crime of the fourth degree if the person purposely drives a vehicle in an aggressive manner directed at another vehicle and bodily injury results. For purposes of this paragraph, "driving a vehicle in an aggressive manner" shall include, but is not limited to, unexpectedly altering the speed of the vehicle, making improper or erratic traffic lane changes, disregarding traffic control devices, failing to yield the right of way, or following another vehicle too closely.
As used in this section, "vessel" means a means of conveyance for travel on water and propelled otherwise than by muscular power.
d. A person who is employed by a facility as defined in section 2 of P.L.1977, c.239 (C.52:27G-2) who commits a simple assault as defined in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection a. of this section upon an institutionalized elderly person as defined in section 2 of P.L.1977, c.239 (C.52:27G-2) is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
e. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2001, c.443).
f. A person who commits a simple assault as defined in paragraph (1), (2) or (3) of subsection a. of this section in the presence of a child under 16 years of age at a school or community sponsored youth sports event is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. The defendant shall be strictly liable upon proof that the offense occurred, in fact, in the presence of a child under 16 years of age. It shall not be a defense that the defendant did not know that the child was present or reasonably believed that the child was 16 years of age or older. The provisions of this subsection shall not be construed to create any liability on the part of a participant in a youth sports event or to abrogate any immunity or defense available to a participant in a youth sports event. As used in this act, "school or community sponsored youth sports event" means a competition, practice or instructional event involving one or more interscholastic sports teams or youth sports teams organized pursuant to a nonprofit or similar charter or which are member teams in a youth league organized by or affiliated with a county or municipal recreation department and shall not include collegiate, semi-professional or professional sporting events.
(cf: P.L.2012, c.3, s.1)
7. N.J.S.2C:13-1 is amended to read as follows:
2C:13-1. Kidnapping. a. Holding for ransom, reward, or as a hostage. A person is guilty of kidnapping if he unlawfully removes another from the place where he is found or if he unlawfully confines another with the purpose of holding that person for ransom or reward or as a shield or hostage.
b. Holding for other purposes. A person is guilty of kidnapping if he unlawfully removes another from his place of residence or business, or a substantial distance from the vicinity where he is found, or if he unlawfully confines another for a substantial period, with any of the following purposes:
(1) To facilitate commission of any crime or flight thereafter;
(2) To inflict bodily injury on or to terrorize the victim or another;
(3) To interfere with the performance of any governmental or political function; or
(4) To permanently deprive a parent, guardian, or other lawful custodian of custody of the victim.
c. Grading of kidnapping. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, kidnapping is a crime of the first degree and upon conviction thereof, a person may, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-6, be sentenced to an ordinary term of imprisonment between 15 and 30 years. If the actor releases the victim unharmed and in a safe place prior to apprehension, it is a crime of the second degree.
(2) Kidnapping is a crime of the first degree and upon conviction thereof, an actor shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment by the court, if the victim of the kidnapping is less than 16 years of age and if during the kidnapping:
(a) A crime under N.J.S.2C:14-2 or subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:14-3 is committed against the victim;
(b) A crime under subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:24-4 is committed against the victim; or
(c) The actor sells or delivers the victim to another person for pecuniary gain other than in circumstances which lead to the return of the victim to a parent, guardian or other person responsible for the general supervision of the victim.
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-6, the term of imprisonment imposed under this paragraph shall be either a term of 25 years during which the actor shall not be eligible for parole, or a specific term between 25 years and life imprisonment, of which the actor shall serve 25 years before being eligible for parole; provided, however, that the crime of kidnapping under this paragraph and underlying aggravating crimes listed in subparagraph (a), (b), or (c) of this paragraph shall merge for purposes of sentencing. If the actor is convicted of the criminal homicide of a victim of a kidnapping under the provisions of chapter 11, any sentence imposed under provisions of this paragraph shall be served consecutively to any sentence imposed pursuant to the provisions of chapter 11.
d. "Unlawful" removal or confinement. A removal or confinement is unlawful within the meaning of this section and of sections 2C:13-2 and 2C:13-3, if it is accomplished by force, threat, or deception, or, in the case of a person who is under the age of 14 or is incompetent, if it is accomplished without the consent of a parent, guardian, or other person responsible for general supervision of his welfare.
e. It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under paragraph (4) of subsection b. of this section, which must be proved by clear and convincing evidence, that:
(1) The actor reasonably believed that the action was necessary to preserve the victim from imminent danger to his welfare. However, no defense shall be available pursuant to this subsection if the actor does not, as soon as reasonably practicable but in no event more than 24 hours after taking a victim under his protection, give notice of the victim's location to the police department of the municipality where the victim resided, the office of the county prosecutor in the county where the victim resided, or the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families;
(2) The actor reasonably believed that the taking or detaining of the victim was consented to by a parent, or by an authorized State agency; or
(3) The victim, being at the time of the taking or concealment not less than 14 years old, was taken away at his own volition by his parent and without purpose to commit a criminal offense with or against the victim.
f. It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under paragraph (4) of subsection b. of this section that a parent having the right of custody reasonably believed he was fleeing from imminent physical danger from the other parent, provided that the parent having custody, as soon as reasonably practicable:
(1) Gives notice of the victim's location to the police department of the municipality where the victim resided, the office of the county prosecutor in the county where the victim resided, or the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families; or
(2) Commences an action affecting custody in an appropriate court.
g. As used in subsections e. and f. of this section, "parent" means a parent, guardian or other lawful custodian of a victim.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.24)
8. N.J.S.2C:13-4 is amended to read as follows:
2C:13-4. Interference with custody.
a. Custody of children. A person, including a parent, guardian, or other lawful custodian, is guilty of interference with custody if he:
(1) Takes or detains a minor child with the purpose of concealing the minor child and thereby depriving the child's other parent of custody or parenting time with the minor child; or
(2) After being served with process or having actual knowledge of an action affecting marriage or custody but prior to the issuance of a temporary or final order determining custody and parenting time rights to a minor child, takes, detains, entices, or conceals the child within or outside the State for the purpose of depriving the child's other parent of custody or parenting time, or to evade the jurisdiction of the courts of this State; or
(3) After being served with process or having actual knowledge of an action affecting the protective services needs of a child pursuant to Title 9 of the Revised Statutes in an action affecting custody, but prior to the issuance of a temporary or final order determining custody rights of a minor child, takes, detains, entices, or conceals the child within or outside the State for the purpose of evading the jurisdiction of the courts of this State; or
(4) After the issuance of a temporary or final order specifying custody, joint custody rights or parenting time, takes, detains, entices, or conceals a minor child from the other parent in violation of the custody or parenting time order.
Interference with custody is a crime of the second degree if the child is taken, detained, enticed, or concealed: (i) outside the United States or (ii) for more than 24 hours. Otherwise, interference with custody is a crime of the third degree but the presumption of non-imprisonment set forth in subsection e. of N.J.S.2C:44-1 for a first offense of a crime of the third degree shall not apply.
b. Custody of committed persons. A person is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree if he knowingly takes or entices any committed person away from lawful custody when he is not privileged to do so. "Committed person" means, in addition to anyone committed under judicial warrant, any orphan, neglected, or delinquent child, person with a mental disease, defect, or illness, or other dependent or incompetent person, entrusted to another's custody by or through a recognized social agency or otherwise by authority of law.
c. It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under subsection a. of this section, which must be proved by clear and convincing evidence, that:
(1) The actor reasonably believed that the action was necessary to preserve the child from imminent danger to his welfare. However, no defense shall be available pursuant to this subsection if the actor does not, as soon as reasonably practicable but in no event more than 24 hours after taking a child under his protection, give notice of the child's location to the police department of the municipality where the child resided, the office of the county prosecutor in the county where the child resided, or the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families;
(2) The actor reasonably believed that the taking or detaining of the minor child was consented to by the other parent, or by an authorized State agency; or
(3) The child, being at the time of the taking or concealment not less than 14 years old, was taken away at his own volition and without purpose to commit a criminal offense with or against the child.
d. It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under subsection a. of this section that a parent having the right of custody reasonably believed he was fleeing from imminent physical danger from the other parent, provided that the parent having custody, as soon as reasonably practicable:
(1) Gives notice of the child's location to the police department of the municipality where the child resided, the office of the county prosecutor in the county where the child resided, or the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families; or
(2) Commences an action affecting custody in an appropriate court.
e. The offenses enumerated in this section are continuous in nature and continue for so long as the child is concealed or detained.
f. (1) In addition to any other disposition provided by law, a person convicted under subsection a. of this section shall make restitution of all reasonable expenses and costs, including reasonable counsel fees, incurred by the other parent in securing the child's return.
(2) In imposing sentence under subsection a. of this section the court shall consider, in addition to the factors enumerated in chapter 44 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes:
(a) Whether the person returned the child voluntarily; and
(b) The length of time the child was concealed or detained.
g. As used in this section, "parent" means a parent, guardian or other lawful custodian of a minor child.
(cf: P.L.2011, c.232, s.2)
9. Section 1 of P.L.1999, c.421 (C.2C:25-34) is amended to read as follows:
1. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall establish and maintain a central registry of all persons who have had domestic violence restraining orders entered against them, all persons who have been charged with a crime or offense involving domestic violence, and all persons who have been charged with a violation of a court order involving domestic violence. All records made pursuant to this section shall be kept confidential and shall be released only to:
a. A public agency authorized to investigate a report of domestic violence;
b. A police or other law enforcement agency investigating a report of domestic violence, or conducting a background investigation involving a person's application for a firearm permit or employment as a police or law enforcement officer or for any other purpose authorized by law or the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey;
c. A court, upon its finding that access to such records may be necessary for determination of an issue before the court;
d. A surrogate, in that person's official capacity as deputy clerk of the Superior Court, in order to prepare documents that may be necessary for a court to determine an issue in an adoption proceeding; or
e. The Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families when the division is conducting a background investigation involving:
(1) an allegation of child abuse or neglect, to include any adult member of the same household as the individual who is the subject of the abuse or neglect allegation; or
(2) an out-of-home placement for a child being placed by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency, to include any adult member of the prospective placement household.
Any individual, agency, surrogate, or court which receives from the Administrative Office of the Courts the records referred to in this section shall keep [such] the records and reports, or parts thereof, confidential and shall not disseminate or disclose such records and reports, or parts thereof; provided that nothing in this section shall prohibit a receiving individual, agency, surrogate or court from disclosing records and reports, or parts thereof, in a manner consistent with and in furtherance of the purpose for which the records and reports or parts thereof were received.
Any individual who disseminates or discloses a record or report, or parts thereof, of the central registry, for a purpose other than investigating a report of domestic violence, conducting a background investigation involving a person's application for a firearm permit or employment as a police or law enforcement officer, making a determination of an issue before the court, conducting a background investigation as specified in subsection e. of this section, or for any other purpose other than that which is authorized by law or the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey, shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.26)
10. Section 1 of P.L.2003, c.301 (C.2C:44-6.2) is amended to read as follows:
1. a. In any case in which a person has been convicted of a crime for which the person will be incarcerated, the court shall order, as part of the presentence investigation required pursuant to N.J.S.2C:44-6, that a determination be made as to whether the person is the sole caretaker of a minor child and, if so, who will assume responsibility for the child's care and custody during the period the person is incarcerated.
b. If the determination is made that the person is the sole caretaker of the child, the presentence investigation shall also include:
(1) verification that the person who will be responsible for the child's care and custody during the period of incarceration has agreed to assume responsibility for the child's care and custody;
(2) an inquiry as to the willingness of the person to assume responsibility for the child's care and custody during the period of incarceration; and
(3) a PROMIS/GAVEL network check, juvenile central registry check, and domestic violence central registry check on the person who will be responsible for the child's care and custody during the period of incarceration and on any adult and juvenile over 12 years of age in the person's household.
c. The court shall provide the information compiled pursuant to subsection b. of this section, from the presentence investigation, to the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.27, s.28)
11. Section 3 of P.L.2003, c.301 (C.2C:44-6.3) is amended to read as follows:
3. a. In any case in which a person has been convicted of a crime enumerated in subsection b. of this section and:
(1) the victim of the crime was either a person under the age of 18 at the time of the commission of the crime, or a person defined in paragraph (9) of subsection b. of this section; and
(2) the person convicted of the crime resides in a household with other minor children or is a parent of a minor child,
the court, based on an interview with the defendant, shall make a referral to the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families and provide the division with the name and address of the person convicted of the crime, information on the person's criminal history, and the name and address of each child referred to in paragraph (2) of this subsection.
b. For purposes of this section, "crime" includes any of the following:
(1) murder pursuant to N.J.S.2C:11-3 or manslaughter pursuant to N.J.S.2C:11-4;
(2) simple assault or aggravated assault pursuant to N.J.S.2C:12-1;
(3) stalking pursuant to P.L.1992, c.209 (C.2C:12-10);
(4) terrorist threats pursuant to N.J.S.2C:12-3;
(5) kidnapping and related offenses including criminal restraint; false imprisonment; interference with custody; criminal coercion; or enticing a child into a motor vehicle, structure, or isolated area pursuant to N.J.S.2C:13-1 through 2C:13-6;
(6) sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, or lewdness pursuant to N.J.S.2C:14-2 through N.J.S.2C:14-4;
(7) arson pursuant to N.J.S.2C:17-1, or causing or risking widespread injury or damage which would constitute a crime of the second degree pursuant to N.J.S.2C:17-2;
(8) a crime against a child, including endangering the welfare of a child and child pornography pursuant to N.J.S.2C:24-4; or child abuse, neglect, or abandonment pursuant to R.S.9:6-3;
(9) endangering the welfare of an incompetent person pursuant to N.J.S.2C:24-7 or endangering the welfare of an elderly or disabled person pursuant to N.J.S.2C:24-8;
(10) domestic violence pursuant to P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-17 et seq.); or
(11) an attempt or conspiracy to commit an offense listed in paragraphs (1) through (10) of this subsection.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.29)
12. Section 3 of P.L.1995, c.76 (C.3B:12-69) is amended to read as follows:
3. As used in [this act] P.L.1995, c.76 (C.3:12-67 et seq.):
"Appointed standby guardian" means a person appointed pursuant to section 6 of [this act] P.L.1995, c.76 (C.3B:12-72) to assume the duties of guardian over the person and, when applicable, the property of a minor child upon the death or a determination of incapacity or debilitation, and with the consent, of the parent or legal custodian.
"Attending physician" means the physician who has primary responsibility for the treatment and care for the petitioning parent or legal custodian. When more than one physician shares this responsibility, or when a physician is acting on the primary physician's behalf, any such physician may act as the attending physician pursuant to this act. When no physician has this responsibility, a physician who is familiar with the petitioner's medical condition may act as the attending physician pursuant to [this act] P.L.1995, c.76 (C.3B:12-67 et seq.).
"Consent" means written consent signed by the parent or legal custodian in the presence of two witnesses who shall also sign the document. The written consent shall constitute the terms for the commencement of the duties of the standby guardian.
"Debilitation" means a chronic and substantial inability, as a result of a physically debilitating illness, disease, or injury, to care for one's minor child.
"Designated standby guardian" means a person designated pursuant to section 8 of [this act] P.L.1995, c.76 (C.3B:12-74) to assume temporarily the duties of guardianship over the person and, when applicable, the property of a minor child upon the death or a determination of incapacity or debilitation, and with the consent, of the parent or legal custodian.
"Designation" means a written document voluntarily executed by the designator pursuant to [this act] P.L.1995, c.76.
"Designator" means a competent parent or legal custodian of a minor child who makes a designation pursuant to [this act] P.L.1995, c.76.
"Determination of debilitation" means a written determination made by the attending physician which contains the physician's opinion to a reasonable degree of medical certainty regarding the nature, cause, extent, and probable duration of the parent's or legal custodian's debilitation.
"Determination of incapacity" means a written determination made by the attending physician which contains the physician's opinion to a reasonable degree of medical certainty regarding the nature, cause, extent, and probable duration of the parent's or legal custodian's incapacity.
"Incapacity" means a chronic and substantial inability, as a result of mental or organic impairment, to understand the nature and consequences of decisions concerning the care of one's minor child, and a consequent inability to make these decisions.
"Minor child" means a child under the age of eighteen years but excludes a child residing in a placement funded or approved by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families pursuant to either a voluntary placement agreement or court order.
"Triggering event" means an event stated in the designation, petition or decree which empowers the standby guardian to assume the duties of the office, which event may be the death, incapacity or debilitation, with the consent, of the custodial parent or legal custodian, whichever occurs first.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.30)
13. Section 2 of P.L.2001, c.250 (C.3B:12A-2) is amended to read as follows:
2. As used in sections 1 through 6 of P.L.2001, c.250 (C.3B:12A-1 et seq.):
"Caregiver" means a person over 18 years of age, other than a child's parent, who has a kinship relationship with the child and has been providing care and support for the child, while the child has been residing in the caregiver's home, for either the last 12 consecutive months or 15 of the last 22 months. "Caregiver" includes a resource family parent as defined in section 1 of P.L.1962, c.136 (C.30:4C-26.4).
"Child" means a person under 18 years of age, except as otherwise provided in P.L.2001, c.250 (C.3B:12A-1 et al.).
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Children and Families.
"Court" means the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part.
"Department" means the Department of Children and Families.
"Division" means the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families.
"Family friend" means a person who is connected to a child or the child's parent by an established positive psychological or emotional relationship that is not a biological or legal relationship.
"Home review" means the basic review of the information provided by the petitioner and a visit to the petitioner's home where the child will continue to reside, in accordance with the provisions of P.L.2001, c.250 (C.3B:12A-1 et al.) and pursuant to regulations adopted by the commissioner.
"Kinship caregiver assessment" means a written report prepared in accordance with the provisions of P.L.2001, c.250 (C.3B:12A-1 et al.) and pursuant to regulations adopted by the commissioner.
"Kinship legal guardian" means a caregiver who is willing to assume care of a child due to parental incapacity, with the intent to raise the child to adulthood, and who is appointed the kinship legal guardian of the child by the court pursuant to P.L.2001, c.250 (C.3B:12A-1 et al.). A kinship legal guardian shall be responsible for the care and protection of the child and for providing for the child's health, education and maintenance.
"Kinship relationship" means a family friend or a person with a biological or legal relationship with the child.
"Parental incapacity" means incapacity of such a serious nature as to demonstrate that the parent is unable, unavailable, or unwilling to perform the regular and expected functions of care and support of the child.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.31)
14. Section 2 of P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-38) is amended to read as follows:
2. For the purposes of [this act] P.L.1977, c.357 (C.9:3-37 et seq.):
a. "Approved agency" means a nonprofit corporation, association, or agency, including any public agency, approved by the Department of Children and Families for the purpose of placing children for adoption in New Jersey;
b. "Child" means a person under 18 years of age;
c. "Custody" means the general right to exercise continuing control over the person of a child derived from court order or otherwise;
d. "Guardianship" means the right to exercise continuing control over the person or property or both of a child which includes any specific right of control over an aspect of the child's upbringing derived from court order;
e. "Guardian ad litem" means a qualified person, not necessarily an attorney, appointed by the court under the provisions of this act or at the discretion of the court to represent the interests of the child whether or not the child is a named party in the action;
f. "Parent" means a birth parent or parents, including the birth father of a child born out of wedlock who has acknowledged the child or to whom the court has ordered notice to be given, or a parent or parents by adoption;
g. "Placement for adoption" means the transfer of custody of a child to a person for the purpose of adoption by that person;
h. "Plaintiff" means a prospective parent or parents who have filed a complaint for adoption;
i. "Legal services" means the provision of counseling or advice related to the law and procedure for adoption of a child, preparation of legal documents, or representation of any person before a court or administrative agency;
j. "Surrender" means a voluntary relinquishment of all parental rights by a birth parent, previous adoptive parent, or other person or agency authorized to exercise these rights by law, court order or otherwise, for purposes of allowing a child to be adopted;
k. "Home study" means an approved agency's formal assessment of the capacity and readiness of prospective adoptive parents to adopt a child, including the agency's written report and recommendations conducted in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the Director of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency; and
l. "Intermediary" means any person, firm, partnership, corporation, association, or agency, which is not an approved agency as defined in this section, who acts for or between any parent and any prospective parent or acts on behalf of either in connection with the placement of the parent's child for adoption in the State or in any other state or country. An intermediary in any other state or country shall not receive money or other valuable consideration in connection with the placement of a child for adoption in this State. An intermediary in this State shall not receive money or other valuable consideration in connection with the placement of a child for adoption in this State or in any other state or country. The provisions of this subsection shall not be construed to prohibit the receipt of money or other valuable consideration specifically authorized in section 18 of P.L.1993, c.345 (C.9:3-39.1).
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.33)
15. Section 18 of P.L.1993, c.345 (C.9:3-39.1) is amended to read as follows:
18. a. A person, firm, partnership, corporation, association, or agency shall not place, offer to place, or materially assist in the placement of any child for adoption in New Jersey unless:
(1) the person is the parent or guardian of the child, or
(2) the firm, partnership, corporation, association, or agency is an approved agency to act as agent, finder, or to otherwise materially assist in the placement of any child for adoption in this State, or
(3) the placement for adoption is with a brother, sister, aunt, uncle, grandparent, birth father, or stepparent of the child, or
(4) the placement is through an intermediary and (a) the person with whom the child is to be placed has been approved for placement for adoption by an approved agency home study which consists of the agency's formal written assessment of the capacity and readiness of the prospective adoptive parents to adopt a child, conducted in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the Director of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency;
(b) The birth parent, except one who cannot be identified or located prior to the placement of the child for adoption, shall be offered counseling as to [his or her] the birth parent's options other than placement of the child for adoption. Such counseling shall be made available by or through an approved licensed agency in New Jersey or in the birth parent's state or country of residence. The fact that counseling has been made available, and the name, address, and telephone number of the agency through which the counseling is available, shall be confirmed in a written document signed by the birth parent and acknowledged in this State pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1991, c.308 (R.S.46:14-2.1) or acknowledged in another state or country pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1991, c.308 (R.S.46:14-6.1) a copy of which shall be provided to the birth parent and the agency conducting the adoption complaint investigation pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-48) and shall be filed with the court prior to termination of parental rights; and
(c) Written notice shall be given to the birth parent, except one who cannot be identified or located prior to the placement of the child for adoption, and the adoptive parent that the decision not to place the child for adoption or the return of the child to the birth parent cannot be conditioned upon reimbursement of expenses by the birth parent to the adoptive parent, and that payments by the adoptive parent are non-refundable. Provision of such notice shall be confirmed in a written document signed by the birth parent and adoptive parent in separate documents which shall be acknowledged in this State pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1991, c.308 (R.S.46:14-2.1) or acknowledged in another state or country pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1991, c.308 (R.S.46:14-6.1), a copy of which shall be provided to the birth parent, and the agency conducting the adoption complaint investigation pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-48), and shall be filed with the court prior to termination of parental rights.
b. The Superior Court in an action by the Commissioner of Children and Families may enjoin any party found by the court to have violated this section from any further violation of this section.
c. A person, firm, partnership, corporation, association, or agency violating subsection a. of this section shall be guilty of a crime of the third degree.
d. A person, firm, partnership, corporation, association, intermediary, or agency other than an approved agency which pays, seeks to pay, receives, or seeks to receive money or other valuable consideration in connection with the placement of a child for adoption shall be guilty of a crime of the second degree.
e. It shall not be a violation of subsection d. of this section: (1) to pay, provide, or reimburse to a parent of the child, or for a parent of the child to receive payment, provision, or reimbursement for medical, hospital, counseling, or other similar expenses incurred in connection with the birth or any illness of the child, or the reasonable living expenses of the mother of the child during her pregnancy including payments for reasonable food, clothing, medical expenses, shelter, and religious, psychological, vocational, or similar counseling services during the period of the pregnancy and for a period not to exceed four weeks after the termination of the pregnancy by birth or otherwise. These payments may be made directly to the birth mother or on the mother's behalf to the supplier of the goods or services, or
(2) where the child is from a foreign country, reasonable and customary fees and expenses of a foreign agency or attorney for the care or representation of the child during any period of foster or institutional care in the child's country of origin, or
(3) reasonable attorney fees and costs for legal services.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.34)
16. Section 8 of P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-44) is amended to read as follows:
8. Whenever a person receives a child into [his] the person's home for the purpose of adoption other than from an approved agency, a complaint for adoption shall be filed within 45 days after receipt of the child. If the person receiving the child has been approved previously for placement for adoption in accordance with the provisions of section 18 of P.L.1993, c.345 (C.9:3-39.1), the person shall, immediately upon receiving the child, notify the approved agency which granted [such] approval of the receipt of the child, and that agency shall undertake immediate supervision of the child in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the Director of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency. The cost of [such] the supervision shall be paid by the person receiving the child. If the agency, in the course of supervision shall determine that the child is at risk of harm or that the best interests of the child are not served by the child remaining in the home, the agency may apply to a court for removal of the child from the home. Whenever a person receives a child into [his] the person's home for purposes other than adoption and it is later determined that an adoption shall be sought, a complaint for adoption shall be instituted with reasonable promptness following the determination. Failure to file the complaint in a timely manner shall not be a sole basis for refusal of the adoption but the failure shall require the filing, with the complaint, of an affidavit setting forth the reasons for the delay.
(cf: P.L.1993, c.345, s.7)
17. Section 3 of P.L.1999, c.53 (C.9:3-45.2) is amended to read as follows:
3. In any case in which the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency accepts a child in its care or custody, the child's resource family parent or relative providing care for the child, as applicable, shall receive written notice of, and shall have a right to be heard at, any review or hearing held with respect to the child, but the resource family parent or relative shall not be made a party to the review or hearing solely on the basis of the notice and right to be heard.
(cf: P.L.2007, c.228, s.1)
18. Section 21 of P.L.1993, c.345 (C.9:3-54.2) is amended to read as follows:
21. a. (1) In addition to meeting the other requirements established by the Department of Children and Families, a home study completed by an approved agency shall include a recommendation regarding the suitability of the home for the placement of a child based upon the results of State and federal criminal history record checks for each prospective adoptive parent and each adult residing in the home.
For the purposes of this section, the federal criminal history record check conducted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security on a prospective adoptive parent shall be valid for the prospective adoptive parent in fulfilling the home study requirement for the State.
(2) Each prospective adoptive parent and each member of the prospective adoptive parent's household, age 18 or older, shall submit to the approved agency standard fingerprint cards containing his name, address and fingerprints taken by a State or municipal law enforcement agency.
(3) The cost of all criminal history record checks conducted pursuant to this section shall be paid by the prospective adoptive parent or household member at the time the fingerprint cards are submitted.
(4) The approved agency shall forward the fingerprint cards and payment to the commissioner.
(5) The commissioner is authorized to exchange fingerprint data and receive criminal history record information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Division of State Police for use in making the recommendations provided for in this section.
(6) The department shall advise the approved agency of information received from State and federal criminal history record checks based upon the fingerprints submitted by the agency. Information provided to the approved agency shall be confidential and not disclosed by the approved agency to any individual or entity without the written permission of the person who is the subject of the record check.
(7) The commissioner shall adopt regulations for the use of criminal history record information by approved agencies when determining the suitability of a home for the placement of a child for the purposes of adoption.
b. (1) Beginning one year after the effective date of [this act] P.L.1993, c.345, a home study completed by an approved agency shall include a recommendation regarding the suitability of the home for the placement of the child based upon a check for any records which might reveal a history of child abuse or neglect by the proposed adoptive parent or member of the parent's household who is 18 years of age or older.
(2) Beginning one year after the effective date, at the request of an approved agency, the commissioner or his designee shall conduct a search of the records of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency regarding referrals of dispositions of child abuse or neglect matters as to the proposed adoptive parent and any member of the parent's household 18 years of age or older, and, if there is information that would raise a question of the suitability of the proposed adoptive parent or member of the parent's household to have guardianship of a child, shall provide that information to the approved agency for its consideration. Information provided to the approved agency pursuant to this paragraph shall be confidential. The commissioner shall establish penalties for disclosure of this confidential information.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.40)
19. Section 9 of P.L.2006, c.47 (C.9:3A-9) is amended to read as follows:
9. All of the functions, powers, and duties of the Office of Children's Services in the Department of Human Services, and the power to receive, allocate, expend, and authorize the expenditure of federal moneys available for children and families are hereby transferred and assigned to, assumed by, and devolved upon the Department of Children and Families. To effectuate such transfer there shall also be transferred such officers and employees as are necessary, all appropriations or reappropriations, to the extent of remaining unexpended or unencumbered balances thereof, whether allocated or unallocated and whether obligated or unobligated, and all necessary books, papers, records and property. All rules, regulations, acts, determinations, and decisions in force at the time of such transfer and proceedings or other such matters undertaken, commenced, or pending by or before the Office of Children's Services at the time of such transfer shall continue in force and effect until duly modified, abrogated or completed by the Department of Children and Families.
As used in this section, the Office of Children's Services includes, but is not limited to, the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency, the Division of [Child Behavioral Health Services] Children's System of Care, the Division of [Prevention and Community Partnerships] Family and Community Partnerships, and the New Jersey Child Welfare Training Academy in the Department of Human Services.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.9)
20. Section 10 of P.L.2006, c.47 (C.9:3A-10) is amended to read as follows:
10. a. Whenever the term "Office of Children's Services" occurs or any reference is made thereto in any law, regulation, contract, or document, the same shall be deemed to mean or refer to the Department of Children and Families.
b. Whenever the terms "Division of Youth and Family Services," "Division of Child Behavioral Health Services," "Division of Prevention and Community Partnerships" and "New Jersey Child Welfare Training Academy" occur or any reference is made thereto in any law, regulation, contract, or document, the same shall be deemed to mean or refer to, respectively, the ["Division of Youth and Family Services,"] "Division of Child Protection and Permanency," ["Division of Child Behavioral Health Services,"] "Division of Children's System of Care," ["Division of Prevention and Community Partnerships,"] "Division of Family and Community Partnerships," and "New Jersey Child Welfare Training Academy" in the Department of Children and Families established herein.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.10)
21. Section 3 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.10) is amended to read as follows:
3. Any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to child abuse or acts of child abuse shall report the same immediately to the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency by telephone or otherwise. Such reports, where possible, shall contain the names and addresses of the child and his parent, guardian, or other person having custody and control of the child and, if known, the child's age, the nature and possible extent of the child's injuries, abuse or maltreatment, including any evidence of previous injuries, abuse or maltreatment, and any other information that the person believes may be helpful with respect to the child abuse and the identity of the perpetrator.
(cf: P.L.1987, c.341, s.4)
22. Section 1 of P.L.1977, c.102 (C.9:6-8.10a) is amended to read as follows:
1. a. All records of child abuse reports made pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.10), all information obtained by the Department of Children and Families in investigating such reports including reports received pursuant to section 20 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.40), and all reports of findings forwarded to the child abuse registry pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.11) shall be kept confidential and may be disclosed only under the circumstances expressly authorized under subsections b., c., d., e., f., and g. herein. The department shall disclose information only as authorized under subsections b., c., d., e., f., and g. of this section that is relevant to the purpose for which the information is required, provided, however, that nothing may be disclosed which would likely endanger the life, safety, or physical or emotional well-being of a child or the life or safety of any other person or which may compromise the integrity of a department investigation or a civil or criminal investigation or judicial proceeding. If the department denies access to specific information on this basis, the requesting entity may seek disclosure through the Chancery Division of the Superior Court. This section shall not be construed to prohibit disclosure pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (7) of subsection b. of this section.
Nothing in [this act] P.L.1977, c.102 (C.9:6-8.10a et seq.) shall be construed to permit the disclosure of any information deemed confidential by federal or State law.
b. The department may and upon written request, shall release the records and reports referred to in subsection a., or parts thereof, consistent with the provisions of P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.83 et al.) to:
(1) A public or private child protective agency authorized to investigate a report of child abuse or neglect;
(2) A police or other law enforcement agency investigating a report of child abuse or neglect;
(3) A physician who has before him a child whom he reasonably suspects may be abused or neglected or an authorized member of the staff of a duly designated regional child abuse diagnostic and treatment center which is involved with a particular child who is the subject of the request;
(4) A physician, a hospital director or his designate, a police officer, or other person authorized to place a child in protective custody when such person has before him a child whom he reasonably suspects may be abused or neglected and requires the information in order to determine whether to place the child in protective custody;
(5) An agency, whether public or private, including any division or unit in the Department of Human Services or the Department of Children and Families, authorized to care for, treat, assess, evaluate, or supervise a child who is the subject of a child abuse report, or a parent, guardian, resource family parent, or other person who is responsible for the child's welfare, or both, when the information is needed in connection with the provision of care, treatment, assessment, evaluation, or supervision to such child or such parent, guardian, resource family parent, or other person and the provision of information is in the best interests of the child as determined by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency;
(6) A court or the Office of Administrative Law, upon its finding that access to such records may be necessary for determination of an issue before it, and such records may be disclosed by the court or the Office of Administrative Law in whole or in part to the law guardian, attorney, or other appropriate person upon a finding that such further disclosure is necessary for determination of an issue before the court or the Office of Administrative Law;
(7) A grand jury upon its determination that access to such records is necessary in the conduct of its official business;
(8) Any appropriate State legislative committee acting in the course of its official functions, provided, however, that no names or other information identifying persons named in the report shall be made available to the legislative committee unless it is absolutely essential to the legislative purpose;
(9) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1997, c.175).
(10) A family day care sponsoring organization for the purpose of providing information on child abuse or neglect allegations involving prospective or current providers or household members pursuant to P.L.1993, c.350 (C.30:5B-25.1 et seq.) and as necessary, for use in administrative appeals related to information obtained through a child abuse registry search;
(11) The Victims of Crime Compensation Board, for the purpose of providing services available pursuant to the "Criminal Injuries Compensation Act of 1971," P.L.1971, c.317 (C.52:4B-1 et seq.) to a child victim who is the subject of such report;
(12) Any person appealing a department service or status action or a substantiated finding of child abuse or neglect and his attorney or authorized lay representative upon a determination by the department or the presiding Administrative Law Judge that such disclosure is necessary for a determination of the issue on appeal;
(13) Any person or entity mandated by statute to consider child abuse or neglect information when conducting a background check or employment-related screening of an individual employed by or seeking employment with an agency or organization providing services to children;
(14) Any person or entity conducting a disciplinary, administrative, or judicial proceeding to determine terms of employment or continued employment of an officer, employee, or volunteer with an agency or organization providing services for children. The information may be disclosed in whole or in part to the appellant or other appropriate person only upon a determination by the person or entity conducting the proceeding that the disclosure is necessary to make a determination;
(15) The members of a county multi-disciplinary team, established in accordance with State guidelines, for the purpose of coordinating the activities of agencies handling alleged cases of child abuse and neglect;
(16) A person being evaluated by the department or the court as a potential care-giver to determine whether that person is willing and able to provide the care and support required by the child;
(17) The legal counsel of a child, parent, or guardian, whether court-appointed or retained, when information is needed to discuss the case with the department in order to make decisions relating to or concerning the child;
(18) A person who has filed a report of suspected child abuse or neglect for the purpose of providing that person with only the disposition of the investigation;
(19) A parent, resource family parent, or legal guardian when the information is needed in a department matter in which that parent, resource family parent, or legal guardian is directly involved. The information may be released only to the extent necessary for the requesting parent, resource family parent, or legal guardian to discuss services or the basis for the department's involvement or to develop, discuss, or implement a case plan for the child;
(20) A federal, State, or local government entity, to the extent necessary for such entity to carry out its responsibilities under law to protect children from abuse and neglect;
(21) Citizen review panels designated by the State in compliance with the federal "Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act Amendments of 1996," Pub.L.104-235;
(22) The Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.83 et al.); or
(23) Members of a family team or other case planning group formed by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency and established in accordance with regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Children and Families for the purpose of addressing the child's safety, permanency, or well-being, when the provision of such information is in the best interests of the child as determined by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency.
Any individual, agency, board, court, grand jury, legislative committee, or other entity which receives from the department the records and reports referred to in subsection a., shall keep [such] the records and reports, or parts thereof, confidential and shall not disclose [such] the records and reports or parts thereof except as authorized by law.
c. The department may share information with a child who is the subject of a child abuse or neglect report, as appropriate to the child's age or condition, to enable the child to understand the basis for the department's involvement and to participate in the development, discussion, or implementation of a case plan for the child.
d. The department may release the records and reports referred to in subsection a. of this section to any person engaged in a bona fide research purpose, provided, however, that no names or other information identifying persons named in the report shall be made available to the researcher unless it is absolutely essential to the research purpose and provided further that the approval of the Commissioner of Children and Families or his designee shall first have been obtained.
e. For incidents determined by the department to be substantiated, the department shall forward to the police or law enforcement agency in whose jurisdiction the child named in the report resides, the identity of persons alleged to have committed child abuse or neglect and of victims of child abuse or neglect, their addresses, the nature of the allegations, and other relevant information, including, but not limited to, prior reports of abuse or neglect and names of siblings obtained by the department during its investigation of a report of child abuse or neglect. The police or law enforcement agency shall keep such information confidential.
f. The department may disclose to the public the findings or information about a case of child abuse or neglect which has resulted in a child fatality or near fatality. Nothing may be disclosed which would likely endanger the life, safety, or physical or emotional well-being of a child or the life or safety of any other person or which may compromise the integrity of a department investigation or a civil or criminal investigation or judicial proceeding. If the department denies access to specific information on this basis, the requesting entity may seek disclosure of the information through the Chancery Division of the Superior Court. No information may be disclosed which is deemed confidential by federal or State law. The name or any other information identifying the person or entity who referred the child to the department shall not be released to the public.
g. The department shall release the records and reports referred to in subsection a. of this section to a unified child care agency contracted with the department pursuant to N.J.A.C.10:15-2.1 for the purpose of providing information on child abuse or neglect allegations involving a prospective approved home provider or any adult household member pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2003, c.185 (C.30:5B-32) to a child's parent when the information is necessary for the parent to make a decision concerning the placement of the child in an appropriate child care arrangement.
The department shall not release any information that would likely endanger the life, safety, or physical or emotional well-being of a child or the life or safety of any other person.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.42)
23. Section 2 of P.L.2003, c.301 (C.9:6-8.10c) is amended to read as follows:
2. a. Upon receiving the presentencing investigation information from the court pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2003, c.301 (C.2C:44-6.2) concerning a sole caretaker of a child who will be incarcerated and the person who will assume care and custody of the child during the period of incarceration, the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families shall conduct a child abuse record information check of its child abuse records to determine if an incident of child abuse or neglect has been substantiated against the person who will be responsible for the child's care and custody or any adult and juvenile over 12 years of age in the person's household.
b. If, based on the information provided by the court and the check of its child abuse records, the division determines that the incarcerated person's minor child may be at risk for abuse or neglect or the child's emotional, physical, health care, and educational needs will not be met during the period of incarceration, the division shall take appropriate action to ensure the safety of the child.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.43)
24. Section 4 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.11) is amended to read as follows:
4. Upon receipt of any such report, the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency, or such another entity in the Department of Children and Families as may be designated by the Commissioner of Children and Families to investigate child abuse or neglect, shall immediately take such action as shall be necessary to insure the safety of the child and to that end may request and shall receive appropriate assistance from local and State law enforcement officials. A representative of the division or other designated entity shall initiate an investigation within 24 hours of receipt of the report, unless the division or other entity authorizes a delay based upon the request of a law enforcement official. The division or other entity shall also, within 72 hours, forward a report of such matter to the child abuse registry operated by the division in Trenton.
The child abuse registry shall be the repository of all information regarding child abuse or neglect that is accessible to the public pursuant to State and federal law. No information received in the child abuse registry shall be considered as a public record within the meaning of P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.) or P.L.2001, c.404 (C.47:1A-5 et al.).
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.46)
25. Section 5 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.12) is amended to read as follows:
5. The Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency shall maintain, at all times, an emergency telephone service for the receipt of calls involving a report, complaint, or allegation of child abuse or neglect.
(cf: P.L.2004, c.130, s.24)
26. Section 8 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.15) is amended to read as follows:
8. The [Bureau of Children's Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency shall from time to time promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to effectuate the provisions of [this act] P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.8 et seq.).
(cf: P.L.1971, c.437, s.8)
27. Section 2 of P.L.1973, c.147 (C.9:6-8.17) is amended to read as follows:
2. The physician or the director or his designate of a hospital or similar institution taking a child into such protective custody shall immediately report his action to the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency by calling its emergency telephone service maintained pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.12).
(cf: P.L.2004, c.130, s.25)
28. Section 3 of P.L.1973, c.147 (C.9:6-8.18) is amended to read as follows:
3. The [Bureau of Children's Services or its successor, the] Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency, shall upon receipt of such report, take action to insure the safety of the child under section 4 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.11). The [said] report shall be deemed an oral complaint under section 12 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-12), and the [Bureau of Children's Services or its successor, the] Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency, shall investigate the circumstances under which the child was injured and may, after such investigation has been completed, apply for a court order placing the child under its care and supervision, pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-12).
(cf: P.L.1973, c.147, s.3)
29. Section 4 of P.L.1973, c.147 (C.9:6-8.19) is amended to read as follows:
4. a. The [Bureau of Children's Services or its successor, the] Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency, shall immediately after the receipt of such report, and after making a determination to take the child into protective custody, shall serve or attempt to serve, written notice upon the parents or guardian that the said child has been taken into protective custody. The notice shall contain a statement of the maximum duration of the protective custody and the location of the child during protective custody.
b. The parents or guardian of a child in protective custody may, upon request and in the reasonable discretion of the physician, director, or his designate, or appropriate official of the [Bureau of Children's Services, or its successor, the] Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency, visit the [said] child, provided that the life or health of the child will not be endangered by such visit.
c. The entire period of protective custody shall not exceed [3] three court days. The protective custody may be terminated earlier at the discretion of the reporting physician, director or appropriate official of the [Bureau of Children's Services or its successor, the] Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency, or upon order of the court.
(cf: P.L.1973, c.147, s.4)
30. Section 5 of P.L.1999. c.53 (C.9:6-8.19a) is amended to read as follows:
5. In any case in which the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency accepts a child in its care or custody, the child's resource family parent or relative providing care for the child, as applicable, shall receive written notice of and an opportunity to be heard at any review or hearing held with respect to the child, but the resource family parent or relative shall not be made a party to the review or hearing solely on the basis of the notice and opportunity to be heard.
(cf: P.L.2004, c.130, s.26)
31. Section 1 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.21) is amended to read as follows:
1. As used in [this act] P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9-8.21 et seq.), unless the specific context indicates otherwise:
a. "Parent or guardian" means any natural parent, adoptive parent, resource family parent, stepparent, paramour of a parent, or any person, who has assumed responsibility for the care, custody, or control of a child or upon whom there is a legal duty for such care. Parent or guardian includes a teacher, employee, or volunteer, whether compensated or uncompensated, of an institution who is responsible for the child's welfare and any other staff person of an institution regardless of whether or not the person is responsible for the care or supervision of the child. Parent or guardian also includes a teaching staff member or other employee, whether compensated or uncompensated, of a day school as defined in section 1 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.21).
b. "Child" means any child alleged to have been abused or neglected.
c. "Abused or neglected child" means a child less than 18 years of age whose parent or guardian, as herein defined, (1) inflicts or allows to be inflicted upon such child physical injury by other than accidental means which causes or creates a substantial risk of death, or serious or protracted disfigurement, or protracted impairment of physical or emotional health or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ; (2) creates or allows to be created a substantial or ongoing risk of physical injury to such child by other than accidental means which would be likely to cause death or serious or protracted disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ; (3) commits or allows to be committed an act of sexual abuse against the child; (4) or a child whose physical, mental, or emotional condition has been impaired or is in imminent danger of becoming impaired as the result of the failure of his parent or guardian, as herein defined, to exercise a minimum degree of care (a) in supplying the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, education, medical or surgical care though financially able to do so or though offered financial or other reasonable means to do so, or (b) in providing the child with proper supervision or guardianship, by unreasonably inflicting or allowing to be inflicted harm, or substantial risk thereof, including the infliction of excessive corporal punishment; or by any other acts of a similarly serious nature requiring the aid of the court; (5) or a child who has been willfully abandoned by his parent or guardian, as herein defined; (6) or a child upon whom excessive physical restraint has been used under circumstances which do not indicate that the child's behavior is harmful to himself, others, or property; (7) or a child who is in an institution and (a) has been placed there inappropriately for a continued period of time with the knowledge that the placement has resulted or may continue to result in harm to the child's mental or physical well-being or (b) who has been willfully isolated from ordinary social contact under circumstances which indicate emotional or social deprivation.
A child shall not be considered abused or neglected pursuant to paragraph (7) of subsection c. of this section if the acts or omissions described therein occur in a day school as defined in this section.
No child who in good faith is under treatment by spiritual means alone through prayer in accordance with the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination by a duly accredited practitioner thereof shall for this reason alone be considered to be abused or neglected.
d. "Law guardian" means an attorney admitted to the practice of law in this State, regularly employed by the Office of the Public Defender or appointed by the court, and designated under [this act] P.L.1974, c.119 to represent minors in alleged cases of child abuse or neglect and in termination of parental rights proceedings.
e. "Attorney" means an attorney admitted to the practice of law in this State who shall be privately retained; or, in the instance of an indigent parent or guardian, an attorney from the Office of the Public Defender or an attorney appointed by the court who shall be appointed in order to avoid conflict between the interests of the child and the parent or guardian in regard to representation.
f. "Division" means the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families unless otherwise specified.
g. "Institution" means a public or private facility in the State which provides children with out of home care, supervision, or maintenance. Institution includes, but is not limited to, a correctional facility, detention facility, treatment facility, day care center, residential school, shelter, and hospital.
h. "Day school" means a public or private school which provides general or special educational services to day students in grades kindergarten through 12. Day school does not include a residential facility, whether public or private, which provides care on a 24-hour basis.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.47)
32. Section 9 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.29) is amended to read as follows:
9. a. A police officer or a designated employee of the Probation Division or a designated employee of the division may remove a child from the place where [he] the child is residing, or any [such] person or any physician treating [such] a child may keep a child in [his] the person's or physician's custody without an order pursuant to section 8 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.28) and without the consent of the parent or guardian regardless of whether the parent or guardian is absent, if the child is in such condition that [his] the child's continuance in [said] the place or residence or in the care and custody of the parent or guardian presents an imminent danger to the child's life, safety, or health, and there is insufficient time to apply for a court order pursuant to section 8 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.28), or any physician or hospital treating [such] a child may keep a child in custody pursuant to P.L.1973, c.147 (C.9:6-8.16 et seq.). The Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency shall not be required to provide reasonable efforts to prevent placement if removal of the child is necessary due to imminent danger to the child's life, safety, or health in accordance with section 24 of P.L. 1999, c.53 (C.30:4C-11.2).
b. If a person authorized by this section removes or keeps custody of a child, he shall (1) inform the division immediately; (2) bring the child immediately to a place designated by the division for this purpose, and (3) make every reasonable effort to inform the parent or guardian of the facility to which [he] the person has brought the child.
c. Any person or institution acting in good faith in the removal or keeping of a child pursuant to this section shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed as a result of such removal or keeping.
d. Any person acting under the authority of [this act] P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.21 et seq.) may request and shall receive appropriate assistance from local and State law enforcement officials.
(cf: P.L.1999, c.53, s.9)
33. Section 11 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.31) is amended to read as follows:
11. Preliminary orders after filing of complaint. a. In any case where the child has been removed without court order, except where action has been taken pursuant to P.L.1973, c.147 (C.9:6-8.16 et seq.) the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part shall hold a hearing on the next court day, whereby the safety of the child shall be of paramount concern, to determine whether the child's interests require protection pending a final order of disposition. In any other case under [this act] P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.21 et seq.), any person who may originate a proceeding may apply for, or the court, on its own motion, may order a hearing at any time after the complaint is filed to determine, with the safety of the child of paramount concern, whether the child's interests require protection pending a final order of disposition.
b. Upon such hearing, if the court finds that continued removal is necessary to avoid an ongoing risk to the child's life, safety, or health, it shall affirm the removal of the child to an appropriate place or place him in the custody of a suitable person.
If the court determines that removal of the child by a physician, police officer, designated employee of the Probation Division, or designated employee of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency was necessary due to imminent danger to the child's life, safety, or health, the court shall find that the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency was not required to provide reasonable efforts to prevent placement of the child in accordance with section 24 of P.L.1999, c.53 (C.30:4C-11.2).
c. Upon such hearing the court may, for good cause shown, issue a preliminary order of protection which may contain any of the provisions authorized on the making of an order of protection under section 35 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.55).
d. Upon such hearing, the court may, for good cause shown, release the child to the custody of his parent or guardian from whose custody or care the child was removed, pending a final order of disposition, in accord with section 33 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.53).
e. Upon such hearing, the court may authorize a physician or hospital to provide medical or surgical procedures if such procedures are necessary to safeguard the child's life or health.
f. If the court grants or denies a preliminary order requested pursuant to this section, it shall state the grounds for such decision.
g. In all cases involving abuse or neglect the court shall order an examination of the child by a physician appointed or designated for the purpose by the division. As part of such examination, the physician shall arrange to have color photographs taken as soon as practical of any areas of trauma visible on such child and may if indicated, arrange to have a radiological examination performed on the child. The physician, on the completion of such examination, shall forward the results thereof together with the color photographs to the court ordering such examination.
(cf: P.L.1999, c.53, s.10)
34. Section 1 of P.L.1997, c.62 (C.9:6-8.40a) is amended to read as follows:
1. a. The Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families shall expunge from its records all information relating to a report, complaint, or allegation of an incident of child abuse or neglect with respect to which the division or other entity designated by the Commissioner of Children and Families to investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect has determined, based upon its investigation thereof, that the report, complaint, or allegation of the incident was unfounded.
b. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2004, c.130).
The definition of, and process for, making a determination of an unfounded report, complaint, or allegation of an incident of child abuse or neglect shall be defined in regulations promulgated by the department pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.).
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.52)
35. Section 1 of P.L.1998, c.127 (C.9:6-8.58a) is amended to read as follows:
1. When a child is placed in the custody of a relative or other suitable person or the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency pursuant to section 34 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.54), because of a finding of abuse or neglect, the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part shall order the parent and, when appropriate, any other adult domiciled in the home to undergo substance abuse assessment, when necessary. If the assessment reveals positive evidence of substance abuse, the court shall require the parent and other adult, when appropriate, to demonstrate that he is receiving treatment and complying with the treatment program for the substance abuse problem before the child is returned to the parental home.
(cf: P.L.1998, c.127, s.1)
36. Section 2 of P.L.1994, c.119 (C.9:6-8.75) is amended to read as follows:
2. There is established the "New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect."
a. The purpose of the task force is to study and develop recommendations regarding the most effective means of improving the quality and scope of child protective and preventative services provided or supported by State government, including a review of the practices and policies utilized by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency and the Division of [Prevention and Community Partnerships] Family and Community Partnerships in the Department of Children and Families in order to:
(1) optimize coordination of child abuse-related services and investigations;
(2) promote the safety of children at risk of abuse or neglect;
(3) ensure a timely determination with regard to reports of alleged child abuse;
(4) educate the public about the problems of, and coordinate activities relating to, child abuse and neglect;
(5) develop a Statewide plan to prevent child abuse and neglect and mechanisms to facilitate child abuse and neglect prevention strategies in coordination with the Division of [Prevention and Community Partnerships] Family and Community Partnerships;
(6) mobilize citizens and community agencies in a proactive effort to prevent and treat child abuse and neglect; and
(7) foster cooperative working relationships between State and local agencies responsible for providing services to victims of child abuse and neglect and their families.
b. The task force shall receive, evaluate, and approve applications of public and private agencies and organizations for grants from moneys annually appropriated from the "Children's Trust Fund" established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1985, c.197 (C.54A:9-25.4). Any portion of the moneys actually appropriated which are remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall lapse to the "Children's Trust Fund."
Grants shall be awarded to public and private agencies for the purposes of planning and establishing or improving programs and services for the prevention of child abuse and neglect, including activities which:
(1) Provide Statewide educational and public informational seminars for the purpose of developing appropriate public awareness regarding the problems of child abuse and neglect;
(2) Encourage professional persons and groups to recognize and deal with problems of child abuse and neglect;
(3) Make information about the problems of child abuse and neglect available to the public and organizations and agencies which deal with problems of child abuse and neglect; and
(4) Encourage the development of community prevention programs, including:
(a) community-based educational programs on parenting, prenatal care, prenatal bonding, child development, basic child care, care of children with special needs, coping with family stress, personal safety and sexual abuse prevention training for children, and self-care training for latchkey children; and
(b) community-based programs relating to crisis care, aid to parents, child abuse counseling, peer support groups for abusive or potentially abusive parents and their children, lay health visitors, respite of crisis child care, and early identification of families where the potential for child abuse and neglect exists.
The task force shall, in awarding grants, establish such priorities respecting the programs or services to be funded and the amounts of funding to be provided as it deems appropriate, except that the task force shall place particular emphasis on community-based programs and services which are designed to develop and demonstrate strategies for the early identification, intervention, and assistance of families and children at risk in order to prevent child abuse and neglect.
The task force shall adopt such rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) to govern the awarding of grants pursuant to this subsection as may be necessary to establish adequate reporting requirements on the use of grant funds by recipient agencies and organizations and to permit the task force to evaluate the programs and services for which grants are awarded.
c. The task force shall establish a Staffing and Oversight Review Subcommittee to review staffing levels of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in order to develop recommendations regarding staffing levels and the most effective methods of recruiting, hiring, and retaining staff within the division. In addition, the subcommittee shall review the division's performance in the achievement of management and client outcomes, and shall issue a preliminary report with its findings and recommendations no later than January 1, 2007, and subsequent reports annually thereafter with the first full report due no later than July 1, 2007. The subcommittee shall directly issue its reports to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), to the Legislature.
(cf: P.L.2007, c.130, s.1)
37. Section 3 of P.L.1994, c.119 (C.9:6-8.76) is amended to read as follows:
3. The task force shall consist of [30] 29 members as follows: the Commissioners of Human Services, Children and Families, Education, Community Affairs, Corrections, and Health and Senior Services, the Attorney General, two judges of the Superior Court involved in both civil and criminal court proceedings related to child abuse and neglect as appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Public Defender, [the Child Advocate] and the Superintendent of State Police, or their designees, as ex officio members; two members of the Senate and the General Assembly, respectively, no more than one of whom in each case shall be of the same political party; and a county prosecutor appointed by the Attorney General. The 13 public members shall be appointed by the Governor as follows: one member who is a director of a regional diagnostic and treatment center for child abuse and neglect; one member who represents the [Association] Advocates for Children of New Jersey; one member who represents Foster and Adoptive Family Services; one member who represents a faith-based organization; one member who is a director of a county department of human services; one member who is a youth 21 years of age or younger who is or has been placed under the care and custody of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency because of an allegation of child abuse or neglect; two members who represent service providers under contract with the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency; and five members of the public who have an interest or expertise in issues concerning child welfare. The public members shall reflect the diversity of the residents of the State and the children and families served by the State's child welfare system.
The task force membership shall comply with the multidisciplinary requirements set forth in the "Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act," Pub.L.93-247 (42 U.S.C. s.5101 et seq.).
The task force shall be co-chaired, one co-chair shall be the Commissioner of Children and Families and the other shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The second co-chair shall be selected from among the public members and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The public members shall serve for a term of three years.
(cf: P.L.2009, c.29, s.1)
38. Section 2 of P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.84) is amended to read as follows:
2. As used in this act:
"Board" means the Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board established under P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.83 et al.).
"Child" means any person under the age of 18.
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Children and Families.
"Division" means the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families.
"Near fatality" means a case in which a child is in serious or critical condition, as certified by a physician.
"Panel" means a citizen review panel as established under P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.83 et al.).
"Parent or guardian" means a person defined pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.21) who has the responsibility for the care, custody, or control of a child or upon whom there is a legal duty for such care.
"Reasonable efforts" means attempts by an agency authorized by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency to assist the parents in remedying the circumstances and conditions that led to the placement of the child and in reinforcing the family structure, as defined in section 7 of P.L.1991, c.275 (C.30:4C-15.1).
"Sexual abuse" means contacts or actions between a child and a parent or caretaker for the purpose of sexual stimulation of either that person or another person. Sexual abuse includes:
a. the employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of any child to engage in, or assist any other person to engage in, any sexually explicit conduct or simulation of such conduct;
b. sexual conduct including molestation, prostitution, other forms of sexual exploitation of children, or incest; or
c. sexual penetration and sexual contact as defined in N.J.S.2C:14-1 and a prohibited sexual act as defined in N.J.S.2C:24-4.
"Significant bodily injury" means a temporary loss of the functioning of any bodily member or organ or temporary loss of any one of the five senses.
"Withholding of medically indicated treatment" means the failure to respond to a child's life-threatening conditions by providing treatment, including appropriate nutrition, hydration, and medication which, in the treating physician's reasonable judgment, will most likely be effective in ameliorating or correcting all such conditions. The term does not include the failure to provide treatment, other than appropriate nutrition, hydration, or medication to a child when, in the treating physician's reasonable medical judgment:
a. the child is chronically and irreversibly comatose;
b. the provision of such treatment would merely prolong dying, not be effective in ameliorating or correcting all of the child's life-threatening conditions, or otherwise be futile in terms of the survival of the child; or
c. the provision of such treatment would be virtually futile in terms of the survival of the child and the treatment itself under such circumstances would be inhumane.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.58)
39. Section 7 of P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.89) is amended to read as follows:
7. a. The board shall consist of [14] 13 members as follows: the Commissioner of Children and Families, the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, the Director of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families, the Attorney General, [the Child Advocate] and the Superintendent of State Police, or their designees, the State Medical Examiner, and the Chairperson or Executive Director of the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, who shall serve ex officio; and six public members appointed by the Governor, one of whom shall be a representative of the New Jersey Prosecutors' Association, one of whom shall be a Law Guardian, one of whom shall be a pediatrician with expertise in child abuse and neglect, one of whom shall be a psychologist with expertise in child abuse and neglect, one of whom shall be a social work educator with experience and expertise in the area of child abuse or a related field and one of whom shall have expertise in substance abuse.
b. The public members of the board shall serve for three-year terms. Of the public members first appointed, three shall serve for a period of two years, and three shall serve for a term of three years. They shall serve without compensation but shall be eligible for reimbursement for necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties and within the limits of funds appropriated for this purpose. Vacancies in the membership of the board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were made.
c. The Governor shall appoint a public member to serve as chairperson of the board who shall be responsible for the coordination of all activities of the board and who shall provide the technical assistance needed to execute the duties of the board.
d. The board is entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of employees of any State, county, or municipal department, board, bureau, commission, or agency as it may require and as may be available for the purposes of reviewing a case pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.83 et al.). The board may also seek the advice of experts, such as persons specializing in the fields of pediatric, radiological, neurological, psychiatric, orthopedic, and forensic medicine; nursing; psychology; social work; education; law enforcement; family law; substance abuse; child advocacy; or other related fields, if the facts of a case warrant additional expertise.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.60)
40. Section 3 of P.L.1999, c.224 (C.9:12A-4) is amended to read as follows:
3. As used in [this act] P.L.1999, c.224 (C.9:12A-2 et seq.):
"Department" means the Department of Children and Families.
"Division" means the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families.
"Homeless youth" means a person 21 years of age or younger who is without shelter where appropriate care and supervision are available.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.74)
41. Section 2 of P.L1979. c.42 (C.18A:35-4.4) is amended to read as follows:
2. The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Department of [Community Affairs] Children and Families, [Division] Office on Women, shall appoint an advisory council to assist and advise the State Board of Education in the development and implementation of educational programs for the prevention of sexual assault.
The advisory council shall consist of 15 members chosen from among the legal, law enforcement, medical, and educational communities, and shall also include representatives of community-based groups providing services and assistance to victims of sexual assault. Each shall be appointed for a 2-year term and shall serve without compensation.
(cf: P.L.1979, c.42, s.2)
42. Section 1 of P.L.2007, c.248 (C.18A:36-25.2) is amended to read as follows:
1. a. If any child enrolled in a school district has an unexcused absence from school for five consecutive school days, the attendance officer of the district shall investigate the absence and notify the district superintendent of the absence. In the event the investigation leads the district superintendent to have reasonable cause to believe the child has been abused or neglected as defined in section 1 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.21), the district superintendent shall then notify the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families for its determination of whether the division is or has been involved with the child and whether action, as appropriate, is warranted.
b. When a child's parent, guardian, or other person having charge and control of the child notifies a school district that the child will be withdrawing from the district and transferring to another school district, the principal of the school from which the child is withdrawing shall request that the parent, guardian, or other person having charge and control of the child provide the principal with the name and location of the school district in which the child will subsequently be enrolled and the expected date of enrollment. The principal shall provide the information supplied by the parent, guardian, or other person having charge and control of the child to the district superintendent. Five school days following the expected date of enrollment, the superintendent of the district of last attendance shall contact the school district in which the child is to be subsequently enrolled to determine if the child has enrolled in the district. If the child has not been so enrolled, the attendance officer of the transfer district shall investigate the failure to enroll and notify the superintendent of the transfer district of the failure to enroll. In the event the investigation leads the superintendent of the transfer district to have reasonable cause to believe the child has been abused or neglected as defined in section 1 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.21), the superintendent of the transfer district shall then notify the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families for its determination of whether the division is or has been involved with the child and whether action, as appropriate, is warranted. If the child has been so enrolled, the district of last attendance and the transfer district shall arrange for the transfer of the child's records in accordance with the provisions of section 1 of P.L.1986, c.160 (C.18A:36-19a) and subsection b. of section 4 of P.L.1995, c.395 (C.18A:36-25.1).
c. School district policies for the early detection of missing and abused children required pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1984, c.228 (C.18A:36-25) shall include provisions to implement the requirements of this section.
(cf: P.L.2007, c.248, s.1)
43. Section 1 of P.L.1997, c.362 (C.18A:40A-7.1) is amended as follows:
1. a. Except as provided by section 3 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.10), if a public or private elementary or secondary school pupil who is participating in a school-based drug and alcohol abuse counseling program provides information during the course of a counseling session in that program which indicates that the pupil's parent or guardian or other person residing in the pupil's household is dependent upon or illegally using a substance as that term is defined in section 2 of P.L.1987, c.387 (C.18A:40A-9), that information shall be kept confidential and may be disclosed only under the circumstances expressly authorized under subsection b. of this section.
b. The information provided by a pupil pursuant to subsection a. of this section may be disclosed:
(1) subject to the pupil's written consent, to another person or entity whom the pupil specifies in writing in the case of a secondary school pupil, or to a member of the pupil's immediate family or the appropriate school personnel in the case of an elementary school pupil;
(2) pursuant to a court order;
(3) to a person engaged in a bona fide research purpose, except that no names or other information identifying the pupil or the person with respect to whose substance abuse the information was provided, shall be made available to the researcher; or
(4) to the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency or to a law enforcement agency, if the information would cause a person to reasonably suspect that the elementary or secondary school pupil or another child may be an abused or neglected child as the terms are used in R.S.9:6-1, or as the terms are defined in section 2 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.9), or section 1 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.21).
c. Any disclosure made pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection b. of this section shall be limited to that information which is necessary to carry out the purpose of the disclosure, and the person or entity to whom the information is disclosed shall be prohibited from making any further disclosure of that information without the pupil's written consent. The disclosure shall be accompanied by a written statement advising the recipient that the information is being disclosed from records the confidentiality of which is protected by P.L.1997, c.362 (C.18A:40A-7.1 et seq.), and that this law prohibits any further disclosure of this information without the written consent of the person from whom the information originated. Nothing in [this act] P.L.1997, c.362 (C.18A:40A-7.1 et seq.) shall be construed as prohibiting the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency or a law enforcement agency from using or disclosing the information in the course of conducting an investigation or prosecution. Nothing in [this act] P.L.1997, c.362 shall be construed as authorizing the violation of any federal law.
d. The prohibition on the disclosure of information provided by a pupil pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall apply whether the person to whom the information was provided believes that the person seeking the information already has it, has other means of obtaining it, is a law enforcement or other public official, has obtained a subpoena, or asserts any other justification for the disclosure of this information.
(cf: P.L.1999, c.320, s.1)
44. Section 3 of P.L.1985, c.427 (C.18A:54D-3) is amended to read as follows:
3. The Commissioners of Education and Labor and Workforce Development each shall:
a. Identify the regulations, policies, programs, and procedures of their respective departments which relate to apprenticeship programs and other forms of preparation for technical trades;
b. In consultation with the Division on Civil Rights in the Department of Law and Public Safety and the [Division] Office on Women in the Department of [Community Affairs] Children and Families, identify the factors which have produced low rates of minority and female participation in apprenticeship and other technical training programs;
c. Take appropriate action to encourage a higher rate of minority and female participation in these programs;
d. Advise the Legislature of any additional legislative action which would advance the purposes of [this act] P.L.1985, c.427 (C.18A:54D-1 et seq.).
(cf: P.L.1985, c.427, s.3)
45. Section 1 of P.L.2005, c.50 (C.26:2H-12.6b) is amended to read as follows:
1. As used in [this act] P.L.2005, c.50 (C.26:2H-12.6b et seq.):
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services.
["Division on Women"] "Office on Women" means the [Division] Office on Women in the Department of [Community Affairs] Children and Families.
"Emergency care to sexual assault victims" means a medical examination, procedure, or service provided by an emergency health care facility to a sexual assault victim following an alleged sexual offense.
"Emergency contraception" means one or more prescription drugs to prevent pregnancy, used separately or in combination, administered to or self-administered by a patient within a medically recommended time after sexual intercourse, dispensed for that purpose in accordance with professional standards of practice and determined to be safe by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
"Emergency health care facility" means a general hospital or satellite emergency department licensed pursuant to P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.).
"Medically and factually accurate and objective" means verified or supported by the weight of research conducted in compliance with accepted scientific methods and standards, published in peer-reviewed journals and recognized as accurate and objective by leading professional organizations and agencies with relevant expertise in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.
"Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program" means the Statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program in the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Law and Public Safety, established pursuant to P.L.2001, c.81 (C.52:4B-50 et seq.).
"Sexual assault victim" means a female who alleges or is alleged to have suffered a personal, physical, or psychological injury as a result of a sexual offense.
"Sexual offense" means sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault as set forth in N.J.S.2C:14-2, criminal sexual contact and aggravated criminal sexual contact as set forth in N.J.S.2C:14-3, fourth degree lewdness as set forth in subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:14-4 and endangering the welfare of a child by engaging in sexual conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of the child as set forth in N.J.S.2C:24-4.
(cf: P.L.2005, c.50, s.1)
46. Section 4 of P.L.2005, c.50 (C.26:2H-12.6e) is amended to read as follows:
4. a. The commissioner, in collaboration with the Director of the [Division] Office on Women, the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program, shall develop, prepare, and produce, in quantities sufficient to comply with the purposes of [this act] P.L.2005, c.50 (C.26:2H-12.6b et seq.), written information relating to: emergency contraception for the prevention of pregnancy in sexual assault victims; and sexually transmitted diseases.
b. The information shall be clearly written and readily comprehensible in a culturally competent manner, as the commissioner, in collaboration with the [Division] Office on Women, the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program, deems necessary to inform a sexual assault victim. The information shall explain:
(1) the nature of emergency contraception, the effectiveness of emergency contraception in preventing pregnancy, where emergency contraception can be obtained, and treatment options; and
(2) the symptoms and effects of sexually transmitted diseases, and treatment options.
c. The information shall be distributed to all hospital and satellite emergency departments in the State for use in those facilities pursuant to [this act] P.L.2005, c.50.
(cf: P.L.2005, c.50, s.4)
47. Section 5 of P.L.2005, c.50 (C.26:2H-12.6f) is amended to read as follows:
5. a. The commissioner shall:
(1) investigate every complaint of noncompliance with the provisions of [this act] P.L.2005, c.50 (C.26:2H-12.6b et seq.) by an emergency health care facility, including the failure of a facility to provide the services required by [this act] P.L.2005, c.50;
(2) determine whether the complaint is substantiated, and if so, what action shall be taken by the emergency health care facility or commissioner to address the complaint;
(3) notify the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program of all substantiated complaints;
(4) compile the substantiated complaints;
(5) analyze the substantiated complaints, at least annually, to determine if there is any pattern of failure to provide services pursuant to [this act] P.L.2005, c.50; and
(6) determine, at least annually, whether an emergency health care facility is complying with the provisions of [this act] P.L.2005, c.50. The commissioner may utilize all means within his regulatory authority concerning health care facilities to verify a facility's compliance with [this act] P.L.2005, c.50.
b. If the commissioner determines that an emergency health care facility is not in compliance with the provisions of [this act] P.L.2005, c.50, the commissioner may assess such penalties and take other actions against the facility, as provided in P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.). Any such penalties assessed for noncompliance shall be paid to the Department of the Treasury and allocated, on a quarterly basis, to the [Division] Office on Women for supplemental funding for designated rape crisis centers.
c. The commissioner shall prepare an annual report, which shall be available to the public, summarizing the substantiated complaints, the actions taken by an emergency health care facility or the commissioner to address the complaints, and the commissioner's findings concerning any pattern of failure to provide services under, or noncompliance with, the provisions of [this act] P.L.2005, c.50.
(cf: P.L.2005, c.50, s.5)
48. Section 7 of P.L.2005, c.50 (C.26:2H-12.6g) is amended to read as follows:
7. Pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), the commissioner, in consultation with the Director of the [Division] Office on Women and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program, shall adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of [this act] P.L.2005, c.50 (C.26:2H-12.6b et seq.); except that, notwithstanding any provision of P.L.1968, c.410 to the contrary, the commissioner may adopt, immediately upon filing with the Office of Administrative Law, such regulations as the commissioner deems necessary to implement the provisions of this act, which shall be effective for a period not to exceed six months and may thereafter be amended, adopted or readopted by the commissioner in accordance with the requirements of P.L.1968, c.410.
(cf: P.L.2005, c.50, s.7)
49. Section 4 of P.L.1997, c.191 (C.26:2R-4) is amended to read as follows:
4. There is established an Interagency Council on Osteoporosis in the department to advise the commissioner on the development and implementation of the program. The members of the council shall be appointed by the commissioner, and shall include the following: The Director of the Division of Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health Services and the Assistant Commissioner of Senior Affairs in the department and the Director of the [Division] Office on Women in the Department of [Community Affairs] Children and Families, as ex officio members, and public members who are representatives of: persons with osteoporosis; women's health organizations; public health educators; experts in bone and osteoporosis research, prevention and treatment; and health care providers, including at least one radiologist, orthopedist, registered professional nurse, physical therapist, and nutritionist. The members of the council shall serve without compensation and shall not be reimbursed for any expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties.
(cf: P.L.1997, c.191, s.4)
50. Section 5 of P.L.1999, c.72 (C.26:2V-5) is amended to read as follows:
5. There is established an Advisory Council on Arthritis in the department to advise the commissioner on the development and implementation of the initiative. The council shall include: two members of the Senate, to be appointed by the President of the Senate, who shall not be of the same political party; two members of the General Assembly, to be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, who shall not be of the same political party; the Senior Assistant Commissioner, Public Health Prevention and Protection and the Assistant Commissioner, Division of Senior Services in the department; the Director of the [Division] Office on Women in the Department of [Community Affairs] Children and Families, and a member of the Interagency Council on Osteoporosis, as ex officio members; and 15 public members to be appointed by the commissioner who may include representatives of persons with arthritis, arthritis health organizations, public health educators, experts in arthritis research, prevention and treatment and health care strategic planning, and health care providers including physicians and nurses. The public members of the council shall serve without compensation and may be reimbursed for any expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties.
Legislative members shall serve during their terms of office. Public members shall serve for a term of three years from the date of their appointment and until their successors are appointed and qualified; except that of the first appointments made: five shall be for a term of one year, five for two years, and five for three years.
Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were made.
The advisory council shall organize as soon as may be practicable after the appointment of its members and shall select a chairman from among its members and a secretary who need not be a member of the council.
(cf: P.L.1999, c.72, s.5)
51. Section 3 of P.L.2007, c.134 (C.26:4-95.4) is amended to read as follows:
3. a. The Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education and the Director of the [Division] Office on Women in the Department of [Community Affairs] Children and Families, shall establish a public awareness campaign to inform the general public about the clinical significance and public health implications of the human papillomavirus, including its causes and the most effective means of prevention and treatment. The public awareness campaign shall be established in accordance with accepted public health practice and recommendations of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and within the limits of available funds and any other resources available for the purposes thereof.
b. The commissioner shall prepare a patient information brochure regarding the human papillomavirus, including its causes and the most effective means of prevention and treatment. The department shall distribute the pamphlet, at no charge, to all pediatricians in the State. The department shall update the pamphlet as necessary, and shall make additional copies of the pamphlet available to other health care providers upon request.
(cf: P.L.2007, c.134, s.3)
52. Section 7 of P.L.2009, c.328 (C.30:4-8.8) is amended to read as follows:
7. The commissioner shall semiannually submit all inmate complaints submitted to the department concerning female inmates to the Director of the [Division] Office on Women in the Department of [Community Affairs established pursuant to the "Division on Women Act of 1974," P.L.1974, c.87 (C.52:27D-43.8 et seq.)] Children and Families.
(cf: P.L.2010, c.34, s.8)
53. Section 2 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-2) is amended to read as follows:
2. For the purposes of [this act] P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-1 et seq.) the following words and terms shall, unless otherwise indicated, be deemed and taken to have the meanings herein given to them:
(a) The term ["Division of Youth and Family Services,"] "Division of Child Protection and Permanency" or "division," [successor to the "Bureau of Children's Services"] means the State agency for the care, custody, guardianship, maintenance, and protection of children, as more specifically described by the provisions of [this act] P.L.1951, c.138, and succeeding the agency heretofore variously designated by the laws of this State as the State Board of Child Welfare or the State Board of Children's Guardians.
(b) The word "child" includes stepchild and illegitimate child, and further means any person under the age of 18 years.
(c) The term "care" means cognizance of a child for the purpose of providing necessary welfare services, or maintenance, or both.
(d) The term "custody" means continuing responsibility for the person of a child, as established by a surrender and release of custody or consent to adoption, for the purpose of providing necessary welfare services, or maintenance, or both.
(e) The term "guardianship" means control over the person and property of a child as established by the order of a court of competent jurisdiction, and as more specifically defined by the provisions of [this act] ] P.L.1951, c.138. Guardianship by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency shall be treated as guardianship by the Commissioner of Children and Families exercised on his behalf wholly by and in the name of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency, acting through the chief executive officer of the division or [his] the chief executive's authorized representative. [Such] The exercise of guardianship by the division shall be at all times and in all respects subject to the supervision of the commissioner.
(f) The term "maintenance" means moneys expended by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency to procure board, lodging, clothing, medical, dental, and hospital care, or any other similar or specialized commodity or service furnished to, on behalf of, or for a child pursuant to the provisions of [this act] P.L.1951, c.138; maintenance also includes but is not limited to moneys expended for shelter, utilities, food, repairs, essential household equipment, and other expenditures to remedy situations of an emergent nature to permit, as far as practicable, children to continue to live with their families.
(g) The term "welfare services" means consultation, counseling, and referral to or utilization of available resources, for the purpose of determining and correcting or adjusting matters and circumstances which are endangering the welfare of a child, and for the purpose of promoting [his] a child's proper development and adjustment in the family and the community.
(h) The term "resource family parent" means any person other than a natural or adoptive parent with whom a child in the care, custody, or guardianship of the Department of Children and Families is placed by the department, or with its approval, for care, and shall include any person with whom a child is placed by the division for the purpose of adoption until the adoption is finalized.
(i) The term "resource family home" means and includes private residences wherein any child in the care, custody, or guardianship of the Department of Children and Families may be placed by the department, or with its approval, for care, and shall include any private residence maintained by persons with whom any [such] child is placed by the division for the purpose of adoption until the adoption is finalized.
(j) The singular includes the plural form.
(k) The masculine noun and pronoun include the feminine.
(l) The word "may" shall be construed to be permissive.
(m) The term "group home" means and includes any single family dwelling used in the placement of 12 children or less pursuant to law, recognized as a group home by the Department of Children and Families in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Children and Families; provided, however, that no group home shall contain more than 12 children.
(n) The term "youth facility" means a facility within this State used to house or provide services to children under [this act] P.L.1951, c.138, including but not limited to group homes, residential facilities, day care centers, and day treatment centers.
(o) The term "youth facility aid" means aid provided by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency to public, private, or voluntary agencies to purchase, construct, renovate, repair, upgrade, or otherwise improve a youth facility in consideration for an agreement for the agency to provide residential care, day treatment, or other youth services for children in need of such services.
(p) The term "day treatment center" means a facility used to provide counseling, supplemental educational services, therapy, and other related services to children for whom it has been determined that such services are necessary, but is not used to house these children in a residential setting.
(q) The term "residential facility" means a facility used to house and provide treatment and other related services on a 24-hour basis to children determined to be in need of such housing and services.
(r) The term "legally responsible person" means the natural or adoptive parent, or the spouse of a child receiving maintenance from or through the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency.
(s) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Children and Families.
(t) "Department" means the Department of Children and Families.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.113)
54. Section 39 of P.L.1962, c.197 (C.30:4C-2.1) is amended to read as follows:
39. Except as otherwise provided by [this act] P.L.1962, c.197, the [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency shall in all respects and for all purposes be deemed a continuation of the agency heretofore known as the State Board of Children's Guardians or the State Board of Child Welfare.
(cf: P.L.1962, c.197, s.39)
55. Section 3 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-3) is amended to read as follows:
3. The Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency, in administering the provisions of [this act] P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-1 et seq.), whereby the safety of children shall be of paramount concern, shall:
(a) provide care and custody for children eligible therefor in such manner that the children may, so far as practicable, continue to live in their own homes and family life be thereby preserved and strengthened;
(b) provide necessary welfare services as may be required by such children, so far as practicable, without assumption of custody;
(c) encourage the development of private and voluntary agencies qualified to provide welfare services for children to the end that through cooperative effort the need for such services may be limited or reduced; and
(d) for each child placed outside his home by the division, provide permanency through return of the child to the child's own home, if the child can be returned home without endangering the child's health or safety; through adoption, if family reunification is not possible; or through an alternative permanent placement, if termination of parental rights is not appropriate.
(cf: P.L.1999, c.53, s.21)
56. Section 1 of P.L.2003, c.40 (C.30:4C-3.7) is amended to read as follows:
1. a. The Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families shall provide for the photographing of each child under its custody no later than two months after the division assumes custody of the child. A child who is under the custody of the division on the effective date of [this act] P.L.2003, c.40 (C.30:4C-3.7 et seq.) shall be photographed for the purposes of [this act] P.L.2003, c.40 no later than one year after its effective date.
The division shall, in addition, provide for the fingerprinting of any child under its custody with respect to whom the division determines, in accordance with criteria as the Commissioner of Children and Families shall establish by regulation, that the availability of a fingerprint record would be appropriate; the fingerprints of any child with respect to whom such a determination is made shall be taken no later than two months after the division has made that determination.
b. The division shall update the photograph of each child taken pursuant to subsection a. of this section at least every two years. In addition, the division shall retain the fingerprint information and photograph of each child for whom such records are taken for at least one year after the date that the child is no longer under the custody of the division.
c. The division shall be entitled to receive the assistance of any other State department, division, or agency as it may deem necessary and may receive the assistance of any county or municipal government agency, as may be available, in carrying out the provisions of [this act] P.L.2003, c.40.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.117)
57. Section 1 of P.L.1962, c.140 (C.30:4C-4.1) is amended to read as follows:
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, no action or proceeding, including an application for a writ of habeas corpus, in any court which the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency is authorized by law to commence or maintain shall be commenced or maintained by the division, without the consent and approval of the Commissioner of Children and Families, as hereinafter provided.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.120)
58. Section 2 of P.L.1962, c.140 (C.30:4C-4.2) is amended to read as follows:
2. In no case shall the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency, defend against any action or proceeding or make or oppose any application for a writ of habeas corpus without the express consent and approval of the Commissioner of Children and Families.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.121)
59. Section 6 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-6) is amended to read as follows:
6. No person to whom or for whom payments for maintenance are made under [this act] P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-1 et seq.) shall be deemed to be or classified as a pauper by reason thereof.
The provisions of [this act] P.L.1951, c.138 shall not be construed to deny treatment by spiritual means or prayer, of any child, in accordance with the religious faith of the parent or parents of such child. The provisions of [this act] P.L.1951, c.138 shall not be construed to authorize or empower the [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency to compel a child to undergo medical or surgical treatment, if the child, or parent or guardian of [said] the child, objects thereto in a signed statement upon the ground that the proposed action interferes with the free exercise of his religious principles.
(cf: P.L.1962, c.197, s.12)
60. Section 7 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-7) is amended to read as follows:
7. All birth, death, and marriage certificates which may be required under the provisions of [this act] P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-1 et seq.), or under any rule or regulation issued by the [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency, shall be issued free of charge upon the order of [such bureau] the division.
(cf: P.L.1962, c.197, s.13)
61. Section 11 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-11) is amended to read as follows:
11. Whenever it shall appear that any child within this State is of such circumstances that the child's safety or welfare will be endangered unless proper care or custody is provided, an application setting forth the facts in the case may be filed with the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency by a parent or other relative of [such] the child, by a person standing in loco parentis to [such] the child, by a person or association or agency or public official having a special interest in [such] the child or by the child himself, seeking that the division accept and provide [such] care or custody of [such] the child as the circumstances may require. [Such] The application shall be in writing, and shall contain a statement of the relationship to or special interest in [such] the child which justifies the filing of [such] the application. The provisions of this section shall be deemed to include an application on behalf of an unborn child when the prospective mother is within this State at the time of application for [such] services.
Upon receipt of an application as provided in this section, the division shall verify the statements set forth in [such] the application and shall investigate all the matters pertaining to the circumstances of the child. If upon such verification and investigation it shall appear (a) that the safety or welfare of [such] the child will be endangered unless proper care or custody is provided; (b) that the needs of [such] the child cannot properly be provided for by financial assistance as made available by the laws of this State; (c) that there is no person legally responsible for the support of [such] the child whose identity and whereabouts are known and who is willing and able to provide for the care and support required by [such] the child; and (d) that [such] the child, if suffering from a mental or physical disability requiring institutional care, is not immediately admissible to any public institution providing [such] care; then the division may accept and provide [such] care or custody as the circumstances of [such] the child may require.
(cf: P.L.1999, c.53, s.22)
62. Section 24 of P.L.1999, c.53 (C.30:4C-11.2) is amended to read as follows:
24. In any case in which the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency accepts a child in care or custody, including placement, the division shall not be required to provide reasonable efforts to prevent placement of the child if a court of competent jurisdiction has determined that both of the following criteria are met:
a. One of the following actions has occurred:
(1) the parent has subjected the child to aggravated circumstances of abuse, neglect, cruelty, or abandonment,
(2) the parent has been convicted of murder, aggravated manslaughter, or manslaughter of another child of the parent; aiding or abetting, attempting, conspiring, or soliciting to commit murder, aggravated manslaughter, or manslaughter of the child or another child of the parent; committing or attempting to commit an assault that resulted, or could have resulted, in the significant bodily injury to the child or another child of the parent; or committing a similarly serious criminal act which resulted, or could have resulted, in the death or significant bodily injury to the child or another child of the parent,
(3) the rights of the parent to another of the parent's children have been involuntarily terminated or
(4) removal of the child was required due to imminent danger to the child's life, safety or health; and
b. Efforts to prevent placement were not reasonable due to risk of harm to the child's health or safety.
When determining whether reasonable efforts are required to prevent placement, the health and safety of the child shall be of paramount concern to the court.
(cf; P.L.2004, c.130, s.50)
63. Section 25 of P.L.1999, c.53 (C.30:4C-11.3) is amended to read as follows:
25. In any case in which the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency accepts a child in care or custody, including placement, the division shall not be required to provide reasonable efforts to reunify the child with a parent if a court of competent jurisdiction has determined that:
a. The parent has subjected the child to aggravated circumstances of abuse, neglect, cruelty, or abandonment;
b. The parent has been convicted of murder, aggravated manslaughter, or manslaughter of another child of the parent; aiding or abetting, attempting, conspiring, or soliciting to commit murder, aggravated manslaughter or manslaughter of the child or another child of the parent; committing or attempting to commit an assault that resulted, or could have resulted, in significant bodily injury to the child or another child of the parent; or committing a similarly serious criminal act which resulted, or could have resulted, in the death of or significant bodily injury to the child or another child of the parent; or
c. The rights of the parent to another of the parent's children have been involuntarily terminated.
When determining whether reasonable efforts are required to reunify the child with the parent, the health and safety of the child and the child's need for permanency shall be of paramount concern to the court.
This section shall not be construed to prohibit the division from providing reasonable efforts to reunify the family, if the division determines that family reunification is in the child's best interests.
A permanency plan for the child may be established at the same hearing at which the court determines that reasonable efforts are not required to reunify the child with the parent, if the hearing meets all of the requirements of a permanency hearing pursuant to section 50 of P.L.1999, c.53 (C.30:4C-61.2).
(cf: P.L.2004, c.130, s.51)
64. Section 28 of P.L.1999, c.53 (C.30:4C-12.2) is amended to read as follows:
28. In any case in which the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency accepts a child in its care or custody, the child's resource family parent or relative providing care for the child, as applicable, shall receive written notice of, and shall have a right to be heard at, any review or hearing held with respect to the child, but the resource family parent or relative shall not be made a party to the review or hearing solely on the basis of the notice and right to be heard.
(cf: P.L.2007, c.228, s.2)
65. Section 13 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-13) is amended to read as follows:
13. If in the course of verifying and investigating any applications or complaints, as provided for in sections 11 and 12 [hereof] of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-11 and C.30:4C-12), it shall appear that there is a person legally responsible for the support of the child who is willing and able to provide the care and support required by [such] the child; or it shall appear that the needs of the child can properly be provided for by financial assistance as made available by the laws of this State; then, the [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency, before accepting and providing care or custody, shall first make proper referral of the matter to such legally responsible person, or to the agency charged with the administration of such financial assistance. If it shall appear that the welfare of the child is endangered, and that such condition can be eliminated or ameliorated by making available to or for [such] the child any one or more of whatever specific services the [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency may be authorized, within the limits of legislative appropriations, to provide for all children in similar circumstances, the child shall be found eligible for care or custody, and the [bureau] division shall proceed to furnish [such] the services either by direct provision or, if the [bureau] division so determines in the specific case, by purchasing [such] services from any appropriate privately sponsored agency or institution which complies with whatever rules and regulations, established pursuant to [this act] P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-1 et seq.), may govern such arrangements for purchase of service.
(cf: P.L.1962, c.197, s.16)
66. Section 14 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-14) is amended to read as follows:
14. The [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency shall give due notice in writing to the applicant or complainant of the action taken on any application as provided in sections 11 and 12 [hereof] of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-11 and C.30:4C-12).
(cf: P.L.1962, c.197, s.17)
67. Section 31 of P.L.1999, c.53 (C.30:4C-15.3) is amended to read as follows:
31. The Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency shall not be required to file a petition seeking the termination of parental rights if:
a. The child is being cared for by a relative and a permanent plan for the child can be achieved without termination of parental rights;
b. The division has documented in the case plan, which shall be available for court review, a compelling reason for determining that filing the petition would not be in the best interests of the child; or
c. The division is required to provide reasonable efforts to reunify the family but the division has not provided to the family of the child, consistent with the time period in the case plan, such services as the division deems necessary for the safe return of the child to his home.
(cf: P.L.1999, c.53, s.31)
68. Section 4 of P.L.2000, c.58 (C.30:4C-15.7) is amended to read as follows:
4. a. If a person voluntarily delivers a child who is or appears to be no more than 30 days old to, and leaves the child at a State, county or municipal police station and does not express an intent to return for the child, a State, county, or municipal police officer shall take the child to the emergency department of a licensed general hospital in this State and the hospital shall proceed as specified in subsection b. of this section.
b. If a person voluntarily delivers a child who is or appears to be no more than 30 days old to, and leaves the child at an emergency department of a licensed general hospital in this State and does not express an intent to return for the child, or, if a State, county, or municipal police officer brings a child to a licensed general hospital under the circumstances set forth in subsection a. of this section, the hospital shall:
(1) take possession of the child without a court order;
(2) take any action or provide any treatment necessary to protect the child's physical health and safety; and
(3) no later than the first business day after taking possession of the child, notify the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families that the hospital has taken possession of the child.
c. The Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency shall assume the care, custody, and control of the child immediately upon receipt of notice from a licensed general hospital pursuant to paragraph (3) of subsection b. of this section. The division shall commence a thorough search of all listings of missing children to ensure that the relinquished child has not been reported missing.
d. A child for whom the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency assumes care, custody, and control pursuant to subsection c. of this section shall be treated as a child taken into possession without a court order.
e. It shall be an affirmative defense to prosecution for abandonment of a child that the parent voluntarily delivered the child to and left the child at, or voluntarily arranged for another person to deliver the child to and leave the child at, a State, county, or municipal police station as provided in subsection a. of this section or the emergency department of a licensed general hospital in this State as provided in subsection b. of this section. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to create a defense to any prosecution arising from any conduct other than the act of delivering the child as described herein, and this subsection specifically shall not constitute a defense to any prosecution arising from an act of abuse or neglect committed prior to the delivery of the child to a State, county or municipal police station as provided in subsection a. of this section or the emergency department of a licensed general hospital in this State as provided in subsection b. of this section.
f. A State, county, or municipal police officer and the governmental jurisdiction employing that officer or an employee of an emergency department of a licensed general hospital in this State and the hospital employing that person shall incur no civil or criminal liability for any good faith acts or omissions performed pursuant to this section.
g. Any person who voluntarily delivers a child who is or appears to be no more than 30 days old to a licensed general hospital or a police station in accordance with this section shall not be required to disclose that person's name or other identifying information or that of the child or the child's parent, if different from the person who delivers the child to the hospital or police station, or provide background or medical information about the child, but may voluntarily do so.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.124)
69. Section 17 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-17) is amended to read as follows:
17. a. When a petition is filed under section 15 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-15), by a person, association, or agency other than the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency, the court, in addition to causing service to be made upon the parent, parents, guardian, or person having custody and control of such child in accordance with rules of court, shall also cause a copy of the petition and notice of the time and place of hearing to be served on or mailed to the division at least 20 days before the time of such hearing.
b. When a petition is filed under section 15 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-15) by a person, association, or agency, the court shall cause a copy of the petition to be served upon the absent parent of the child. The notice shall inform the parent of the purpose of the action and of the right to file written objections to the guardianship proceedings within 20 days after notice is given in the case of a resident, and 35 days in the case of a nonresident, of this State.
If personal service of the notice cannot be effected because the whereabouts of an absent parent are unknown, the court shall determine that an adequate effort has been made to serve notice upon the parent if the plaintiff has:
(1) Sent the notice by regular mail and by certified mail return receipt requested, to the last known address of the parent;
(2) Made a discreet inquiry among any known relatives, friends, and current or former employers of the parent;
(3) Unless otherwise restricted by law, made direct inquiries, using the party's name and last known or suspected address, to the local post office, the [Division of Motor Vehicles] New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission in , but not of, the Department of [Law and Public Safety] Transportation, the county welfare agency, the municipal police department, the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety, the county probation office, the Department of Corrections, and any other social service or law enforcement agency known to have had contact with the parent, or the equivalent agencies in other states, territories, or countries.
Failure to receive a response to the inquiries made pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection within 45 days shall constitute a negative response.
c. In any case in which the identity of an absent parent cannot be determined or the known parent of a child is unable or refuses to identify the other parent, and the court is unable from other information before the court to identify the other parent, service on that parent shall be waived by the court.
d. Whenever a petition is filed under section 15 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-15), and there shall be filed with such petition a statement or statements made under oath and attesting that the best interests of the child require that he be placed under the guardianship of the division immediately and pending final hearing, the court, at a special summary hearing held upon notice to the division, may make an interlocutory order committing such child to the division until a final hearing on the petition. Such interlocutory order shall have the same force and effect as an order of commitment provided for in section 20 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-20).
(cf: P.L.1991, c.275, s.4)
70. Section 18 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-18) is amended to read as follows:
18. Immediately upon receipt of the copy of a petition served on or mailed to the [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency as provided by section 17 [hereof] of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-17), [such bureau] the division shall verify such petition and investigate all the facts pertaining to the eligibility of the child for commitment, and prior to the day set for hearing shall file with the court a report of its findings. [Such] The report shall show such facts as will assist the court in making a decision in the matter.
(cf: P.L.1962, c.197, s.20)
71. Section 20 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-20) is amended to read as follows:
20. If upon the completion of [such] the hearing the court is satisfied that the best interests of [such] the child require that [he] the child be placed under proper guardianship, [such] the court shall make an order terminating parental rights and committing [such] the child to the guardianship and control of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency, and [such] the child shall thereupon become the legal ward of the division, which shall be the legal guardian of [such] the child for all purposes, including the placement of [such] the child for adoption.
If the court shall have made an interlocutory order as provided in section 17 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-17), but at the final hearing a further order of commitment shall not be made as provided in this section, the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency shall return the child forthwith to the parent or parents, guardian, or person having had custody of the child immediately prior to the filing of the petition; provided, however, that if the return does not ensure the safety of the child or if the parent or parents, guardian, or person having had custody cannot be found or, for other reason satisfactory to the court, is unable to accept the child, the division, upon order of the court, may place the child with such other person or persons who, at the time of final hearing, expressed willingness to accept the child, but [such] the order shall in no wise be construed as a grant of custody or guardianship. In all such cases the interlocutory order shall continue in full force and effect until the division shall have made disposition of the child as provided herein or as otherwise provided by law, but in no case for a period longer than 30 days after the final hearing.
(cf: P.L.1999, c.53, s.32)
72. Section 21 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-21) is amended to read as follows:
21. The order of the court committing a child to the guardianship of the [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency, shall in no wise be restrictive of the duties, powers, and authority of [such bureau] the division in the care, custody, placement, welfare, and exclusive guardianship of the child as provided in [this act] P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-1 et seq.), and [such bureau] the division shall be removed as [such] the guardian only by a court of competent jurisdiction upon charges preferred and upon good cause shown after an opportunity to be heard.
(cf: P.L.1962, c.197, s.22)
73. Section 23 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-23) is amended to read as follows:
23. In addition to the methods otherwise provided in this article for establishing guardianship by the [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency, and when necessary to carry out the provisions of [this act] P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-1 et seq.), the [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency, after due investigation and consideration, may, in cases where it would be to the permanent advantage of the child, take voluntary surrenders and releases of custody and consents to adoption from the parent, parents, guardians, or other persons or agencies having the right or authority to give such surrenders, releases, or consents. Such surrenders, releases, or consents, when properly acknowledged before a person authorized to take acknowledgments of proofs in the State of New Jersey, shall be valid and binding irrespective of the age of the person giving the same, and shall be irrevocable except at the discretion of the [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency or upon order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
(cf: PL.1962, c.197, s.24)
74. Section 24 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-24) is amended to read as follows:
24. Whenever the director of welfare of any county or municipality in this State shall be called upon to serve any child whose needs cannot properly be provided for by financial assistance as made available by the laws of this State, [such] the director shall, within 24 hours thereafter, give written notice thereof to the [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency, and shall file an application for care or custody, as provided in section 11 of [this act] P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-11), or shall file a complaint as provided in section 12 of [this act] P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-12), or shall file a petition as provided in section 15 of [this act] P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-15), as the situation of the child may require. [Such] The notice shall contain all available information concerning the child and [his] the child's circumstances, which will enable the [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency to take proper action. If the immediate needs of the child so require, the director shall provide for [his] the child's care in a suitable place, approved with reasonable promptness for that purpose by the [bureau] division, paying therefor as a charge against county or municipal funds until such time as the child has been found eligible for care, custody, or guardianship in accordance with the provisions of [this act] P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-1 et seq.).
(cf: P.L.1962, c.197, s.25)
75. Section 25 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-25) is amended to read as follows:
25. The [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency, by its agent or agents, shall regularly visit all children under its care, custody, or guardianship under the provisions of [this act] P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-1 et seq.) in order to assure the maximum benefit from such services.
(cf: P.L.1962, c.197, s.26)
76. Section 3 of P.L.2010, c.69 (C.30:4C-26b) is amended to read as follows:
3. a. Whenever the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families places any child in a resource family home, including a change in a placement following the initial placement, there shall be a presumption that the child shall remain in the school currently attended by the child and the child shall remain in that school, pending a best interest determination as set forth in subsection c. of this section, unless the division determines that the circumstances provided in subsection b. of this section are present.
b. If the division determines that remaining in the present school is not in the best interest of the child upon consideration of the best interest factors listed in subsection f. of this section, and would present significant safety concerns or otherwise be a significant and immediate detriment to the child, the child may be immediately enrolled in the school district in which the resource family home is located. If the division enrolls the child in the school district in which the resource family home is located, pursuant to this subsection, the division shall, within two business days of taking such action, provide notice to the child's law guardian and a parent or legal guardian, of the new school placement and the basis for such action. If the division determines there exists a credible safety issue for the child if the location of the school in the resource family's district is disclosed to the parent or legal guardian, the division shall not include the location of that school or other information about the identity of the school in the notice to the parent or legal guardian.
c. Except as provided in subsection b. of this section, within five business days of placement in a resource family home, the division shall make a determination, upon consideration of the best interest factors listed in subsection f. of this section, whether the presumption that the child continue to attend the school that the child currently attends is outweighed by the best interest factors supporting placement in the school district in which the resource family home is located.
In making that determination, the division shall make reasonable efforts to consult with a parent or guardian of the child, the child, the child's law guardian, a representative from the school the child attended at the time of removal, and any school district under consideration for placement.
d. If the division's determination, pursuant to subsection c. of this section, is that it is in the best interest of the child to enroll the child in the school district in which the resource family home is located, the determination shall remain preliminary pending the completion of the requirements of this subsection. If the division's determination is consistent with the presumption established pursuant to subsection a. of this section, the determination shall be deemed conclusive at the time the determination is made.
(1) The division shall immediately transmit a written notice to the child's law guardian and a parent or legal guardian of the child: (a) advising of the preliminary determination; (b) providing the basis for the preliminary determination; and (c) that the preliminary determination shall be deemed conclusive if the division does not receive notice that an application pursuant to this subsection has been made with the court by the date indicated on the notice, which date shall be five business days from the date the notice is transmitted by the division.
The child shall remain enrolled in his current school at least until the time allotted to seek a court review of the preliminary determination is exhausted.
(2) Any party may make an application with the court seeking a review of whether the division's preliminary determination is in the best interest of the child upon consideration of the best interest factors listed in subsection f. of this section within the time allotted by the division as specified in the division's notice, which date shall be five business days from the date the notice is transmitted by the division, unless the child's law guardian, on behalf of the child, and a parent or legal guardian of the child agrees, in writing, to waive the opportunity for a court review of the preliminary determination pursuant to this subsection, in which case the determination becomes conclusive.
Any party who makes an application for court review of the preliminary determination pursuant to this subsection shall provide simultaneous notice to the division and all other parties involved in the division's complaint for custody and guardianship. The court shall hear and decide such application in an expedited manner. In any such proceedings, the division shall bear the burden of proof, based on a preponderance of the evidence, that its determination to enroll the child in the school district in which the resource family home is located is in the best interest of the child.
If a party makes an application for court review of the division's preliminary determination pursuant to this subsection, the child shall continue to attend his current school while the court hears and decides the application.
(3) If the division does not receive timely notice pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection that an application has been made for court review within five business days of the transmittal date of the notice of the preliminary determination, the preliminary determination shall be deemed conclusive and the division shall implement its determination as provided in subsection g. of this section.
e. (1) At any time during placement of a child in a resource family home, the court may, upon application by any party to the division's complaint for custody or guardianship, review the child's school placement upon consideration of the best interest factors listed in subsection f. of this section, and make appropriate orders regarding school placement.
(2) At any time during placement in a resource family home, the division may reconsider the child's school placement and make a new determination in accordance with subsection b. or c. and d. of this section, upon consideration of the best interest factors listed in subsection f. of this section.
f. The factors the division and the court shall consider in making a best interest determination, as provided in this section, shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) safety considerations;
(2) the proximity of the resource family home to the child's present school;
(3) the age and grade level of the child as it relates to the other best interest factors listed in this subsection;
(4) the needs of the child, including social adjustment and wellbeing;
(5) the child's preference;
(6) the child's performance, continuity of education, and engagement in the school the child presently attends;
(7) the child's special education programming if the child is classified;
(8) the point of time in the school year;
(9) the child's permanency goal and the likelihood of reunification;
(10) the anticipated duration of the current placement; and
(11) such other factors as provided by regulation of the Commissioner of Children and Families.
g. At the time a determination becomes conclusive or upon any subsequent decision by the court, the child shall either continue to be enrolled in his current school or shall be immediately enrolled in the new school district, and the mandated student record shall be provided to the new school district in accordance with applicable regulations of the State Board of Education.
h. The division shall provide transportation for the child to attend school during the time that a determination is being made or while a court review is pending as to where the child will attend school and for the subsequent five school days. At such time as a determination is made by the division or a decision is rendered by the court, the division shall immediately notify the school district where the child is currently attending school, the school district of residence, and the school district where the resource family home is located, as applicable.
The district of residence shall be responsible for transportation for the child to attend school, within five days of being notified by the division where the child will attend school.
i. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require any public entity to fund students placed in nonpublic schools by their parents or guardians.
j. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the division shall not be required to identify the school where the child is or will be enrolled to a parent or legal guardian, if the release of such information would pose a risk to the safety of the child.
(cf: P.L.2010, c.69, s.3)
77. Section 1 of P.L.1962, c.137 (C.30:4C-26.1) is amended to read as follows:
1. As used in [this act] P.L.1962, c.137 (C.30:4C-26.1 et seq.) "resource family home" means and includes private residences wherein any child in the care, custody, or guardianship of the Department of Children and Families may be placed by the department, or with its approval, for care, and shall include any private residence maintained by persons with whom any [such] child is placed by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency for the purpose of adoption until the adoption is finalized.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.131)
78. Section 2 of P.L.1962, c.137 (C.30:4C-26.2) is amended to read as follows:
2. The Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency, shall establish and maintain, within the limits of available appropriations, child care shelters in [such] numbers and at [such] locations throughout the State as the Commissioner of Children and Families shall deem to be necessary.
(cf: P.L. 2006, c.47, s.132)
79. Section 3 of P.L.1962, c.137 (C.30:4C-26.3) is amended to read as follows:
3. [Such] The shelters shall be equipped and used for the temporary care and supervision of children who are placed in the care, custody, or guardianship of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency, during the interim between such placement and placement in a suitable resource family home. [Such] The shelters shall be properly staffed to provide for child care and supervision and shall contain the necessary facilities for both physical and psychological examinations of [such] children.
(cf: P.L.2004, c.130, s.60)
80. Section 1 of P.L.1962, c.136 (C.30:4C-26.4) is amended to read as follows:
1. As used in [this act] P.L.1962, c.136 (C.30:4C-26.4 et seq.) "resource family parent" shall mean any person with whom a child in the care, custody, or guardianship of the Department of Children and Families is placed by the department, or with its approval, for care and shall include any person with whom a child is placed by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency for the purpose of adoption until the adoption is finalized.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.133)
81. Section 2 of P.L.1962, c.136 (C. 30:4C-26.5) is amended to read as follows:
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law or any rule or regulation of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency, no agreement entered into between the division and any resource family parent for the care of any child in the care, custody, or guardianship of the division shall contain any provision prohibiting the adoption of any child by the resource family parent.
(cf: P.L.2004, c.130, s.62)
82. Section 1 of P.L.1962, c.139 (C.30:4C-26.6) is amended to read as follows:
1. As used in [this act] P.L.1962, c.139 (C.30:4C-26.6 et seq.) "resource family parent" shall mean any person with whom a child in the care, custody, or guardianship of the Department of Children and Families is placed by the department, or with its approval, for care and shall include any person with whom a child is placed by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency for the purpose of adoption until the adoption is finalized.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.134)
83. Section 2 of P.L.1962, c.139 (C.30:4C-26.7) is amended to read as follows:
2. Any person, who, as a resource family parent, has cared for a child continuously for a period of 15 months or more, may apply to the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency, for the placement of the child with them for the purpose of adoption and if the child is eligible for adoption, the division shall give preference and first consideration to their application over all other applications for adoption placements.
(cf: P.L.2004, c.130, s.64)
84. Section 1 of P.L.1985, c.396 (C.30:4C-26.8) is amended to read as follows:
1. a. A person, in addition to meeting other requirements as may be established by the Department of Children and Families, shall become a resource family parent or eligible to adopt a child only upon the completion of an investigation to ascertain if there is a State or federal record of criminal history for the prospective adoptive or resource family parent or any other adult residing in the prospective parent's home. The investigation shall be conducted by the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety and shall include an examination of its own files and the obtaining of a similar examination by federal authorities.
b. If the prospective resource family parent or any adult residing in the prospective parent's home has a record of criminal history, the Department of Children and Families shall review the record with respect to the type and date of the criminal offense and make a determination as to the suitability of the person to become a resource family parent or the suitability of placing a child in that person's home, as the case may be.
c. For the purposes of this section, a conviction for one of the offenses enumerated in subsection d. or e. of this section has occurred if the person has been convicted under the laws of this State or any other state or jurisdiction for an offense that is substantially equivalent to the offenses enumerated in these subsections.
d. A person shall be disqualified from being a resource family parent or shall not be eligible to adopt a child if that person or any adult residing in that person's household ever committed a crime which resulted in a conviction for:
(1) a crime against a child, including endangering the welfare of a child and child pornography pursuant to N.J.S.2C:24-4; or child abuse, neglect, or abandonment pursuant to R.S.9:6-3;
(2) murder pursuant to N.J.S.2C:11-3 or manslaughter pursuant to N.J.S.2C:11-4;
(3) aggravated assault which would constitute a crime of the second or third degree pursuant to subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:12-1;
(4) stalking pursuant to P.L.1992, c.209 (C.2C:12-10);
(5) kidnapping and related offenses including criminal restraint; false imprisonment; interference with custody; criminal coercion; or enticing a child into a motor vehicle, structure, or isolated area pursuant to N.J.S.2C:13-1 through 2C:13-6;
(6) sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, or lewdness pursuant to N.J.S.2C:14-2 through N.J.S.2C:14-4;
(7) robbery which would constitute a crime of the first degree pursuant to N.J.S.2C:15-1;
(8) burglary which would constitute a crime of the second degree pursuant to N.J.S.2C:18-2;
(9) domestic violence pursuant to P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-17 et seq.);
(10) endangering the welfare of an incompetent person pursuant to N.J.S.2C:24-7 or endangering the welfare of an elderly or disabled person pursuant to N.J.S.2C:24-8;
(11) terrorist threats pursuant to N.J.S.2C:12-3;
(12) arson pursuant to N.J.S.2C:17-1, or causing or risking widespread injury or damage which would constitute a crime of the second degree pursuant to N.J.S.2C:17-2; or
(13) an attempt or conspiracy to commit an offense listed in paragraphs (1) through (12) of this subsection.
e. A person shall be disqualified from being a resource family parent if that person or any adult residing in that person's household was convicted of one of the following crimes and the date of release from confinement occurred during the preceding five years:
(1) simple assault pursuant to subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:12-1;
(2) aggravated assault which would constitute a crime of the fourth degree pursuant to subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:12-1;
(3) a drug-related crime pursuant to P.L.1987, c.106 (C.2C:35-1 et seq.);
(4) robbery which would constitute a crime of the second degree pursuant to N.J.S.2C:15-1;
(5) burglary which would constitute a crime of the third degree pursuant to N.J.S.2C:18-2; or
(6) an attempt or conspiracy to commit an offense listed in paragraphs (1) through (5) of this subsection.
For the purposes of this subsection, the "date of release from confinement" means the date of termination of court-ordered supervision through probation, parole, or residence in a correctional facility, whichever date occurs last.
For purposes of this section, "resource family parent" means any person with whom a child in the care, custody, or guardianship of the Department of Children and Families is placed by the department, or with its approval, for care and shall include any person with whom a child is placed by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency for the purpose of adoption until the adoption is finalized.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.135)
85. Section 1 of P.L.1989, c.21 (C.30:4C-26.9) is amended to read as follows:
1. The Department of Children and Families may grant approval to a prospective resource family parent for a period not to exceed six months, upon completion of the State portion of the criminal history record investigation required pursuant to P.L.1985, c.396 (C.30:4C-26.8), pending completion and review of the federal portion of the criminal history record investigation required pursuant to that act, if: (1) the State portion of the criminal history record investigation indicates no information which would disqualify the person, (2) the prospective resource family parent and any adult residing in the prospective resource family parent's home submit a sworn statement to the Department of Children and Families attesting that the person does not have a record of criminal history which would disqualify the person, and (3) there is substantial compliance with department standards for resource family homes indicating there is no risk to a child's health or safety.
For purposes of this section, "resource family parent" means any person with whom a child in the care, custody, or guardianship of the Department of Children and Families is placed by the department, or with its approval, for care and shall include any person with whom a child is placed by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency for the purpose of adoption until the adoption is finalized.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.136)
86. Section 1 of P.L.2010, c.98 (C.30:4C-26.20) is amended to read as follows:
1. a. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, if a minor is placed in a resource family home, group home, or institution, pursuant to section 26 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-26), and is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or gives birth to a child while in the placement, the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families shall provide or arrange for the provision of services to ensure that the minor and her child remain together as a family unit.
b. A Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency caseworker shall develop and implement a permanency plan for the minor and her child that will enable the minor to provide a safe and stable home for her child, and shall not limit the minor's legal right to make decisions regarding the care, custody, and supervision of her child. The plan shall address, but shall not be limited to, the following areas:
(1) counseling and advocacy services;
(2) information about and referral to physicians, certified nurse midwives, and other health care professionals providing prenatal care;
(3) medical care, including hospital, maternity, postnatal, and preventive pediatric services; and
(4) maintenance services, including, clothing, food, housing, and financial assistance.
c. If, as a result of the minor's pregnancy or birth of her child, the minor's current placement is no longer available, is inappropriate, or could result in harm to the minor or her child, the caseworker shall locate and place the minor and her child together in a substitute living arrangement.
d. The Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency shall not be required to arrange or provide for services to the minor and her child pursuant to subsection a. of this section, if the division has reasonable cause to believe that the minor's child has been subjected to child abuse or acts of child abuse or neglect by the minor.
e. For purposes of this section, "minor" means a person 21 years of age or younger who is under the care and supervision or custody of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-12).
(cf: P.L.2010, c.98, s.1)
87. Section 1 of P.L.1962, c.135 (C.30:4C-27.1) is amended to read as follows:
1. As used in [this act] P.L.1962, c.135 (C.30:4C-27.1 et seq.) "resource family parent" shall mean any person with whom a child in the care, custody, or guardianship of the Department of Children and Families is placed by the department, or with its approval, for care and shall include any person with whom a child is placed by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency for the purpose of adoption until the adoption is finalized.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.137)
88. Section 2 of P.L.1962, c.135 (C.30:4C-27.2) is amended to read as follows:
2. Notwithstanding the provision of any other law, the maintenance of a clothing warehouse and distribution center for the distribution of clothing to children in the care, custody, or guardianship of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency, shall be discontinued and in lieu thereof the division shall increase the monthly allowance payable to any resource family parent caring for any of the children in a sufficient amount to enable the resource family parent to purchase the necessary clothing items required by the children from the local merchants of the locality wherein the resource family parent resides.
(cf: P.L.2004, c.130, s.69)
89. Section 3 of P.L.2001, c.419 (C.30:4C-27.5) is amended to read as follows:
3. As used in [this act] P.L.2001, c.419 (C.30:4C-27.3 et seq.):
"Child" means a person who: is either under the age of 18 or meets the criteria set forth in subsection f. of section 2 of P.L.1972, c.81 (C.9:17B-2); and is under the care or custody of the division or another public or private agency authorized to place children in New Jersey.
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Children and Families.
"Department" means the Department of Children and Families.
"Division" means the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families.
"Resource family home" or "home" means a private residence, other than a children's group home or shelter home, in which board, lodging, care, and temporary out-of-home placement services are provided by a resource family parent on a 24-hour basis to a child under the auspices of the division or any public or private agency authorized to place children in New Jersey.
"Resource family parent" means a person who has been licensed pursuant to [this act] P.L.2001, c.419 to provide resource family care to five or fewer children, including a child who has been placed by the division with the person for the purpose of adoption, except that the department may license a resource family parent to provide care for more than five children, if necessary, to keep sibling groups intact or to serve the best interests of the children in the home.
"License" means a document issued by the department to a person who meets the requirements of [this act] P.L.2001, c.419 to provide resource family care to children in the person's home.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.138)
90. Section 1 of P.L.2003, c.186 (C.30:4C-27.16) is amended to read as follows:
1. As used in sections 1 through 6 and 8 through 11 of [this act] P.L.2003, c.186 (C.30:4C-27.16 et al.):
"Department" means the Department of Children and Families.
"Division" means the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families.
"Residential child care facility" or "facility" means any public or private establishment subject to the regulatory authority of the department that provides room, board, care, shelter, or treatment services for children on a 24-hour-a-day basis. The term shall include: residential facilities operated by or under contract or agreement with the division to serve 13 or more children with emotional or behavioral problems as defined pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-2); State-operated children's psychiatric facilities providing inpatient treatment; group homes, treatment homes, teaching family homes, alternative care homes, and supervised transitional living homes operated by or under contract or agreement with the division to serve 12 or fewer children with emotional or behavioral problems as defined pursuant to N.J.A.C.10:128-1.2; and shelter care facilities and homes, including shelters serving children in juvenile-family crisis and in need of temporary shelter care, as defined pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1982, c.77 (C.2A:4A-22).
"Staff member" means an individual 18 years of age or older who is an administrator of, employed by, or works in a facility on a regularly scheduled basis during the facility's operating hours, including full-time, part-time, voluntary, contract, consulting, and substitute staff, whether compensated or not.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.139)
91. Section 28 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-28) is amended to read as follows:
28. The [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency may at any time discharge from its care, custody, or guardianship any child, if in the opinion of [such bureau] the division the best interests of the child will be promoted thereby.
(cf: P.L.1962, c.197, s.29)
92. Section 29 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-29) is amended to read as follows:
29. Subject to the provisions of section 30 [hereof] of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-30), payments for maintenance shall be made by the [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency.
The [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency is hereby empowered to receive from the State Treasurer and from the county treasurer of each county such sums as shall be appropriated for the purposes of [this act] P.L.1951, c.138 (C:30:4C-1 et seq.), and shall cause such sums to be set up in a special account or accounts subject to disbursement by the [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency.
(cf: P.L.1962, c.197, s.30)
93. Section 1 of P.L.1962, c.142 (C.30:4C-29.1) is amended to read as follows:
1. a. In any case in which the Department of Children and Families, through the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency, is providing care or custody for any child when the child is in a resource family home, any legally responsible person of the child, if of sufficient financial ability, is liable for the full costs of maintenance of the child incurred by the division. If the legally responsible person is of insufficient financial ability, the person is liable in an amount which a court of competent jurisdiction directs according to a scheduled rate approved by the division. Nothing contained herein shall prevent the legally responsible person from voluntarily executing an agreement for payment to the division for the costs of maintenance of the child receiving care or custody when the child is in a resource family home.
b. The division shall have a lien against the property of the legally responsible person in an amount equal to the amount to be paid, which lien shall have priority over all unrecorded encumbrances.
c. If the legally responsible person fails to reimburse the department, through the division, for the costs of maintenance of a child incurred by the division when the child is in a resource family home, a court of competent jurisdiction, upon the complaint of the Commissioner of Children and Families, may summon the legally responsible person and other witnesses, and may order the legally responsible person to pay an amount to the department, according to a scheduled rate approved by the division.
d. In any case in which the department, through the division, has agreed to provide youth facilities aid to a public, private, or voluntary agency pursuant to [this act] P.L.1962, c.142 (C.30:4C-29.1 et seq.), the division shall have a lien against the property of any person, persons, or agency so contracting, in an amount equal to the amount or amounts so contracted to be paid, which lien shall have priority over all unrecorded encumbrances. [Such] The lien shall be reduced for each year of service provided by the agency at a rate to be negotiated by the division and the agency, but in no case more than 20% a year; provided, however, that annual reductions shall not exceed $10,000.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.140)
94. Section 32 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-32) is amended to read as follows:
32. Whenever a child receiving care, custody, or guardianship as provided by [this act] P.L.1951, c.138 (C:30:4C-1 et seq.) has died, and an investigation by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency discloses that there are insufficient funds from any other source to provide proper burial, [such] the division shall authorize the expenditure of an amount reasonably necessary to provide proper burial for [such] the child, and [such] the amount shall be a proper charge against State funds, within the limits of available appropriations, in the same manner and extent as expenditures for maintenance.
The amount reasonably necessary to provide proper burial shall be determined by the average cost for a proper burial and funeral charged by funeral directors in the locality in which the child is buried.
(cf: P.L.1990, c.66, s.5)
95. Section 33 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-33) is amended to read as follows:
33. The [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency may compromise and settle any claim due or which may become due [such bureau] the division for reimbursement of moneys paid to any individual or organization for maintenance of a child. A memorandum of the compromise and settlement shall be entered in the official records of the [bureau] division.
(cf: P.L.1962, c.197, s.34)
96. Section 34 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-34) is amended to read as follows:
34. Whenever the [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency shall recover or receive reimbursement of any moneys paid to any individual or organization for the maintenance of a child, the moneys so recovered or received shall be credited to the State treasury or to the Federal Government in the same proportion as they were charged in the original instance. The [Bureau of Childrens Services] division is hereby authorized to take all necessary and proper action under the laws of this State for the recovery of any [such] moneys wrongfully received or retained by any individual or organization, or for the recovery from the person or persons responsible under the laws of this State for the support of [such] the child the value of maintenance furnished to [such] the child.
(cf: P.L.1962, c.197, s.35)
97. Section 35 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-35) is amended to read as follows:
35. The [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency is authorized to retain any voluntary contributions of money heretofore received by it, and to receive future contributions. All [such] contributions, whether already received or hereafter received, shall be kept in a separate fund, and shall be used only upon order of the [bureau] division for the purposes for which the contributions were made, and [such] the funds shall be in the custody and control of the [Bureau of Childrens Services] division; provided, however, that any [such] contribution made to the [bureau] division, the original purpose of which is no longer practicable or possible of achievement, may be used by the [bureau] division, at its discretion, for the general benefit and welfare of children under its supervision.
(cf: P.L.1962, c.197, s.36)
98. Section 36 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-36) is amended to read as follows:
36. On application in writing by the [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency, the State Treasurer on warrant of the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting may pay to the [bureau] division from its annual appropriation such amount not exceeding [$5,000.00] $5,000 as may be necessary to establish a petty cash fund for the payment of traveling expenses and [such] other current expenses as require a prompt cash outlay.
The [Bureau of Childrens Services] division shall file an account with vouchers attached showing all expenditures from its petty cash fund and on receipt of the amount thereof from the State Treasurer shall reimburse the fund. Any questions with reference to the allowance, expenditure, accounting, and reimbursement of petty cash moneys shall be finally determined by ruling of the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting.
(cf: P.L.1962, c.197, s.37)
99. Section 37 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-37) is amended to read as follows:
37. Whenever the [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency shall have issued, or shall hereafter issue, any checks, drafts, or warrants to be paid from moneys received from the Federal Government, the State, or any county of this State for the cost of maintenance, and [such] the checks, drafts, or warrants shall not be cashed for a period of [1] one year from the date of issue, the following procedure shall be taken:
(a) The [Bureau of Childrens Services] division shall give due notice to the bank on which [such] the checks, drafts, or warrants were issued that no payment shall be made thereon.
(b) The [Bureau of Childrens Services] division shall then from time to time deposit in a special fund moneys in an amount equal to that represented by [such] the checks, drafts, or warrants, which moneys shall be held for the payments of [such] the checks, drafts, or warrants. [Such] The special fund shall be in the custody and control of the [Bureau of Childrens Services] division.
(c) The moneys so deposited shall be maintained in [such] the special fund for a period of [6] six years from the date of deposit, and, if still unclaimed after that time by anyone having a legal right thereto, shall be credited to the Federal Government, the State, or any county of this State in the same proportion as [such] the moneys were received by the [Bureau of Childrens Services] division in the original instance.
Whenever the [Bureau of Childrens Services] division shall have credited any moneys to the Federal Government, the State, or any county of this State pursuant to the provisions of this section, it shall thereupon be free of all obligations as to those checks, drafts, or warrants for which such moneys have been held for payment.
(cf: P.L.1962, c.197, s.38)
100. Section 2 of P.L.1962, c.206 (C.30:4C-42) is amended to read as follows:
2. The [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency, is hereby authorized and empowered, subject to the availability of appropriations therefor, to establish an Adoption Resource Exchange, the services of which shall be available only to approved agencies as a further resource to facilitate placement of children for adoption by and through [such] the agencies.
(cf: P.L.1964, c.102, s.26)
101. Section 3 of P.L.1962, c.206 (C.30:4C-43) is amended to read as follows:
43. The Adoption Resource Exchange authorized by [this act] P.L.1962, c.206 (C.30:4C-41 et seq.) shall not itself engage in the placement of children for adoption nor shall it be construed as a substitute for other local community resources, whether public or voluntary. It shall be a facility whereby the [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency and other approved agencies may mutually share and exchange information concerning children available for adoption and homes available for the placement of adoptive children.
(cf: P.L.1964, c.102, s.27)
102. Section 4 of P.L.1962, c.206 (C.30:4C-44) is amended to read as follows:
44. The [Bureau of Childrens Services] Division of Child Protection and Permanency is hereby authorized and empowered to establish rules, regulations, and procedures necessary to accomplish the purposes of [this act] P.L.1962, c.206 (C.30:4C-41 et seq.).
(cf: P.L.1964, c.102, s.28)
103. Section 2 of P.L.1973, c.81 (C.30:4C-46) is amended to read as follows:
2. The Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency shall make payments to adoptive parents on behalf of a child placed for adoption by the division whenever:
a. The child because of physical or mental condition, race, age, or membership in a sibling group, or for any other reason falls into the category of a child hard to place for adoption;
b. The adoptive family is capable of providing the permanent family relationships needed by the child; and
c. Except in situations involving adoption by a child's resource family parent, there has been a reasonable effort to place the child in an adoptive setting without providing a subsidy.
Payments shall be made on behalf of a child placed for adoption by the division except that whenever a child who would otherwise be eligible for subsidy payment is in the care of an approved New Jersey adoption agency pursuant to P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-37 et seq.) a child shall, upon application by the agency and satisfaction of the regular requirements of the adoption subsidy program, be approved for participation in the adoption subsidy program. In any case the division may approve payment in subsidization of adoption for a child without legal transfer of care or custody of the child to the division. The division shall adopt regulations for administration of this program with respect to these children, except that all children are evaluated for eligibility in the same manner as children already under the care, custody, or guardianship of the division.
(cf: P.L.2004, c.130, s.82)
104. Section 4 of P.L.1973, c.81 (C.30:4C-48) is amended to read as follows:
4. Qualification for payments in subsidization of adoption shall be determined and approved by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency prior to the completion of the adoption proceeding, and may be redetermined annually thereafter. No payments shall be made for any child who the division has determined was brought into this State for the sole purpose of qualifying for an adoption subsidy pursuant to P.L.1973, c. 81 (C. 30:4C-45 et seq.).
(cf: P.L.1983, c.484, s.3)
105. Section 5 of P.L.1973, c.81 (C.30:4C-49) is amended to read as follows:
5. The Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency shall make all necessary rules and regulations for administering the program for payments in subsidization of adoptions.
(cf: P.L.1983, c.484, s.4)
106. Section 2 of P.L.1977, c.424 (C.30:4C-51) is amended to read as follows:
2. The Legislature declares that it is in the public interest, whereby the safety of children shall be of paramount concern, to afford every child placed outside his home by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency with the opportunity for eventual return to [his] the child's home or placement in an alternative permanent home; that it is the obligation of the State to promote this end through effective planning and regular review of each child's placement; and that it is the purpose of [this act] P.L.1977, c.424 (C.30:4C-50 et seq.) to establish procedures for both administrative and judicial review of each child's placement in order to ensure that such placement ensures the safety and health and serves the best interest of the child.
(cf: P.L.1999, c.53, s.37)
107. Section 3 of P.L.1977, c.424 (C.30:4C-52) is amended to read as follows:
3. As used in [this act] P.L1977, c.424 (C.30:4C-50 et seq.), unless the context indicates otherwise:
a. "Child" means any person less than 18 years of age;
b. "Child placed outside his home" means a child under the care, custody, or guardianship of the division who resides in a resource family home, group home, residential treatment facility, shelter for the care of abused or neglected children or juveniles considered as juvenile-family crisis cases, or independent living arrangement operated by or approved for payment by the division, or a child who has been placed by the division in the home of a person who is not related to the child and does not receive any payment for the care of the child from the division, or a child placed by the court in juvenile-family crisis cases pursuant to P.L.1982, c.77 (C.2A:4A-20 et seq.), but does not include a child placed by the court in the home of a person related to the child who does not receive any payment from the division for the care of the child;
c. "County of supervision" means the county in which the division has established responsibility for supervision of the child;
d. "Division" means the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families;
e. "Temporary caretaker" means a resource family parent as defined in section 1 of P.L.1962, c.136 (C.30:4C-26.4) or a director of a group home or residential treatment facility;
f. "Designated agency" means an agency designated by the court pursuant to P.L.1982, c.80 (C.2A:4A-76 et seq.) to develop a family services plan.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.141)
108. Section 1 of P.L.1991, c.448 (C.30:4C-53.1) is amended to read as follows:
1. The Legislature finds and declares that it is in the public interest, whereby the safety of children shall be of paramount concern, to afford every child placed outside [his] the child's home by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families with permanency through return to [his] the child's own home, if the child can be returned home without endangering the child's health or safety; through adoption, if family reunification is not possible; or through an alternative permanent placement, if termination of parental rights is not appropriate:
a. Due to the severity of health and social problems such as AIDS, drug abuse, and homelessness, the division often works with families over a period of many years, and the children of these families often spend a majority of their young lives in resource family care; and
b. Research has shown that the longer children remain in the resource family care system, the greater number of placements they experience. As a result of these multiple placements, from birth family to resource family home, and from one resource family home to another resource family home, children develop emotional and psychological problems, making it more difficult for them to develop a positive self-image; and
c. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2004, c.130).
d. The obligation of the State to recognize and protect the rights of children in the child welfare system should be fulfilled in the context of a clear and consistent policy which limits the repeated placement of children in resource family care and promotes the eventual placement of these children in stable and safe permanent homes.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.142)
109. Section 2 of P.L.1991, c.448 (C.30:4C-53.2) is amended to read as follows:
2. For purposes of [this act] P.L.1991, c.448 (C.30:4C-53.1 et seq.), the terms "repeated placement into resource family care" and "placed again into resource family care" shall apply to a child who has been placed in the custody of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency for placement in resource family care by the Family Part of the Chancery Division of the Superior Court or as a result of a voluntary placement agreement pursuant to P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.21 et seq.), released into the custody of [his] the child's parents or legally responsible guardian at the conclusion of the placement and is once again temporarily removed from [his] the child's place of residence and placed under the division's care and supervision.
(cf: P.L.2004, c.130, s.85)
110. Section 7 of P.L.2001, c.250 (C.30:4C-84) is amended to read as follows:
7. As used in sections 7 through 10 of P.L.2001, c.250 (C.30:4C-84 et seq.):
"Caregiver" means a person over 18 years of age, other than a child's parent, who has a kinship relationship with the child and has been providing care and support for the child, while the child has been residing in the caregiver's home, for either the last 12 consecutive months or 15 of the last 22 months. "Caregiver" includes a resource family parent as defined in section 1 of P.L.1962, c.136 (C.30:4C-26.4).
"Child" means a person under 18 years of age, except as otherwise provided in P.L.2001, c.250 (C.3B:12A-1 et al.).
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Children and Families.
"Court" means the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part.
"Division" means the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families.
"Family friend" means a person who is connected to a child or the child's parent by an established, positive psychological or emotional relationship that is not a biological or legal relationship.
"Kinship caregiver assessment" means a written report prepared in accordance with the provisions of P.L.2001, c.250 (C.3B:12A-1 et al.) and pursuant to regulations adopted by the commissioner.
"Kinship legal guardian" means a caregiver who is willing to assume care of a child due to parental incapacity, with the intent to raise the child to adulthood, and who is appointed the kinship legal guardian of the child by the court pursuant to P.L.2001, c.250 (C.3B:12A-1 et al.). A kinship legal guardian shall be responsible for the care and protection of the child and for providing for the child's health, education, and maintenance.
"Kinship relationship" means a family friend or a person with a biological or legal relationship with the child.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.154)
111. Section 2 of P.L.2005, c.95 (C.30:4C-90) is amended to read as follows:
2. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. An increasing number of relatives in the State, including grandparents, find themselves providing care on a long-term basis to children who cannot reside with their parents due to the parent's incapacity or inability to perform the regular and expected functions of care and support of the child;
b. The State law allows for the appointment of an individual as a kinship legal guardian; a kinship legal guardian has the same rights, responsibilities, and authority relating to a child as a birth parent, with the exception of consenting to the adoption of the child or a name change for the child, while the birth parent retains the obligation to pay child support and the right to court-approved visitation or parenting time with the child;
c. The Department of Human Services and the Department of Children and Families offers a variety of support services and financial aid to kinship legal guardians, which include monthly payments through the federal TANF program, Medicaid eligibility for the child, funding for short-term or one-time expenses, support groups, child support collection, housing assistance, legal services, child care, respite services, and education;
d. The [department] Department of Children and Families has established the Kinship Navigator program, which is a referral service designed to help kinship caregivers coordinate the various government and community resources that may be available to them; and
e. It is appropriate for the State to ensure that individuals who may be eligible to become kinship legal guardians are aware of the eligibility requirements for, and the responsibilities of, kinship legal guardianship, and that both individuals who may be eligible to become kinship legal guardians and current kinship legal guardians are aware of the services available to kinship legal guardians in the State.
(cf: P.L.2005, c.95, s.2)
112. Section 3 of P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-3) is amended to read as follows:
3. Definitions. As used in [this act] P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-1 et seq.), and unless the context otherwise requires:
a. "Applicant" means any person who has made application for purposes of becoming a "qualified applicant."
b. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Human Services.
c. "Department" means the Department of Human Services, which is herein designated as the single State agency to administer the provisions of this act.
d. "Director" means the Director of the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services.
e. "Division" means the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services.
f. "Medicaid" means the New Jersey Medical Assistance and Health Services Program.
g. "Medical assistance" means payments on behalf of recipients to providers for medical care and services authorized under [this act] P.L.1968, c.413.
h. "Provider" means any person, public or private institution, agency, or business concern approved by the division lawfully providing medical care, services, goods, and supplies authorized under [this act] P.L.1968, c.413, holding, where applicable, a current valid license to provide such services or to dispense such goods or supplies.
i. "Qualified applicant" means a person who is a resident of this State, and either a citizen of the United States or an eligible alien, and is determined to need medical care and services as provided under [this act] P.L.1968, c.413, with respect to whom the period for which eligibility to be a recipient is determined shall be the maximum period permitted under federal law, and who:
(1) Is a dependent child or parent or caretaker relative of a dependent child who would be, except for resources, eligible for the aid to families with dependent children program under the State Plan for Title IV-A of the federal Social Security Act as of July 16, 1996;
(2) Is a recipient of Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind and Disabled under Title XVI of the Social Security Act;
(3) Is an "ineligible spouse" of a recipient of Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind and Disabled under Title XVI of the Social Security Act, as defined by the federal Social Security Administration;
(4) Would be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income under Title XVI of the federal Social Security Act or, without regard to resources, would be eligible for the aid to families with dependent children program under the State Plan for Title IV-A of the federal Social Security Act as of July 16, 1996, except for failure to meet an eligibility condition or requirement imposed under such State program which is prohibited under Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act such as a durational residency requirement, relative responsibility, consent to imposition of a lien;
(5) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2000, c.71).
(6) Is an individual under 21 years of age who, without regard to resources, would be, except for dependent child requirements, eligible for the aid to families with dependent children program under the State Plan for Title IV-A of the federal Social Security Act as of July 16, 1996, or groups of such individuals, including but not limited to, children in resource family placement under supervision of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families whose maintenance is being paid in whole or in part from public funds, children placed in a resource family home or institution by a private adoption agency in New Jersey or children in intermediate care facilities, including developmental centers for the developmentally disabled, or in psychiatric hospitals;
(7) Would be eligible for the Supplemental Security Income program, but is not receiving such assistance and applies for medical assistance only;
(8) Is determined to be medically needy and meets all the eligibility requirements described below:
(a) The following individuals are eligible for services, if they are determined to be medically needy:
(i) Pregnant women;
(ii) Dependent children under the age of 21;
(iii) Individuals who are 65 years of age and older; and
(iv) Individuals who are blind or disabled pursuant to either 42 C.F.R.435.530 et seq. or 42 C.F.R.435.540 et seq., respectively.
(b) The following income standard shall be used to determine medically needy eligibility:
(i) For one person and two person households, the income standard shall be the maximum allowable under federal law, but shall not exceed 133 1/3% of the State's payment level to two person households under the aid to families with dependent children program under the State Plan for Title IV-A of the federal Social Security Act in effect as of July 16, 1996; and
(ii) For households of three or more persons, the income standard shall be set at 133 1/3% of the State's payment level to similar size households under the aid to families with dependent children program under the State Plan for Title IV-A of the federal Social Security Act in effect as of July 16, 1996.
(c) The following resource standard shall be used to determine medically needy eligibility:
(i) For one person households, the resource standard shall be 200% of the resource standard for recipients of Supplemental Security Income pursuant to 42 U.S.C. s.1382(1)(B);
(ii) For two person households, the resource standard shall be 200% of the resource standard for recipients of Supplemental Security Income pursuant to 42 U.S.C. s.1382(2)(B);
(iii) For households of three or more persons, the resource standard in subparagraph (c)(ii) above shall be increased by $100.00 for each additional person; and
(iv) The resource standards established in (i), (ii), and (iii) are subject to federal approval and the resource standard may be lower if required by the federal Department of Health and Human Services.
(d) Individuals whose income exceeds those established in subparagraph (b) of paragraph (8) of this subsection may become medically needy by incurring medical expenses as defined in 42 C.F.R.435.831(c) which will reduce their income to the applicable medically needy income established in subparagraph (b) of paragraph (8) of this subsection.
(e) A six-month period shall be used to determine whether an individual is medically needy.
(f) Eligibility determinations for the medically needy program shall be administered as follows:
(i) County welfare agencies and other entities designated by the commissioner are responsible for determining and certifying the eligibility of pregnant women and dependent children. The division shall reimburse county welfare agencies for 100% of the reasonable costs of administration which are not reimbursed by the federal government for the first 12 months of this program's operation. Thereafter, 75% of the administrative costs incurred by county welfare agencies which are not reimbursed by the federal government shall be reimbursed by the division;
(ii) The division is responsible for certifying the eligibility of individuals who are 65 years of age and older and individuals who are blind or disabled. The division may enter into contracts with county welfare agencies to determine certain aspects of eligibility. In such instances the division shall provide county welfare agencies with all information the division may have available on the individual.
The division shall notify all eligible recipients of the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled program, P.L.1975, c.194 (C.30:4D-20 et seq.) on an annual basis of the medically needy program and the program's general requirements. The division shall take all reasonable administrative actions to ensure that Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled recipients, who notify the division that they may be eligible for the program, have their applications processed expeditiously, at times and locations convenient to the recipients; and
(iii) The division is responsible for certifying incurred medical expenses for all eligible persons who attempt to qualify for the program pursuant to subparagraph (d) of paragraph (8) of this subsection;
(9) (a) Is a child who is at least one year of age and under 19 years of age and, if older than six years of age but under 19 years of age, is uninsured; and
(b) Is a member of a family whose income does not exceed 133% of the poverty level and who meets the federal Medicaid eligibility requirements set forth in section 9401 of Pub.L.99-509 (42 U.S.C. s.1396a);
(10) Is a pregnant woman who is determined by a provider to be presumptively eligible for medical assistance based on criteria established by the commissioner, pursuant to section 9407 of Pub.L.99-509 (42 U.S.C. s.1396a(a));
(11) Is an individual 65 years of age and older, or an individual who is blind or disabled pursuant to section 301 of Pub.L.92-603 (42 U.S.C. s.1382c), whose income does not exceed 100% of the poverty level, adjusted for family size, and whose resources do not exceed 100% of the resource standard used to determine medically needy eligibility pursuant to paragraph (8) of this subsection;
(12) Is a qualified disabled and working individual pursuant to section 6408 of Pub.L.101-239 (42 U.S.C. s.1396d) whose income does not exceed 200% of the poverty level and whose resources do not exceed 200% of the resource standard used to determine eligibilityunder the Supplemental Security Income Program, P.L.1973, c.256 (C.44:7-85 et seq.);
(13) Is a pregnant woman or is a child who is under one year of age and is a member of a family whose income does not exceed 185% of the poverty level and who meets the federal Medicaid eligibility requirements set forth in section 9401 of Pub.L.99-509 (42 U.S.C. s.1396a), except that a pregnant woman who is determined to be a qualified applicant shall, notwithstanding any change in the income of the family of which she is a member, continue to be deemed a qualified applicant until the end of the 60-day period beginning on the last day of her pregnancy;
(14) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1997, c.272).
(15) (a) Is a specified low-income Medicare beneficiary pursuant to 42 U.S.C. s.1396a(a)10(E)iii whose resources beginning January 1, 1993 do not exceed 200% of the resource standard used to determine eligibility under the Supplemental Security Income program, P.L.1973, c.256 (C.44:7-85 et seq.) and whose income beginning January 1, 1993 does not exceed 110% of the poverty level, and beginning January 1, 1995 does not exceed 120% of the poverty level.
(b) An individual who has, within 36 months, or within 60 months in the case of funds transferred into a trust, of applying to be a qualified applicant for Medicaid services in a nursing facility or a medical institution, or for home or community-based services under section 1915(c) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. s.1396n(c)), disposed of resources or income for less than fair market value shall be ineligible for assistance for nursing facility services, an equivalent level of services in a medical institution, or home or community-based services under section 1915(c) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. s.1396n(c)). The period of the ineligibility shall be the number of months resulting from dividing the uncompensated value of the transferred resources or income by the average monthly private payment rate for nursing facility services in the State as determined annually by the commissioner. In the case of multiple resource or income transfers, the resulting penalty periods shall be imposed sequentially. Application of this requirement shall be governed by 42 U.S.C. s.1396p(c). In accordance with federal law, this provision is effective for all transfers of resources or income made on or after August 11, 1993. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection to the contrary, the State eligibility requirements concerning resource or income transfers shall not be more restrictive than those enacted pursuant to 42 U.S.C. s.1396p(c).
(c) An individual seeking nursing facility services or home or community-based services and who has a community spouse shall be required to expend those resources which are not protected for the needs of the community spouse in accordance with section 1924(c) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. s.1396r-5(c)) on the costs of long-term care, burial arrangements, and any other expense deemed appropriate and authorized by the commissioner. An individual shall be ineligible for Medicaid services in a nursing facility or for home or community-based services under section 1915(c) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. s.1396n(c)) if the individual expends funds in violation of this subparagraph. The period of ineligibility shall be the number of months resulting from dividing the uncompensated value of transferred resources and income by the average monthly private payment rate for nursing facility services in the State as determined by the commissioner. The period of ineligibility shall begin with the month that the individual would otherwise be eligible for Medicaid coverage for nursing facility services or home or community-based services.
This subparagraph shall be operative only if all necessary approvals are received from the federal government including, but not limited to, approval of necessary State plan amendments and approval of any waivers;
(16) Subject to federal approval under Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act, is a dependent child, parent or specified caretaker relative of a child who is a qualified applicant, who would be eligible, without regard to resources, for the aid to families with dependent children program under the State Plan for Title IV-A of the federal Social Security Act as of July 16, 1996, except for the income eligibility requirements of that program, and whose family earned income,
(a) if a dependent child, does not exceed 133% of the poverty level; and
(b) if a parent or specified caretaker relative, beginning September 1, 2005 does not exceed 100% of the poverty level, beginning September 1, 2006 does not exceed 115% of the poverty level and beginning September 1, 2007 does not exceed 133% of the poverty level,
plus such earned income disregards as shall be determined according to a methodology to be established by regulation of the commissioner;
The commissioner may increase the income eligibility limits for children and parents and specified caretaker relatives, as funding permits;
(17) Is an individual from 18 through 20 years of age who is not a dependent child and would be eligible for medical assistance pursuant to P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-1 et seq.), without regard to income or resources, who, on the individual's 18th birthday was in resource family care under the care and custody of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families and whose maintenance was being paid in whole or in part from public funds;
(18) Is a person between the ages of 16 and 65 who is permanently disabled and working, and:
(a) whose income is at or below 250% of the poverty level, plus other established disregards;
(b) who pays the premium contribution and other cost sharing as established by the commissioner, subject to the limits and conditions of federal law; and
(c) whose assets, resources and unearned income do not exceed limitations as established by the commissioner;
(19) Is an uninsured individual under 65 years of age who:
(a) has been screened for breast or cervical cancer under the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention breast and cervical cancer early detection program;
(b) requires treatment for breast or cervical cancer based upon criteria established by the commissioner;
(c) has an income that does not exceed the income standard established by the commissioner pursuant to federal guidelines;
(d) meets all other Medicaid eligibility requirements; and
(e) in accordance with Pub.L.106-354, is determined by a qualified entity to be presumptively eligible for medical assistance pursuant to 42 U.S.C. s.1396a(aa), based upon criteria established by the commissioner pursuant to section 1920B of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. s.1396r-1b); or
(20) Subject to federal approval under Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act, is a single adult or couple, without dependent children, whose income in 2006 does not exceed 50% of the poverty level, in 2007 does not exceed 75% of the poverty level and in 2008 and each year thereafter does not exceed 100% of the poverty level; except that a person who is a recipient of Work First New Jersey general public assistance, pursuant to P.L.1947, c.156 (C.44:8-107 et seq.), shall not be a qualified applicant.
j. "Recipient" means any qualified applicant receiving benefits under this act.
k. "Resident" means a person who is living in the State voluntarily with the intention of making his home here and not for a temporary purpose. Temporary absences from the State, with subsequent returns to the State or intent to return when the purposes of the absences have been accomplished, do not interrupt continuity of residence.
l. "State Medicaid Commission" means the Governor, the Commissioner of Human Services, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the General Assembly, hereby constituted a commission to approve and direct the means and method for the payment of claims pursuant to [this act] P.L.1968, c.413.
m. "Third party" means any person, institution, corporation, insurance company, group health plan as defined in section 607(1) of the federal "Employee Retirement and Income Security Act of 1974," 29 U.S.C. s.1167(1), service benefit plan, health maintenance organization, or other prepaid health plan, or public, private or governmental entity who is or may be liable in contract, tort, or otherwise by law or equity to pay all or part of the medical cost of injury, disease or disability of an applicant for or recipient of medical assistance payable under [this act] P.L.1968, c.413.
n. "Governmental peer grouping system" means a separate class of skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities administered by the State or county governments, established for the purpose of screening their reported costs and setting reimbursement rates under the Medicaid program that are reasonable and adequate to meet the costs that must be incurred by efficiently and economically operated State or county skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities.
o. "Comprehensive maternity or pediatric care provider" means any person or public or private health care facility that is a provider and that is approved by the commissioner to provide comprehensive maternity care or comprehensive pediatric care as defined in subsection b. (18) and (19) of section 6 of P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-6).
p. "Poverty level" means the official poverty level based on family size established and adjusted under Section 673(2) of Subtitle B, the "Community Services Block Grant Act," of Pub.L.97-35 (42 U.S.C. s.9902(2)).
q. "Eligible alien" means one of the following:
(1) an alien present in the United States prior to August 22, 1996, who is:
(a) a lawful permanent resident;
(b) a refugee pursuant to section 207 of the federal "Immigration and Nationality Act" (8 U.S.C. s.1157);
(c) an asylee pursuant to section 208 of the federal "Immigration and Nationality Act" (8 U.S.C. s.1158);
(d) an alien who has had deportation withheld pursuant to section 243(h) of the federal "Immigration and Nationality Act" (8 U.S.C. s.1253 (h));
(e) an alien who has been granted parole for less than one year by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services pursuant to section 212(d)(5) of the federal "Immigration and Nationality Act" (8 U.S.C. s.1182(d)(5));
(f) an alien granted conditional entry pursuant to section 203(a)(7) of the federal "Immigration and Nationality Act" (8 U.S.C. s.1153(a)(7)) in effect prior to April 1, 1980; or
(g) an alien who is honorably discharged from or on active duty in the United States armed forces and the alien's spouse and unmarried dependent child.
(2) An alien who entered the United States on or after August 22, 1996, who is:
(a) an alien as described in paragraph (1)(b), (c), (d) or (g) of this subsection; or
(b) an alien as described in paragraph (1)(a), (e) or (f) of this subsection who entered the United States at least five years ago.
(3) A legal alien who is a victim of domestic violence in accordance with criteria specified for eligibility for public benefits as provided in Title V of the federal "Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996" (8 U.S.C. s.1641).
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.159)
113. Section 7 of P.L.2007, c.58 (C.30:4D-59) is amended to read as follows:
7. a. The Medicaid audit, program integrity, fraud and abuse prevention and recovery functions, all officers and employees that the Medicaid Inspector General deems qualified and substantially engaged therein, and any documents and records that the Medicaid Inspector General deems necessary and related to the transfer of such functions and personnel, shall be transferred to the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General from the Medicaid Office of Program Integrity Unit and the Third Party Liability Unit in the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services, the Division of Disability Services, the Division of Developmental Disabilities, the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency, the Division of [Child Behavioral Health Services] Children's System of Care, the Department of Health and Senior Services, and the Department of the Treasury. The Medicaid Inspector General shall consult with the head of each department or agency from which such function is to be transferred to determine the officers and employees to be transferred.
b. The Medicaid Inspector General shall have general managerial control over the office and shall establish the organizational structure of the office as the Medicaid Inspector General deems appropriate to carry out the responsibilities and functions of the office. Within the limits of funds appropriated therefor, the Medicaid Inspector General may hire such employees in the unclassified service as are necessary to administer the office. These employees shall serve at the pleasure of the Medicaid Inspector General. Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Medicaid Inspector General may obtain the services of certified public accountants, qualified management consultants, professional auditors, or other professionals necessary to independently perform the functions of the office.
(cf: P.L.2007, c.58, s.7)
114. Section 10 of P.L.1985, c.307 (C.30:4G-10) is amended to read as follows:
10. a. There is established in the department an Advisory Council on Personal Attendant Services which consists of 19 members as follows: the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, the Director of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families, the Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities, and the Director of the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services in the Department of Human Services, the Director of the Division of Veterans' Services in the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, and the Director of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, or their designees, who shall serve ex officio, and 13 members appointed by the commissioner who are residents of this State, one of whom is a member of the New Jersey Association of County Representatives of Disabled Persons, four of whom represent providers of personal attendant services, five of whom represent consumers of personal attendant services and three of whom represent advocacy groups or agencies for the physically disabled.
A vacancy in the membership of the council shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
The members of the council shall serve without compensation, but the department shall reimburse the members for the reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
b. The council shall hold an organizational meeting within 30 days after the appointment of its members. The members of the council shall elect from among them a chairman, who shall be the chief executive officer of the council and the members shall elect a secretary, who need not be a member of the council.
c. The council shall:
(1) Advise the commissioner on matters pertaining to personal attendant services and the development of the personal attendant program, upon the request of the commissioner;
(2) Review the rules and regulations promulgated for the implementation of the personal attendant program and make recommendations to the commissioner, as appropriate;
(3) Evaluate the effectiveness of the personal attendant program in achieving the purposes of this act; and
(4) Assess the Statewide need for personal attendant services and the projected cost for providing these services Statewide.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.160)
115. Section 1 of P.L.1997, c.254 (C.30:5B-6.1) is amended to read as follows:
1. As used in [this act] P.L.1997, c.254 (C.30:5B-6.1 et seq.):
"Department" means the Department of Children and Families.
"Division" means the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families.
"Staff member" means any owner, sponsor, director, or person employed by or working at a child care center on a regularly scheduled basis during the center's operating hours, including full-time, part-time, voluntary, contract, consulting, and substitute staff, whether compensated or not.
"Child care center" or ["Center"] "center" means any facility which is maintained for the care, development or supervision of six or more children under 13 years of age who attend the facility for less than 24 hours a day, and which is subject to State licensure or life-safety approval, pursuant to the provisions of the "Child Care Licensing Act," P.L. 1983, c.492 (C.30:5B-1 to 30:5B-15) .
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.163)
116. Section 1 of P.L.2000, c.77 (C.30:5B-6.10) is amended to read as follows:
1. As used in sections 1 through 7 and 9 through 12 of P.L.2000, c.77 (C.30:5B-6.10 et seq.):
"Child care center" or "center" means any facility which is maintained for the care, development, or supervision of six or more children under 13 years of age who attend the facility for less than 24 hours a day, and which is subject to State licensure or life-safety approval pursuant to P.L.1983, c.492 (C.30:5B-1 et seq.).
"Department" means the Department of Children and Families.
"Division" means the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families.
"Staff member" means a person 18 years of age or older who owns, sponsors, or directs a child care center, or who is employed by or works in a child care center on a regularly scheduled basis during the center's operating hours, including full-time, part-time, voluntary, contract, consulting, and substitute staff, whether compensated or not.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.164)
117. Section 14 of P.L.1983, c.492 (C.30:5B-14) is amended to read as follows:
14. a. The Director of the Division of Family Development in the Department of Human Services, a designee of the Commissioner of Children and Families, and the Director of the [Division] Office on Women in the Department of [Community Affairs] Children and Families shall establish a Child Care Advisory Council which shall consist of at least 15 individuals who have experience, training, or other interests in child care issues. To the extent possible, the directors shall designate members of existing councils or task forces heretofore established on child care in New Jersey as the advisory council.
b. The advisory council shall:
(1) Review rules and regulations or proposed revisions to existing rules and regulations governing the licensing of child care centers;
(2) Review proposed statutory amendments governing the licensing of child care centers and make recommendations to the commissioner;
(3) Advise the commissioner on the administration of the licensing responsibilities under this act;
(4) Advise the Commissioners of Human Services [,] and Children and Families[, and Community Affairs] and other appropriate units of State government on the needs, priorities, programs, and policies relating to child care throughout the State;
(5) Study and recommend alternative resources for child care; and
(6) Facilitate employer supported child care through information and technical assistance.
c. The advisory council may accept from any governmental department or agency, public or private body, or any other source grants or contributions to be used in carrying out its responsibilities under [this act] P.L.1983, c.492 (C.30:5B-1 et seq.).
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.165)
118. Section 2 of P.L.1993, c.350 (C.30:5B-25.2) is amended to read as follows:
2. As used in sections 1 through 4 of P.L.1993, c.350 (C.30:5B-25.1 through C.30:5B-25.4):
"Child abuse registry" means the child abuse registry of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families established pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.11).
"Provider" means a family day care provider as defined by section 3 of P.L.1987, c.27 (C.30:5B-18) and includes, but is not limited to, a family day care provider's assistant and a substitute family day care provider.
"Family day care sponsoring organization" means an agency or organization which contracts with the Department of Human Services to assist in the registration of family day care providers in a specific geographic area pursuant to P.L.1987, c.27 (C.30:5B-16 et seq.).
"Household member" means an individual over 14 years of age who resides in a family day care provider's home.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.168)
119. Section 3 of P.L.1993, c.350, (C.30:5B-25.3) is amended to read as follows:
3. a. The Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families shall conduct a search of its child abuse registry to determine if a report of child abuse or neglect has been filed, pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.10), involving a person registering as a prospective provider or a household member of the prospective provider or as a current provider or household member of the current provider.
b. The division shall conduct the search only upon receipt of the prospective or current provider or household member's written consent to the search. If the person refuses to provide his consent, the family day care sponsoring organization shall deny the prospective or current provider's application for a certificate or renewal of registration.
c. The division shall advise the sponsoring organization of the results of the child abuse registry search within a time period to be determined by the Department of Children and Families.
d. The department shall not issue a certificate or renewal of registration to a prospective or current provider unless the department has first determined that no substantiated charge of child abuse or neglect against the prospective or current provider or household member is found during the child abuse registry search.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.169)
120. Section 3 of P.L.1987, c.215 (C.30:5B-28) is amended to read as follows:
3. The Commissioner of Human Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education and the Advisory Council on Child Care established pursuant to section 14 of P.L.1983, c.492 (C. 30:5B-14) and the [Division] Office on Women in the Department of [Community Affairs established pursuant to P.L. 1974, c. 87 (C. 52:27D-43.8 et seq.)] Children and Families, shall establish criteria for assessing the suitability of grant applicants. Each applicant for a grant under this act shall:
a. Describe the need for and type of child care services to be furnished;
b. Provide assurances that the applicant has knowledge of and experience in the special nature of child care services for school-age children;
c. Provide assurances that each person to be employed by the applicant for child care has appropriate experience and character including a criminal history records check of the files of the State Bureau of Identification and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Identification Division;
d. Provide evidence that the applicant will be afforded use of an appropriate school facility or another appropriate location as approved by the commissioner, which may be a child care center licensed pursuant to P.L.1983, c.492 (C.30:5B-1 et seq.);
e. Provide assurances that the program will be in conformity with all appropriate statutes, regulations, ordinances, and such programs as shall be developed for the program created by [this act] P.L.1987, c.215 (C.30:5B-26 et seq.);
f. Provide a tentative budget for the program, including a proposed sliding-fee schedule which should reflect a family's capacity to pay;
g. Provide assurances that the parents of school-age children will be involved in the development and implementation of the child care program; and
h. Provide such other assurances and information as the commissioner shall reasonably require to carry out the provisions of [this act] P.L.1987, c.215.
(cf: P.L.1987, c.215, s.3)
121. Section 2 of P.L.2003, c.185 (C.30:5B-32) is amended to read as follows:
2. a. A unified child care agency contracted with the Department of Human Services pursuant to N.J.A.C.10:15-2.1, shall request that the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families conduct a child abuse record information check of the division's child abuse records, as promptly as possible, to determine if an incident of child abuse or neglect has been substantiated, pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.11), against:
(1) a prospective approved home provider as defined in N.J.A.C.10:15-1.2 providing child care services under the "New Jersey Cares for Kids Program" established pursuant to N.J.A.C.10:15-5.1, or to a child whose parent is receiving assistance under the Work First New Jersey program established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.) or is employed but continues to receive supportive services pursuant to the provisions of section 5 of P.L.1997, c.13 (C.44:10-38); or
(2) any adult member of the prospective provider's household.
b. The division shall conduct the child abuse record information check only upon receipt of the prospective approved home provider's or any adult household member's written consent to the check. If the person refuses to provide his consent, the unified child care agency shall deny the prospective approved home provider's application to provide child care services.
c. If the division determines that an incident of child abuse or neglect by the prospective approved home provider or any adult member of the household has been substantiated, the division shall release the results of the child abuse record information check to the unified child care agency pursuant to subsection g. of section 1 of P.L.1977, c.102 (C.9:6-8.10a) and the agency shall deny the prospective approved home provider's application to provide child care services.
d. Before denying the prospective approved home provider's application to provide child care services, the unified child care agency shall give notice personally or by certified or registered mail to the last known address of the prospective approved home provider with return receipt requested, of the reasons why the application will be denied. The notice shall afford the prospective approved home provider the opportunity to be heard and to contest the agency's action. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.).
e. If a prospective approved home provider's application to provide child care services is denied, the unified child care agency shall notify the parent of the child who would be eligible to receive such services, personally and in writing, of the reasons why the application was denied and the parent's right to select another provider. The parent shall keep such information confidential and shall not disclose the information except as authorized by law.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.171)
122. Section 2 of P.L.1995, c.321 (C.30:9A-19) is amended to read as follows:
2. a. A person shall not conduct, maintain or operate a mental health program unless: (1) the commissioner or the Commissioner of Children and Families, as applicable, has issued a license to that person, in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the commissioner or the Commissioner of Children and Families, as applicable, which prescribe standards for the provision of services by a mental health program; and (2) that person has a purchase of service contract or an affiliation agreement with the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services or the Department of Children and Families, including, but not limited to, the Division of [Child Behavioral Health Services] Children's System of Care, as applicable.
b. Application for a license to conduct, maintain, or operate a mental health program shall be made upon forms prescribed by the commissioner or the Commissioner of Children and Families, as applicable. The commissioner or the Commissioner of Children and Families, as applicable, shall charge such nonrefundable fees for the filing of an application for a license, and for any renewal thereof, as the commissioner or the Commissioner of Children and Families, as applicable, shall from time to time fix by regulation.
(cf: 2006, c.47, s.172)
123. Section 2 of P.L.1977, c.448 (C.30:11B-2) is amended to read as follows:
2. "Community residence for the developmentally disabled" means any community residential facility housing up to 16 persons with developmental disabilities, which provides food, shelter, and personal guidance for persons with developmental disabilities who require assistance, temporarily or permanently, in order to live independently in the community. Such residences shall not be considered health care facilities within the meaning of the "Health Care Facilities Planning Act," P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.) and shall include, but not be limited to, group homes, halfway houses, supervised apartment living arrangements and hostels.
"Community residence for the mentally ill" means any community residential facility which provides food, shelter, and personal guidance, under such supervision as required, to not more than 15 persons with mental illness who require assistance temporarily or permanently, in order to live independently in the community. These residences shall be approved for a purchase of service contract or an affiliation agreement pursuant to procedures established by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services or the Division of [Child Behavioral Health Services] Children's System of Care in the Department of Children and Families, as applicable. These residences shall not house persons who have been assigned to a State psychiatric hospital after having been found not guilty of a criminal offense by reason of insanity or unfit to be tried on a criminal charge. These residences shall not be considered health care facilities within the meaning of the "Health Care Facilities Planning Act," P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.) and shall include, but not be limited to, group homes, halfway houses, supervised apartment living arrangements, family care homes, and hostels.
"Community residence for persons with head injuries" means a community residential facility providing food, shelter, and personal guidance, under such supervision as required, to not more than 15 persons with head injuries, who require assistance, temporarily or permanently, in order to live in the community, and shall include, but not be limited to: group homes, halfway houses, supervised apartment living arrangements, and hostels. Such a residence shall not be considered a health care facility within the meaning of the "Health Care Facilities Planning Act," P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.).
"Developmental disability" or "developmentally disabled" means a severe, chronic disability of a person which: a. is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental or physical impairments; b. is manifest before age 22; c. is likely to continue indefinitely; d. results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity, that is, self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction and capacity for independent living, or economic self-sufficiency; and e. reflects the need for a combination and sequence of special interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment or other services which are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated. Developmental disability includes, but is not limited to, severe disabilities attributable to an intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, spina bifida, and other neurological impairments where the above criteria are met.
"Mentally ill" or "mental illness" means any psychiatric disorder which has required an individual to receive either inpatient psychiatric care or outpatient psychiatric care on an extended basis.
"Person with head injury" means a person who has sustained an injury, illness, or traumatic changes to the skull, the brain contents or its coverings which results in a temporary or permanent physiobiological decrease of cognitive, behavioral, social, or physical functioning which causes partial or total disability.
(cf: P.L.2010, c.50, s.60)
124. Section 10 of P.L.1987, c.112 (C.30:11B-4.2) is amended to read as follows:
10. a. Within six months of the effective date of [this act] P.L.1987, c.112, the Director of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services or the Division of [Child Behavioral Health Services] Children's System of Care in the Department of Children and Families, as applicable, shall develop program standards which include criteria for educational and professional experience of employees of a community residence for the mentally ill and staffing ratios appropriate to the needs of the residents of the community residences for the mentally ill.
b. Within six months after the effective date of P.L.1993, c.329, the Commissioner of Human Services or the Commissioner of Children and Families, as applicable, shall develop program standards which include criteria for educational and professional experience of employees of a community residence for persons with head injuries and staffing ratios appropriate to the needs of the residents of these community residences.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.179)
125. Section 4 of P.L.1979, c.337 (C.30:14-4) is amended to read as follows:
4. a. There is created an Advisory Council on Domestic Violence which shall consist of 20 members: the Director of the [Division] Office on Women in the Department [of Community Affairs] Children and Families, the Director of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families and the Director of the Division of Family Development in the Department of Human Services, the Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Commissioner of the Department of Education, the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, the Attorney General, or their designees, and one representative of Legal Services of New Jersey, one former domestic violence shelter resident, one representative of the Police Chiefs Association, one representative of the County Prosecutors Association, one representative of the New Jersey State Nurses Association, one representative of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, one representative of the New Jersey Crime Prevention Officers Association, one representative of the New Jersey Hospital Association, one representative of the Violent Crimes Compensation Board, and four representatives of the New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women to be appointed by the Governor.
b. The advisory council shall:
(1) Monitor the effectiveness of the laws concerning domestic violence and make recommendations for their improvement;
(2) Review proposed legislation governing domestic violence and make recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature;
(3) Study the needs, priorities, programs, and policies relating to domestic violence throughout the State; and
(4) Ensure that all service providers and citizens are aware of the needs of and services available to victims of domestic violence and make recommendations for community education and training programs.
c. The advisory council shall periodically advise the Director of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families and the Director of the [Division] Office on Women in the Department of [Community Affairs] Children and Families on its activities, findings, and recommendations.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.181)
126. Section 3 of P.L.2001, c.195 (C.30:14-15) is amended to read as follows:
3. a. There is hereby established the "Domestic Violence Victims' Fund," a dedicated fund within the General Fund and administered by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families. The fund shall be the depository of moneys realized from the civil penalty imposed pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2001, c.195 (C.2C:25-29.1) and any other moneys made available for the purposes of the fund.
b. All moneys deposited in the "Domestic Violence Victims' Fund" shall be used for direct services to victims of domestic violence, including, but not limited to, shelter services, legal advocacy services, and legal assistance services, and for related administrative costs of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.182)
127. Section 1 of P.L.1999, c.223 (C.34:15C-21) is amended to read as follows:
1. a. There is created, in the New Jersey State Employment and Training Commission, a council which shall be known as the Council on Gender Parity in Labor and Education.
b. The council shall consist of [17] 16 members who are individuals with experience in the fields of labor, education, training, or gender equity. The [17] 16 members shall include: six members appointed by the Director of the [Division] Office on Women; six members appointed by the Executive Director of the State Employment and Training Commission; and [five] four members who shall serve ex officio, one of whom shall be appointed by the Commissioner of [Community Affairs] Children and Families, one by the Commissioner of Education, one by the Commissioner of Human Services, [one by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development] and one by the Executive Director of the Commission on Higher Education. Not more than half of the members appointed by the Director of the [Division] Office on Women and not more than half of the members appointed by the Executive Director of the State Employment and Training Commission shall be of the same political party. The members appointed by the director and executive director shall serve for terms of three years, except that of the eight members first appointed by the director and the executive director, four shall be appointed for three years, two shall be appointed for two years, and two shall be appointed for one year. Each member shall hold office for the term of appointment and until his successor is appointed and qualified. A member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring in the membership of the council for any reason other than the expiration of the term shall have a term of appointment for the unexpired term only. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. A member may be appointed for any number of successive terms. Any member appointed by the director or the executive director may be removed from the council by the director or the executive director, as the case may be, for cause, after a hearing and may be suspended by the director or the executive director pending the completion of the hearing.
c. Members of the council shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as members. Action may be taken and motions and resolutions may be adopted by the council at a council meeting by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members. The council shall elect from its members a chairperson who shall be a nongovernmental member of the council. Advanced notification for, and copies of the minutes of, each meeting of the council shall be filed with the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the General Assembly.
(cf: P.L.2005, c.354, s.19)
128. Section 2 of P.L.1999, c.223 (C.34:15C-22) is amended to read as follows:
2. The Council shall:
a. Assess the effectiveness of State programs designed to provide gender equity in labor, education, and training;
b. Make recommendations to the Commissioners of the [Departments of Community Affairs] Children and Families, Education, Human Services, and Labor and Workforce Development, and the Secretary of Higher Education regarding the needs, priorities, programs, and policies related to access and equity for labor, education, and workforce training throughout the State;
c. Review current and proposed legislation and regulations pertaining to gender equity in labor, education, and workforce training and make recommendations regarding possible legislation and regulations to the State Employment and Training Commission and the [Division] Office on Women;
d. Develop policies to insure that State agencies set benchmarks and integrate their data collection systems to assess progress toward achieving gender equity and take action to insure that appropriate data collection systems exist where needed;
e. Develop policies to promote linkages among individuals, schools, organizations, and public agencies providing gender equity services and programs;
f. Educate and provide information to the public on the issues and current developments in gender equity by issuing reports and holding events such as conferences and symposia;
g. Submit an annual report to the Governor, the Legislature, the State Employment and Training Commission, and the [Division] Office on Women of its assessments and recommendations made pursuant to this section;
h. Conduct studies and promote research, as practicable, to develop the means to correct gender inequitable practices, including practices leading to pay disparities between men and women and publish and otherwise make available to employers, labor organizations, professional associations, educational institutions, the media, and the general public the findings resulting from these studies and other materials;
i. Develop and make available information, as practicable, regarding best practices for workplace gender equity to enable employers to evaluate job categories based on objective criteria, such as educational requirements, skill requirements, independence, working conditions, and responsibility; and
j. Establish a Statewide recognition of exceptional practices, as practicable, to promote gender equity in the workplace to be presented to a workplace, as shall be defined by the Council, that, at a minimum, has demonstrated it has made a substantial effort to eliminate pay disparities between men and women, and thus deserves special recognition, in addition to any other requirements and specifications the Council deems appropriate in the determination of the workplace to be recognized.
(cf: P.L.2011, c.186, s.1)
129. Section 2 of P.L.2007, c.319, s.2 (C.38A:3-39) is amended to read as follows:
2. The commission shall consist of 15 members who are New Jersey residents. The Governor shall appoint 12 members and of the 12 appointed, nine shall be women. There shall be appointed one representative from each of the following branches of military service who may also be affiliated with an organization named below: the Army; the Air Force; the Coast Guard[,]; the Marines; and the Navy. There shall also be appointed by the Governor, one representative from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, one representative from the American Legion, one representative from the Disabled American Veterans, one representative from the American Veterans, one representative from the New Jersey Army National Guard, one representative from the New Jersey Air National Guard[;] , and one representative from the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The Commissioner of [the Department of] Military and Veterans' Affairs, the Commissioner of [the Department of] Labor and Workforce Development, and the Director of the [Division] Office on Women in the Department of [Community Affairs] Children and Families, or their respective designees, shall serve as ex-officio members.
The public members shall serve for terms of three years and until the appointment and qualification of their successors, except that of the initial appointment of public members, four shall be appointed for a term of three years, four shall be appointed for a term of two years, and four shall be appointed for a term of one year.
If any public member discontinues affiliation with the respective veterans' organization, the member shall immediately resign membership with the commission.
Any vacancy in the membership of the commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments are made.
(cf: P.L.2007, c.319, s.2)
130. Section 35 of P.L.1979, c.496 (C.44:7-93) is amended to read as follows:
35. a. As used in this section, "eligible resident" means a resident of a residential health care facility, rooming house, or boarding house who is: eligible to receive services under the latest New Jersey Comprehensive Annual Services Program Plan for the use of funds appropriated under Title XX of the Federal Social Security Act; an "eligible person" under the act to which this act is a supplement; an otherwise aged, blind, or disabled person; or a resident designated to be eligible by the Commissioner of Human Services.
b. County welfare boards shall provide services to eligible residents of residential health care facilities, rooming houses, and boarding houses which shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) Investigation and evaluation of reports of abuse or exploitation, as defined in section 36 hereunder, or of threats of such abuse or exploitation of eligible residents, at the direction of the Commissioner of Human Services;
(2) Visits to all such facilities having eligible residents, at regularly scheduled intervals to assess the needs of such residents, determine whether they are receiving needed services and appropriate levels of care, and to provide such services where appropriate;
(3) Provision of information to eligible residents concerning social service, welfare, mental health, home health, and medical assistance programs available to them; referral of eligible residents to State, county, and local agencies and organizations for any [such] services which county welfare boards cannot provide; and follow up to such referrals to determine whether such services are being provided;
(4) Reporting of any suspected violations of the provisions of this act and of any complaints received concerning services and conditions in such facilities to the commissioner and to appropriate State and local agencies for remedial action; and
(5) Provision of information to eligible residents whose continued residence in such facilities may be injurious or dangerous to their health concerning alternative housing and living arrangements available to them.
County welfare boards shall coordinate all services provided under this subsection with services provided to eligible residents by the State Divisions of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Developmental Disabilities in the Department of Human Services and Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families, charitable institutions, and other State and local agencies and service providers.
c. In order to fulfill their responsibilities under subsection b. above, county welfare boards shall be entitled to receive full and free access to residential health care facilities, rooming houses, and boarding houses by the owners and operators of [such] the facilities, and to receive cooperation and assistance from State and local law enforcement officials as needed.
d. The Commissioner of Human Services shall:
(1) Promulgate all necessary regulations to implement the provisions of this section;
(2) Maintain a central file of all complaints received concerning suspected violations of the provisions of this actand concerning services and conditions at residential health care facilities, rooming houses, and boarding houses and shall maintain a record of the State and local agencies to which complaints have been referred by county welfare boards; refer any [such] complaints received by the commissioner to State and local agencies for remedial action as necessary; and follow up all complaints to determine whether [such] remedial action has been taken;
(3) Provide such training and educational programs to the operators of such facilities as will enable them to appropriately respond to the needs of their residents;
(4) Designate agencies to:
(a) Identify those residential health care facilities, rooming houses, and boarding houses in which substantial numbers of persons reside who are in need of mental health or developmental disabilities services;
(b) Receive referrals and be responsible for the provision of mental health or developmental disability services, or both;
(c) Report any apparent violation of this act to the appropriate State and local officials and authorities;
(d) Coordinate their efforts with county welfare boards, charitable institutions, the State Divisions of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Developmental Disabilities in the Department of Human Services, and Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families, and other State and local entities and service providers;
(5) Periodically monitor and evaluate services provided to eligible residents by county welfare boards and community agencies serving persons with mental illness or developmental disabilities;
(6) Issue a report to the Legislature's Standing Reference Committees on Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens concerning the implementation of this section, [1] one year following the effective date of this act.
e. Any person who submits or reports a complaint concerning a suspected violation of the provisions of this act or concerning services and conditions in residential health care facilities, rooming houses, and boarding houses, or who testifies in any administrative or judicial proceeding arising from [such] a complaint, shall have immunity from any civil or criminal liability on account of such complaint, unless such person has acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose.
(cf: P.L.2010, c.50, s.75)
131. Section 10 of P.L.1991, c.134 (C.45:15BB-10) is amended to read as follows:
10. There is created within the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety, the State Board of Social Work Examiners. The board shall consist of [nine] 10 members who are residents of the State, two of whom shall be public members appointed pursuant to the provisions of subsection b. of section 2 of P.L.1971, c.60 (C.45:1-2.2) and one of whom shall be the Commissioner of Human Services, or [his] the commissioner's designee, and one of whom shall be the Commissioner of Children and Families, or the commissioner's designee, the latter two appointed in fulfillment of the requirement of subsection c. of that section. Of the six remaining members, three shall have been actively engaged in the practice of social work for at least five years immediately preceding their appointment, and, except for the members first appointed, one shall be a licensed clinical social worker, one shall be a licensed social worker, and one shall be a certified social worker pursuant to this act. Of the three remaining members, two shall be social work educators, one of whom shall represent a baccalaureate level program and one of whom shall represent a master's level program; and one shall be a social worker with a doctorate level degree, and, all of whom, except for the members first appointed, shall be licensed or certified pursuant to this act.
The Governor shall appoint each member, other than the State executive department member, for terms of three years, except that of the social worker members first appointed, two shall serve for a term of three years, two shall serve for terms of two years and two shall serve for terms of one year. Any vacancy in the membership shall be filled for the unexpired term in the manner provided by the original appointment. No member of the board may serve more than two successive terms in addition to any unexpired term to which he has been appointed. The Governor may remove any member of the board, other than the State executive department member, for cause.
(cf: P.L.1991, c.134, s.10)
132. Section 3 of P.L.2001, c.81 (C.52:4B-51) is amended to read as follows:
3. The Attorney General shall establish a Statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program in the Department of Law and Public Safety.
Upon implementation of the certification process for a forensic sexual assault nurse examiner pursuant to section 5 of [this act] P.L.2001, c.81 (C.52:4B-53), the county prosecutor in each county shall appoint or designate a certified forensic sexual assault nurse examiner to serve as program coordinator for the program in the county in accordance with the provisions of this section.
a. The county prosecutor may appoint an employee of the prosecutor's office who is a certified forensic sexual assault nurse examiner to serve as program coordinator to administer the program in that county.
b. In a county where the county prosecutor does not appoint an employee of his office to serve as program coordinator, the county prosecutor shall designate a certified forensic sexual assault nurse examiner who is an employee of a licensed health care facility or a county rape care program that is designated by the [Division] Office on Women in the Department of [Community Affairs] Children and Families to serve as the program coordinator. A person designated as a program coordinator pursuant to this subsection shall not be deemed an employee of the county prosecutor's office.
(cf: P.L.2001, c.81, s.3)
133. Section 6 of P.L.2001, c.81 (C.52:4B-54) is amended to read as follows:
6. a. The county prosecutor's office in each county shall establish a Sexual Assault Response Team or shall enter into a collaborative agreement with another county to share the services of that county's response team. The response team shall be comprised of: a certified forensic sexual assault nurse examiner, a rape care advocate from the county program established, or designated by the [Division] Office on Women in the Department of [Community Affairs] Children and Families, as provided under section 3 of P.L.2001, c.81 (C.52:4B-51), and a law enforcement official. The response team shall:
(1) respond to a report of sexual assault at the request of a victim of sexual assault pursuant to guidelines established by the Attorney General pursuant to section 17 of [this act] P.L.2001, c.81 (C.52:4B-60); and
(2) provide treatment, counseling, legal, and forensic medical services to a victim of sexual assault in accordance with the standard protocols developed by the Attorney General pursuant to subsection d. of section 6 of P.L.1985, c.404 (C.52:4B-44).
b. Each member of the response team shall complete the standardized education and training program developed by the program coordinator pursuant to subsection e. of section 4 of [this act] P.L.2001, c.81 (C.52:4B-52).
(cf: P.L.2001, c.81, s.6)
134. Section 7 of P.L.2001, c.81 (C.52:4B-55) is amended to read as follows:
7. a. The Attorney General shall establish a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program Coordinating Council comprised of: the Attorney General, the Director of the [Division] Office on Women, the Chief of the Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy, the Executive Director of the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and the Executive Director of the New Jersey Board of Nursing, or their respective designees; a representative from the New Jersey County Prosecutor's Association; and the program coordinators appointed or designated pursuant to section 3 of [this act] P.L.2001, c.81 (C.52:4B-51).
The Attorney General, through the sexual assault unit established pursuant to section 8 of P.L.2001, c.81 (C.52:4B-56), and in consultation with the coordinating council, shall oversee the Statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program and identify and obtain any State and federal funding available to supplement the funds appropriated to operate the program.
b. The coordinating council shall review the effectiveness of the services provided by the State to victims of sexual assault and make recommendations to the Attorney General for any needed changes in the standards, regulations or State policy concerning the provision of victim services.
(cf: P.L.2001, c.81, s.7)
135. Section 2 of P.L.1961, c.49 (C.52:14-17.26) is amended to read as follows:
2. As used in [this act] P.L.1961, c.49 (C.52:14-17.26 et seq.):
(a) The term "State" means the State of New Jersey.
(b) The term "commission" means the State Health Benefits Commission, created by section 3 of [this act] P.L.1961, c.49 (C.52:14-17.27).
(c) (1) The term "employee" means an appointive or elective officer, a full-time employee of the State of New Jersey, or a full-time employee of an employer other than the State who appears on a regular payroll and receives a salary or wages for an average of the number of hours per week as prescribed by the governing body of the participating employer which number of hours worked shall be considered full-time, determined by resolution, and not less than 20.
(2) After the effective date of P.L.2010, c.2, the term "employee" means (i) a full-time appointive or elective officer whose hours of work are fixed at 35 or more per week, a full-time employee of the State, or a full-time employee of an employer other than the State who appears on a regular payroll and receives a salary or wages for an average of the number of hours per week as prescribed by the governing body of the participating employer which number of hours worked shall be considered full-time, determined by resolution, and not less than 25, or (ii) an appointive or elective officer, an employee of the State, or an employee of an employer other than the State who has or is eligible for health benefits coverage provided under P.L.1961, c.49 (C.52:14-17.25 et seq.) or sections 31 through 41 of P.L.2007, c.103 (C.52:14-17.46.1 et seq.) on that effective date and continuously thereafter provided the officer or employee is covered by the definition in paragraph (1) of this subsection. For the purposes of this act an employee of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, shall be deemed to be an employee of the State, and an employee of the New Jersey Institute of Technology shall be considered to be an employee of the State during such time as the Trustees of the Institute are party to a contractual agreement with the State Treasurer for the provision of educational services. The term "employee" shall further mean, for purposes of this act, a former employee of the South Jersey Port Corporation, who is employed by a subsidiary corporation or other corporation, which has been established by the Delaware River Port Authority pursuant to subdivision (m) of Article I of the compact creating the Delaware River Port Authority (R.S.32:3-2), as defined in section 3 of P.L.1997, c.150 (C.34:1B-146), and who is eligible for continued membership in the Public Employees' Retirement System pursuant to subsection j. of section 7 of P.L.1954, c.84 (C.43:15A-7).
For the purposes of this act the term "employee" shall not include persons employed on a short-term, seasonal, intermittent or emergency basis, persons compensated on a fee basis, persons having less than two months of continuous service or persons whose compensation from the State is limited to reimbursement of necessary expenses actually incurred in the discharge of their official duties, provided, however, that the term "employee" shall include persons employed on an intermittent basis to whom the State has agreed to provide coverage under P.L.1961, c.49 (C.52:14-17.25 et seq.) in accordance with a binding collective negotiations agreement. An employee paid on a 10-month basis, pursuant to an annual contract, will be deemed to have satisfied the two-month waiting period if the employee begins employment at the beginning of the contract year. The term "employee" shall also not include retired persons who are otherwise eligible for benefits under this act but who, although they meet the age or disability eligibility requirement of Medicare, are not covered by Medicare Hospital Insurance, also known as Medicare Part A, and Medicare Medical Insurance, also known as Medicare Part B. A determination by the commission that a person is an eligible employee within the meaning of this act shall be final and shall be binding on all parties.
(d) (1) The term "dependents" means an employee's spouse, partner in a civil union couple or an employee's domestic partner as defined in section 3 of P.L.2003, c.246 (C.26:8A-3), and the employee's unmarried children under the age of 23 years who live with the employee in a regular parent-child relationship. "Children" shall include stepchildren, legally adopted children and children placed by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families, provided they are reported for coverage and are wholly dependent upon the employee for support and maintenance. A spouse, partner in a civil union couple, domestic partner or child enlisting or inducted into military service shall not be considered a dependent during the military service. The term "dependents" shall not include spouses, partners in a civil union couple or domestic partners of retired persons who are otherwise eligible for the benefits under this act but who, although they meet the age or disability eligibility requirement of Medicare, are not covered by Medicare Hospital Insurance, also known as Medicare Part A, and Medicare Medical Insurance, also known as Medicare Part B.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection to the contrary and subject to the provisions of paragraph (3) of this subsection, for the purposes of an employer other than the State that is participating in the State Health Benefits Program pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1964, c.125 (C.52:14-17.34), the term "dependents" means an employee's spouse or partner in a civil union couple and the employee's unmarried children under the age of 23 years who live with the employee in a regular parent-child relationship. "Children" shall include stepchildren, legally adopted children and children placed by the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families provided they are reported for coverage and are wholly dependent upon the employee for support and maintenance. A spouse, partner in a civil union couple or child enlisting or inducted into military service shall not be considered a dependent during the military service. The term "dependents" shall not include spouses or partners in a civil union couple of retired persons who are otherwise eligible for benefits under P.L.1961, c.49 (C.52:14-17.25 et seq.) but who, although they meet the age or disability eligibility requirement of Medicare, are not covered by Medicare Hospital Insurance, also known as Medicare Part A, and Medicare Medical Insurance, also known as Medicare Part B.
(3) An employer other than the State that is participating in the State Health Benefits Program pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1964, c.125 (C.52:14-17.34) may adopt a resolution providing that the term "dependents" as defined in paragraph (2) of this subsection shall include domestic partners as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(e) The term "carrier" means a voluntary association, corporation or other organization, including a health maintenance organization as defined in section 2 of the "Health Maintenance Organizations Act," P.L.1973, c.337 (C.26:2J-2), which is lawfully engaged in providing or paying for or reimbursing the cost of, personal health services, including hospitalization, medical and surgical services, under insurance policies or contracts, membership or subscription contracts, or the like, in consideration of premiums or other periodic charges payable to the carrier.
(f) The term "hospital" means (1) an institution operated pursuant to law which is primarily engaged in providing on its own premises, for compensation from its patients, medical diagnostic and major surgical facilities for the care and treatment of sick and injured persons on an inpatient basis, and which provides such facilities under the supervision of a staff of physicians and with 24 hour a day nursing service by registered graduate nurses, or (2) an institution not meeting all of the requirements of (1) but which is accredited as a hospital by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals. In no event shall the term "hospital" include a convalescent nursing home or any institution or part thereof which is used principally as a convalescent facility, residential center for the treatment and education of children with mental disorders, rest facility, nursing facility or facility for the aged or for the care of drug addicts or alcoholics.
(g) The term "State managed care plan" means a health care plan under which comprehensive health care services and supplies are provided to eligible employees, retirees, and dependents: (1) through a group of doctors and other providers employed by the plan; or (2) through an individual practice association, preferred provider organization, or point of service plan under which services and supplies are furnished to plan participants through a network of doctors and other providers under contracts or agreements with the plan on a prepayment or reimbursement basis and which may provide for payment or reimbursement for services and supplies obtained outside the network. The plan may be provided on an insured basis through contracts with carriers or on a self-insured basis, and may be operated and administered by the State or by carriers under contracts with the State.
(h) The term "Medicare" means the program established by the "Health Insurance for the Aged Act," Title XVIII of the "Social Security Act," Pub.L.89-97 (42 U.S.C. s.1395 et seq.), as amended, or its successor plan or plans.
(i) The term "traditional plan" means a health care plan which provides basic benefits, extended basic benefits and major medical expense benefits as set forth in section 5 of P.L.1961, c.49 (C.52:14-17.29) by indemnifying eligible employees, retirees, and dependents for expenses for covered health care services and supplies through payments to providers or reimbursements to participants.
(j) The term "successor plan" means a State managed care plan that shall replace the traditional plan and that shall provide benefits as set forth in subsection (B) of section 5 of P.L.1961, c.49 (C.52:14-17.29) with provisions regarding reimbursements and payments as set forth in paragraph (1) of subsection (C) of section 5 of P.L.1961, c.49 (C.52:14-17.29).
(cf: P.L.2010, c.2, s.9)
136. Section 1 of P.L.2005, c.347 (C.52:17B-210) is amended to read as follows:
1. The Attorney General, in consultation with the New Jersey School Boards Association, the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault, the New Jersey Education Association, and the [Division] Office on Women, shall prepare a pamphlet to educate children about pedophile crimes and how to reduce their chances of becoming victims of [such] pedophile crimes. The pamphlet shall be distributed to all public and private elementary and secondary schools throughout the State. The schools shall reproduce the pamphlet for distribution to students. The pamphlets shall be designed by the Attorney General.
(cf: P.L.2005, c.347, s.1)
137. Section 2 of P.L.1985, c.66 (C.52:27D-29.15) is amended to read as follows:
2. The Commissioner of [the Department of Community Affairs] Children and Families, in consultation with the [Division] Office on Women [established pursuant to P.L.1974, c.87 (C.52:27D-43.8 et seq.)] and the Advisory Council on Child Care established pursuant to section 14 of P.L.1983, c.492 (C.30:5B-14), shall establish an Intergenerational Child Care Demonstration Matching Program in the Division on Aging established pursuant to section 28 of P.L. 1966, c.293 (C.52:27D-28) to enable senior residents of the State, 60 years of age or older, to be recruited and matched by a county office on aging so they may render nurturing child care services to pre-school and latchkey children of working parents after school hours.
(cf: P.L.1985, c.66, s.2)
138. Section 3 of P.L.1985, c.66 (C.52:27D-29.16) is amended to read as follows:
3. a. The Division on Aging, the [Division] Office on Women, and the Advisory Council on Child Care shall recommend standards to ensure that the Intergenerational Child Care Demonstration Matching Program is of high quality and benefits both children and older people. Subject to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L. 1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), the Commissioner of [the Department of Community Affairs] Children and Families shall adopt all regulations necessary to effectuate the purposes of [this act] P.L.1985, c.66 (C.52:27D-29.14 et seq.).
b. Any county office on aging that is interested in participating in the program may submit a proposal to the commissioner. The commissioner shall review the proposals and approve the proposals that best meet the purposes of the demonstration program.
(cf: P.L.1985, c.66, s.3)
139. Section 1 of P.L.1974, c.87 (C.52:27D-43.8) is amended to read as follows:
1. This act shall be known as, and may be cited as, the ["Division] "Office on Women Act [of 1974]."
(cf: P.L.1974, c.87, s.1)
140. Section 2 of P.L.1974, c.87 (C.52:27D-43.9) is amended to read as follows:
2. There is hereby established in the Department of [Community Affairs a Division] Children and Families, Division of Family and Community Partnerships, an Office on Women. The [division] office shall consist of a director and the New Jersey Advisory Commission on the Status of Women.
(cf: P.L.1974, c.87, s.2)
141. (New section) a. The Division on Women in the Department of Community Affairs, together with its functions, powers, and duties, is transferred to the Department of Children and Families and shall be reconstituted as the Office on Women in the department. The transfer pursuant to this section shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the "State Agency Transfer Act," P.L.1971, c.375 (C.52:14D-1 et seq.).
b. All appropriations and other monies available, and to become available, to the Division on Women in the Department of Community Affairs, transferred to the Department of Children and Families and reconstituted as the Office on Women in the department pursuant to P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), are continued in the Office on Women in the Department of Children and Families established hereunder and shall be available for the objects and purposes for which these monies are appropriated, subject to the provisions of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) and any other terms, restrictions, limitations, or other requirements imposed by law.
c. Whenever, in any law, rule, regulation, order, contract, document, judicial, or administrative proceeding or otherwise, reference is made to the Division on Women in the Department of Community Affairs, the same shall mean and refer to the Office on Women in the Department of Children and Families.
142. Section 3 of P.L.1974, c.87 (C.52:27D-43.10) is amended to read as follows:
3. The Director of the [Division] Office on Women shall be a person qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of [his or her] the office. The director shall be appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor during the Governor's term of office and until the appointment and qualification of a successor. The director shall administer the work of [such division] the office under the direction and supervision of the commissioner, and shall perform such other functions of the department as the commissioner may prescribe. The director shall receive such salary as shall be provided by law.
(cf: P.L.1974, c.87, s.3)
143. Section 5 of P.L.1974, c.87 (C.52:27D-43.12) is amended to read as follows:
5. The [Division] Office on Women shall be under the supervision of the director. The director shall:
a. Appoint and remove such professionals, technical, and clerical assistants, and employees, subject to the provisions of Title 11, Civil Service of the Revised Statutes, and other applicable statutes, as may be necessary to enable the [division] office to perform the duties imposed upon it by [this act] P.L.1974, c.87 (C.52:27D-43.8 et seq.) and shall fix their compensation within the limits of available appropriations and as shall be provided by law;
b. Select and retain the services of consultants whose advice is considered necessary to assist the [division] office in obtaining information or developing plans and programs required for the performance of the duties and responsibilities of the [division] office as provided by [this act] P.L.1974, c.87;
c. Attend all meetings of the New Jersey Advisory Commission on the Status of Women and its committees but shall have no vote. The director may delegate to subordinate officers or employees the responsibility to attend the meetings of the commission.
(cf: P.L.1974, c.87, s.5)
144. Section 6 of P.L.1974, c.87 (C.52:27D-43.13) is amended to read as follows:
6. The [division] office, under the supervision and leadership of the director, shall:
a. Serve as the central permanent agency for the coordination of programs and services for the women of New Jersey and for the evaluation of the effectiveness of their implementation and as a planning agency for the development of new programs and services;
b. Establish a liaison with all other governmental departments and agencies involved with the enforcement of laws, ordinances, and regulations and with the development of programs affecting the status of women;
c. Request State departments and other public and private agencies on a State, county, and local level to initiate joint efforts to promote the expansion of rights and opportunities available to the women of this State;
d. Cooperate with all Federal and interstate programs and services provided for women;
e. Engage in a continuous study of the changing needs and concerns of women in New Jersey and develop and recommend new programs to the Governor and the Legislature;
f. Consult with, advise, and otherwise provide professional assistance to organized efforts by communities, organizations, associations, and groups which are working toward the goal of improving the status of women;
g. Serve as a clearing house to publish and disseminate information and to provide assistance and direction to women with specific problems and needs;
h. Act as a search committee for the Governor and other executive officers in the State Government for the purpose of discovering and recommending women who are talented and qualified to serve in the Executive Branch of the State Government;
i. Report annually to the Commissioner of [the Department of Community Affairs] Children and Families and the Governor on its activities and recommendations;
j. Do all other things necessary to carry out the powers and duties granted under [this act] P.L.1974, c.87 (C.52:27D-43.8 et seq.).
(cf: P.L1974, c.87, s.6)
145. Section 8 of P.L.1974, c.87 (C.52:27D-43.15) is amended read as follows:
8. The commission, acting jointly and as a body, shall advise the Director of the [Division] Office on Women on matters referred to it by the director and may originate and make recommendations to the director concerning policies and their implementation. The commission, or any member thereof, may not act in the name of or as an agent of the [Division] Office on Women or give instructions to the director or a member of the staff of the [division ] office.
(cf: P.L.1974, c.87, s.8)
146. Section 1 of P.L.2003, c.225 (C.52:27D-43.17a) is amended to read as follows:
1. As used in this act:
"Board" means the Domestic Violence Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board established pursuant to [this act] P.L.2003, c.225 (C.52:27D-43.17a et seq.).
"Domestic violence-related fatality" or "fatality" means a death which arises as a result of one or more acts of domestic violence as defined in section 3 of P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-19).
"Near fatality" means a case in which a victim of domestic violence is in serious or critical condition, as certified by a physician.
"Panel" means the Panel to Study Domestic Violence in the Law Enforcement Community established pursuant to section 9 of [this act] P.L.2003, c.225 (C.52:27D-43.17i).
(cf: P.L.2003, c.225, s.1)
147. Section 2 of P.L.2003, c.225 (C.52:27D-43.17b) is amended to read as follows:
2. There is established the Domestic Violence Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board. For the purposes of complying with the provisions of Article V, Section IV, paragraph 1 of the New Jersey Constitution, the board is established within the Department of [Community Affairs] Children and Families, but notwithstanding the establishment, the board shall be independent of any supervision or control by the department or any board or officer thereof.
The purpose of the board is to review the facts and circumstances surrounding domestic violence-related fatalities and near fatalities in New Jersey in order to identify their causes and their relationship to government and nongovernment service delivery systems, and to develop methods of prevention. The board shall: review trends and patterns of fatalities and near fatalities; evaluate the responses of government and nongovernment service delivery systems to fatalities and near fatalities and offer recommendations for improvement of these responses; identify and characterize high-risk groups in order to develop public policy; collect statistical data, in a consistent and uniform manner, on the occurrence of fatalities and near fatalities; and improve collaboration between State and local agencies and organizations for the purpose of developing initiatives to prevent domestic violence.
(cf: P.L.2003, c.225, s.2)
148. Section 3 of P.L.2003, c.225 (C.52:27D-43.17c) is amended to read as follows:
3. a. The board shall consist of [23] 20 members as follows:
(1) the Commissioners of Community Affairs, Human Services, Children and Families, and Health and Senior Services, [the Director of the Division on Women in the Department of Community Affairs], the Attorney General, the Public Defender, the Superintendent of the State Police, the Director of the Division of [Youth and Family Services] Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families, [the Supervisor of the Office on the Prevention of Violence Against Women in the Department of Community Affairs established pursuant to Executive Order No. 61 (1992)], the State Medical Examiner, [the Program Director of the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board established pursuant to Executive Order No. 110 (2000)] and the chairperson of the Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board, or their designees, who shall serve ex officio;
(2) eight public members appointed by the Governor who shall include a representative of the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey with expertise in prosecuting domestic violence cases, a representative of the New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women, a representative of a program for battered women that provides intervention services to perpetrators of acts of domestic violence, a representative of the law enforcement community with expertise in the area of domestic violence, a psychologist with expertise in the area of domestic violence or other related fields, a licensed social worker with expertise in the area of domestic violence, a licensed health care professional knowledgeable in the screening and identification of domestic violence cases and a county probation officer; and
(3) two retired judges appointed by the Administrative Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, one with expertise in family law and one with expertise in municipal law as it relates to domestic violence.
b. The public members of the board shall serve for three-year terms, except that of the public members first appointed, four shall serve for a period of one year, three shall serve for a period of two years and two shall serve for a period of three years. The members shall serve without compensation, but shall be eligible for reimbursement for necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties and within the limits of funds appropriated for this purpose. Vacancies in the membership of the board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were made.
c. The board shall select a chairperson from among its members who shall be responsible for the coordination of all activities of the board.
d. The board is entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of employees of any State, county, or municipal department, board, bureau, commission, or agency as it may require and as may be available for the purposes of reviewing a case pursuant to the provisions of [this act] P.L. 2003, c.225 (C.52:27D-43.17a. et seq.).
e. The board may seek the advice of experts, such as persons specializing in the fields of psychiatric and forensic medicine, nursing, psychology, social work, education, law enforcement, family law, academia, military affairs, or other related fields, if the facts of a case warrant additional expertise.
(cf: P.L.2011, c.129, s.1)
149. Section 2 of P.L.1979, c.125 (C.52:27D-43.19) is amended to read as follows:
2. As used in [this act] P.L.1979, c.125 (C.52:27D-43.18 et seq), a "displaced homemaker" is an individual who has not worked in the labor force for a substantial number of years but has, during those years, worked in the home providing unpaid services for family members and has been dependent upon the income of another family member but is no longer supported by that income and:
a. Is receiving public assistance because of dependent children in the home but is within [1] one year of no longer being eligible for [such] assistance; or
b. Is unemployed or underemployed and is experiencing difficulty in obtaining or upgrading employment; or
c. Is at least 40 years of age, an age at which discrimination based on age is likely, and at which entry or reentry to or advancement in the labor market is difficult.
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of [the Department of Community Affairs] Children and Families.
["Division"] Office shall mean the [Division] Office on Women within the Department of [Community Affairs] Children and Families.
(cf: P.L.1979, c.125, s.2)
150. Section 3 of P.L.1979, c.125 (C.52:27D-43.20) is amended to read as follows:
3. The [Division] Office on Women in the Department of [Community Affairs] Children and Families shall identify existing displaced homemaker programs and provide technical assistance and encouragement for the expansion of other multi-purpose programs which provide:
a. Job counseling services which are specifically designed for displaced homemakers, and which aid them in acquiring knowledge of their talents and skills in relation to existing jobs, and which counsel displaced homemakers with respect to appropriate job opportunities.
b. Job training and job placement services which develop, by working with State and local government agencies and private employers, training and placement programs for jobs in the public and private sectors, which assist participants in gaining admission to existing public and private job training programs and opportunities, and which identify community needs and encourage the creation of new jobs in the public and private sectors.
c. Health education and counseling services which cooperate with existing health programs to provide counseling on preventive health care, health care consumer education, family health care and nutrition, alcohol and drug addiction, and overcoming health barriers to employment.
d. Financial management services which provide information and assistance with respect to credit, insurance, taxes, estate and probate problems, mortgages, loans, and other related financial matters.
e. Educational services, including outreach and information about courses offering credit through secondary or post-secondary education programs, and including bilingual programs where appropriate, as well as information about other programs which are determined to be of interest and benefit to displaced homemakers in developing employable skills.
f. Legal counseling and referral services.
g. Outreach and information services with respect to Federal and State employment, education, health, public assistance, and unemployment assistance programs.
(cf: P.L.1979, c.125, s.3)
151. Section 5 of P.L.1979, c.125 (C.52:27D-43.22) is amended to read as follows:
5. The [Division] Office on Women within the Department of [Community Affairs] Children and Families shall make a continuous study of the needs of displaced homemakers, and effective programs and services and funding available to meet those needs. The [division] office shall also coordinate community organizations, women's groups, and public agencies to maximize the utilization of existing programs and resources. [Such] The coordination shall include, but not be limited to, the Division on Aging in the Department of Community Affairs, the Office on Women of the Division of Vocational Education in the Department of Education, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services in the Department of Labor and Industry, and the Division of Welfare in the Department of Human Services. The goal of this coordination shall be to put eligible people in touch with existing programs and to foster cooperation and the exchange of information among all departments and agencies of State Government which sponsor programs for which displaced homemakers would be eligible.
(cf: P.L.1979, c.125, s.5)
152. Section 6 of P.L.1979, c.125 (C.52:27D-43.23) is amended to read as follows:
6. The [division] office shall compile and maintain a description and assessment of each program operating pursuant to [this act] P.L.1979, c.125 (C.52:27D-43.18 et seq.), including the number of displaced homemakers served, the number who obtained employment, the number who enrolled in educational courses, the number of those enrolled who completed such educational courses, the cost per displaced homemaker for each program, and the total number of staff and staff ratio to persons served under the program. [Such] The report shall be available within [1] one year of the effective date of [the act] P.L.1979, c.125.
(cf: P.L.1979, c.125, s.6)
153. Section 3 of P.L.1993, c.188 (C.52:27D-43.24b) is amended to read as follows:
3. The Department of [Community Affairs] Children and Families shall establish a trust fund for the deposit of the fees collected pursuant to section 2 of [this amendatory and supplementary act] P.L.1993, c.188 (C.52:27D-43.24a). The moneys from the trust fund shall be used for the specific purpose of providing grants-in-aid to programs for displaced homemakers as identified by the [Division] Office on Women in the Department of [Community Affairs] Children and Families pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1979, c.125 (C.52:27D-43.20).
(cf: P.L.1993, c.188, s.3)
154. Section 2 of P.L.2005, c.204 (C.52:27D-43.36) is amended to read as follows:
2. a. The Director of the [Division] Office on Women in the Department of [Community Affairs] Children and Families, in consultation with the Advisory Council on Domestic Violence and the Commissioners of Human Services and Health and Senior Services, shall establish a domestic violence public awareness campaign in order to promote public awareness of domestic violence among the general public and health care and social services professionals and provide information to assist victims of domestic violence and their children.
b. The public awareness campaign shall include the development and implementation of public awareness and outreach efforts to promote domestic violence prevention and education, including, but not limited to, the following subjects:
(1) the causes and nature of domestic violence;
(2) risk factors;
(3) preventive measures; and
(4) the availability of, and how to access, services in the community for victims of domestic violence, including, but not limited to, shelter services, legal advocacy services, and legal assistance services.
c. The director shall coordinate the efforts of the [division] office with any activities being undertaken by other State agencies to promote public awareness of, and provide information to the public about, domestic violence.
d. The director, within the limits of funds available for this purpose, shall seek to utilize electronic and print media, and may prepare and disseminate such written information as the director deems necessary, to accomplish the purposes of [this act] P.L.2005, c.204 (C.52:27D-43.35 et seq.).
e. The [division] office shall make available electronically on its Internet website in English and Spanish information about domestic violence as described in subsection b. of this section.
f. The director may accept, for the purposes of the public awareness campaign, any special grant of funds, services, or property from the federal government or any of its agencies, or from any foundation, organization, or other entity.
g. The director shall report to the Governor and the Legislature, no later than 18 months after the effective date of [this act] P.L.2005, c.204 (C.52:27D-43.35 et seq.), on the activities and accomplishments of the public awareness campaign.
(cf: P.L.2005, c.204, s.2)
155. Section 2 of P.L.1999, c.239 (C.52:27D-444) is amended to read as follows:
2. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. Micro-business loans are usually granted to those businesses that are mostly sole proprietorships with five or fewer employees, that require an initial capital outlay of less than $35,000 to start a new business or expand an existing business, utilize loans in amounts of less than $15,000 with most loans being paid back on time, and experience a default rate that is often no higher than on commercial loans;
b. Experience in numerous other states and in certain urban areas in New Jersey has shown that "micro lending," or carefully underwriting small loans to individual entrepreneurs with well-developed, realistic business plans, has been successful in helping individuals, without regard to geographical location, to start micro-businesses;
c. Nonprofit community-based development corporations have the experience of providing the training and technical assistance that is necessary for prospective entrepreneurs to establish a viable business;
d. While the New Jersey Economic Development Authority currently manages several programs to promote the development of micro and small businesses in the State and the New Jersey Development Authority for Small Businesses, Minorities' and Women's Enterprises has a peer group micro-lending program in place which targets urban areas of the State, there is a need to establish a separate micro-business credit program to provide new and innovative ways to assist more unemployed women and underemployed women in all areas of the State to enter or reenter the marketplace and to recognize that nonprofit community-based development corporations and certain Statewide women's business organizations have the experience of providing the training and technical assistance that is necessary for prospective entrepreneurs to establish a viable business; and
e. It is appropriate to establish a micro-business credit program that would target only those potential female entrepreneurs who have little or no prior business experience, are self-motivated and are willing to undertake an extensive training program and receive other kinds of technical assistance in order to gain the necessary experience to start a successful business through grants given to certified nonprofit community development corporations and certain Statewide women's business organizations, and the Department of Community Affairs which has experience in evaluating and monitoring community development corporations [and which already manages a number of programs through its Division on Women to assist women to improve their lives] is the appropriate State agency to accomplish these goals.
(cf: P.L.2004, c.176, s.2)
156. (New section) a. Notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, commencing on or after the effective date of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) and subject to the provisions of subsection b. of this section, the Division of Children's System of Care in the Department of Children and Families shall determine eligibility and provide support and services, to the extent possible, for persons with developmental disabilities, as defined in section 3 of P.L.1977, c.82 (C.30:6D-3), under 21 years of age. The Division of Children's System of Care shall be responsible for licensing, inspection, and standard-setting with regard to facilities providing services for persons with developmental disabilities under 21 years of age.
The Division of Developmental Disabilities in the Department of Human Services shall cease providing services for those persons with developmental disabilities under 21 years of age as of the date that the Division of Children's System of Care in Department of Children and Families commences determining eligibility and providing services for these persons, except that the Division of Developmental Disabilities may establish procedures including, but not limited to, a redetermination of eligibility for services, if appropriate, by the Commissioner of Human Services, for the transition of persons with developmental disabilities to adult services provided by the Division of Developmental Disabilities in the Department of Human Services.
b. The Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities in the Department of Human Services and the Director of the Division of Children's System of Care in the Department of Children and Families shall establish and enter into an inter-agency agreement as necessary for the purposes of subsection a. of this section.
c. The Commissioners of Human Services and Children and Families, in consultation with each other and pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt, notwithstanding any provision of P.L. 1968, c. 410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) to the contrary, immediately upon filing with the Office of Administrative Law, such rules and regulations as the Commissioners deem necessary to effectuate the purposes of section 156 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), which shall be effective for a period not to exceed 12 months following the effective date of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill). The regulations shall thereafter be amended, adopted, or readopted by the commissioners in accordance with the provision of P.L.1968, c. 410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.).
d. Whenever any law, rule, regulation, order, contract, or document pertaining to persons with developmental disabilities, as defined in section 3 of P.L.1977, c.82 (C.30:6D-3), under 21 years of age refers to the Division of Developmental Disabilities in the Department of Human Services, the same shall mean and refer to the Division of Children's System of Care in the Department of Children and Families.
157. (New section) a. Notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, commencing on or after the effective date of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) and subject to the provisions of subsection b. of this section, the Division of Children's System of Care in the Department of Children and Families, in lieu of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services, shall provide, manage, and coordinate services for the treatment of substance abuse and related afflictions for persons under 21 years of age.
b. The Director of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services and the Director of the Division of Children's System of Care in the Department of Children and Families shall establish and enter into an inter-agency agreement as necessary for the purposes of subsection a. of this section.
c. The Commissioners of Human Services and Children and Families, in consultation with each other and pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt, notwithstanding any provision of P.L.1968, c. 410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) to the contrary, immediately upon filing with the Office of Administrative Law, such rules and regulations as the Commissioners deem necessary to effectuate the purposes of section 157 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), which shall be effective for a period not to exceed 12 months following the effective date of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill). The regulations shall thereafter be amended, adopted, or readopted by the commissioners in accordance with the provision of P.L.1968, c. 410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.).
158. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
The bill makes various changes to and reorganizes the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Specifically, the bill renames: 1) the Division of Youth and Family Services as the Division of Child Protection and Permanency; 2) the Division of Prevention and Community Partnerships as the Division of Family and Community Partnerships; and 3) the Division of Child Behavioral Health Services as the Division of Children's System of Care. The bill transfers the Division on Women from the Department of Community Affairs to DCF and reconstitutes the division as the Office on Women in DCF.
The bill also establishes that the Division of Children's System of Care in the DCF, in lieu of the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) in the Department of Human Services (DHS), is to determine eligibility and provide support and services, to the extent possible, for persons with developmental disabilities, as defined in section 3 of P.L.1977, c.82 (C.30:6D-3), under 21 years of age. The Division of Children's System of Care is also to be responsible for licensing, inspection, and standard-setting with regard to facilities providing services for persons with developmental disabilities under 21 years of age.
The bill provides that DDD is to cease providing services for those persons with developmental disabilities under 21 years of age as of the date that the Division of Children's System of Care in commences determining eligibility and providing services for these persons, except that DDD may establish procedures including, but not limited to, a redetermination of eligibility for services, if appropriate, by the Commissioner of Human Services, for the transition of persons with developmental disabilities to adult services provided by DDD.
The bill also establishes that the Division of Children's System of Care, in lieu of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in DHS, is to provide, manage, and coordinate services for the treatment of substance abuse and related afflictions for persons under 21 years of age. The bill provides that the Directors of the Division of Developmental Disabilities and the Director of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in DHS and the Director of the Division of Children's System of Care in DCF establish and enter into inter-agency agreements as necessary for the purposes of this bill.
Finally, the bill makes changes to various boards and commissions to reflect the organizational changes to DCF.
