N.J. Stat. § 9:23B-11 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-11
Withdrawal, default, termination and judicial enforcement.
Status: in_force

11. Article XI. Withdrawal, Default, Termination and Judicial Enforcement. a. Withdrawal. Once effective, the compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon each and every compacting state; provided that a compacting state may withdraw from the compact by specifically repealing the statute which enacted the compact into law. The effective date of withdrawal is the effective date of the repeal. The withdrawing state shall immediately notify the chairperson of the Interstate Commission in writing upon the introduction of legislation repealing this compact in the withdrawing state. The Interstate Commission shall notify the other compacting states of the withdrawing state's intent to withdraw within sixty days of its receipt thereof. The withdrawing state is responsible for all assessments, obligations and liabilities incurred through the effective date of withdrawal, including any obligations, the performance of which extend beyond the effective date of withdrawal. Reinstatement following withdrawal of any compacting state shall occur upon the withdrawing state reenacting the compact or upon such later date as determined by the Interstate Commission. b. Technical Assistance, Fines, Suspension, Termination and Default. If the Interstate Commission determines that any compacting state has at any time defaulted in the performance of any of its obligations or responsibilities under this compact, or the by-laws or duly promulgated rules, the Interstate Commission may impose any or all of the following penalties: (1) Remedial training and technical assistance as directed by the Interstate Commission; (2) Alternative Dispute Resolution; (3) Fines, fees, and costs in such amounts as are deemed to be reasonable as fixed by the Interstate Commission; and (4) Suspension or termination of membership in the compact, which shall be imposed only after all other reasonable means of securing compliance under the by-laws and rules have been exhausted and the Interstate Commission has therefore determined that the offending state is in default. Immediate notice of suspension shall be given by the Interstate Commission to the Governor, the Chief Justice or the Chief Judicial Officer of the state, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature, and the state council. The grounds for default include, but are not limited to, failure of a compacting state to perform such obligations or responsibilities imposed upon it by this compact, the by-laws, or duly promulgated rules and any other grounds designated in commission by-laws and rules. The Interstate Commission shall immediately notify the defaulting state in writing of the penalty imposed by the Interstate Commission and of the default pending a cure of the default. The commission shall stipulate the conditions and the time period within which the defaulting state must cure its default. If the defaulting state fails to cure the default within the time period specified by the commission, the defaulting state shall be terminated from the compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the compacting states and all rights, privileges and benefits conferred by this compact shall be terminated from the effective date of termination. Within sixty days of the effective date of termination of a defaulting state, the Commission shall notify the Governor, the Chief Justice or Chief Judicial Officer, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the defaulting state's legislature, and the state council of such termination. The defaulting state is responsible for all assessments, obligations and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination including any obligations, the performance of which extends beyond the effective date of termination. The Interstate Commission shall not bear any costs relating to the defaulting state unless otherwise mutually agreed upon in writing between the Interstate Commission and the defaulting state. Reinstatement following termination of any compacting state requires both a reenactment of the compact by the defaulting state and the approval of the Interstate Commission pursuant to the rules. c. Judicial Enforcement. The Interstate Commission may, by majority vote of the members, initiate legal action in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or, at the discretion of the Interstate Commission, in the federal district where the Interstate Commission has its offices, to enforce compliance with the provisions of the compact, its duly promulgated rules and by-laws, against any compacting state in default. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation including reasonable attorneys fees. d. Dissolution of Compact. The compact dissolves effective upon the date of the withdrawal or default of the compacting state, which reduces membership in the compact to one compacting state. Upon the dissolution of this compact, the compact becomes null and void and shall be of no further force or effect, and the business and affairs of the Interstate Commission shall be concluded and any surplus funds shall be distributed in accordance with the by-laws. L.2004,c.142,s.11.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.98.1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.98.1
Study of effects of racial, ethnic disparities on infant mortality.
Status: in_force

1. a. The Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board shall study the effects of racial and ethnic disparities on infant mortality. The purpose of the study shall be to: (1) identify Statewide and regional infant death rates, trends, patterns, and racial and ethnic disparities in adverse birth outcomes, and medical, non-medical, and system-related factors that may have contributed to infant deaths and treatment disparities; (2) review the extent to which racial and ethnic disparities in infant mortality in a geographic area indicate the need to increase access to health care services among racial and ethnic populations in that area; (3) identify ways to reduce or eliminate racial and ethnic disparities that contribute to infant mortality; and (4) review the extent to which racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding initiation and duration indicate the need to increase breastfeeding supports among racial and ethnic populations throughout the State. b. In conducting the study, the board may seek the advice of persons specializing in the fields of neonatal and post neonatal pathology, maternal and infant health, minority health advocacy, or other related fields. c. Within one year after the date of enactment of this act, the board shall prepare and submit to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), to the Legislature, a report containing the study's findings concerning the effects of racial and ethnic disparities on infant mortality and recommendations for legislative or other actions that can be undertaken to: (1) reduce infant mortality and improve birth outcomes in the State; (2) reduce or eliminate racial and ethnic disparities that contribute to infant mortality; (3) increase access to health care services among racial and ethnic populations in the State; and (4) increase breastfeeding supports among racial and ethnic populations throughout the State. d. The board may prepare and submit additional reports when the board deems it appropriate, and each report, with the exception of the first report prepared under this section, shall additionally identify the extent to which the board's prior recommendations have been successfully implemented in practice and the apparent impact that the implementation of such recommended changes has had on infant mortality in the preceding years. L.2018, c.22, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:2-4.2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-4.2
Parental access to children's records.
Status: in_force

1. a. Every parent, except as prohibited by federal and State law, shall have access to records and information pertaining to his or her unemancipated child, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, insurance, child care and educational records, whether or not the child resides with the parent, unless that access is found by the court to be not in the best interest of the child or the access is found by the court to be sought for the purpose of causing detriment to the other parent. b. The place of residence of either parent shall not appear on any records or information released pursuant to the provisions of this section. c. A child's parent, guardian or legal custodian may petition the court to have a parent's access to the records limited. If the court, after a hearing, finds that the parent's access to the record is not in the best interest of the child or that the access sought is for the purpose of causing detriment to the other parent, the court may order that access to the records be limited. L.1997,c.406,s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:12A-4 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 12A / Section 12A-4
Definitions relative to homeless youth.
Status: in_force

3. As used in P.L.1999, c.224 (C.9:12A-2 et seq.): "Department" means the Department of Children and Families. "Division" means the Division of 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. L.1999, c.224, s.3; amended 2006, c.47, s.74; 2012, c.16, s.40.
N.J. Stat. § 9:2-15 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-15
Surrender or termination of rights of one parent; rights of other parent
Status: in_force

No surrender of custody by, nor termination of the parental rights of, one parent shall affect the rights of the other parent; nor may one parent act as the agent or representative of the other parent in the surrender of custody or termination of parental rights. L.1955, c. 232, p. 896, s. 3.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3A-15 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3A / Section 3A-15
"Mom2Mom Peer Support Program" helpline.
Status: in_force

1. a. The Department of Children and Families shall establish, in coordination with University Behavioral HealthCare of Rutgers, the State University, or another entity, a toll-free "Mom2Mom Peer Support Program" helpline, or a similar helpline. b. The helpline shall be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days per week, and shall respond to calls from mothers, caregivers, and their families. The staff of the helpline shall seek to identify the mothers, children, caregivers, and their families who should be referred to further support and counseling services, and provide informational resources. c. The peer staff shall be trained by University Behavioral HealthCare of Rutgers, the State University, or another entity, and, to the greatest extent possible, shall be mothers of children with special needs, who are: (1) familiar with developmental disabilities, brain injury, behavioral healthcare issues, medical illness, cancer, and the emotional and mental health burden and psychological tension, depression, and anxieties unique to these mothers, children, and their families, or (2) trained to provide reciprocal peer support services involving children with special needs and family life, mental health, personal stress management, and other emotional or psychological disorders or conditions which may be likely to adversely affect the personal and related well-being of children, mothers, caregivers, and their families. d. The Department of Children and Families and University Behavioral HealthCare of Rutgers, the State University, or another entity, shall provide for the confidentiality of the names of the callers, the information discussed, and any referrals for further peer support or counseling; provided, however, that the Department of Children and Families and Rutgers, the State University, or another entity, may establish guidelines providing for the tracking of any person who exhibits a severe emotional or psychological disorder or condition which the operator handling the call reasonably believes might result in harm to the child or mother or any other person. L.2013, c.281, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-40.2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-40.2
Definitions relative to adoption agencies.
Status: in_force

1. As used in this act: "Approved agency" or "agency" shall have the same meaning as provided in section 2 of P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-38); "Department" means the Department of Children and Families; "Staff member" means a person 18 years of age or older who is an administrator of an agency, or who works in an agency on a regularly scheduled basis during the agency's operating hours. Staff member includes full-time, part-time, voluntary, contract, consulting, and substitute staff, whether compensated or not. L.2008, c.114, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.51 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.51
Disposition of adjudication
Status: in_force

a. At the conclusion of a dispositional hearing under this act, the court shall enter an order of disposition: (1) suspending judgment in accord with section 32 hereof; (2) releasing the child to the custody of his parents or guardian in accord with section 33 hereof; (3) placing the child in accord with section 34 hereof; (4) making an order of protection in accord with section 35 hereof; (5) placing the respondent on probation in accord with section 36 hereof; (6) requiring that an individual found to have abused or neglected a child accept therapeutic services, and this order may be carried out in conjunction with any other order of disposition. b. The court shall state the grounds for any disposition made under this section. L.1974, c. 119, s. 31, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
N.J. Stat. § 9:22-4 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 22 / Section 22-4
Annual organization; meetings
Status: in_force

The members of the municipal youth guidance council shall organize annually by selecting a chairman, vice-chairman and secretary. The municipal youth guidance council shall meet regularly, at least once each month, and at such other times as its chairman shall direct. L.1947, c. 179, p. 820, s. 4.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-55 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-55
Report of prospective parents.
Status: in_force

19. a. A prospective parent who is not a brother, sister, aunt, uncle, grandparent, resource family parent, birth father or stepparent of the child to be adopted shall file before the complaint is heard, in accordance with court rules, a detailed report which shall be signed and verified by each prospective parent and shall disclose all sums of money or other valuable consideration paid, given or agreed to be given to any person, firm, partnership, corporation, association or agency by or on behalf of the prospective parent in connection with the adoption, and the names and addresses of each person, firm, partnership, corporation, association or agency to whom the consideration was given or promised. The report, a copy of which shall be provided to the approved agency pursuant to section 11 or 12 of P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-47 or C.9:3-48), shall include but not be limited to expenses incurred or to be incurred by or on behalf of a prospective parent in connection with: (1) The birth of the child; (2) The placement for adoption of the child with the prospective parent; (3) Medical or hospital care received by the mother or the child during the mother's pre- and postnatal period; and (4) Services relating to the adoption or to the placement for adoption, including legal services, which were rendered or are to be rendered to or for the benefit of the prospective parent, either parent of the child or any other person or agency. b. Whenever based upon a report filed pursuant to this section it appears to the court that any person may have violated section 18 of P.L.1993, c.345 (C.9:3-39.1) the court or the division may refer the matter to the appropriate county prosecutor. L.1977,c.367,s.19; amended 1993, c.345, s.17; 2004, c.130, s.19.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-59 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-59
Amended birth record
Status: in_force

22. a. Upon order of a court of this State or upon request of a court of another state, the local registrar of vital statistics shall prepare an amended birth record consistent with the findings of the court. b. The fact that the father and child relationship was declared after the child's birth shall not be ascertainable from the amended birth record, but the actual place and date of birth shall be shown. c. The evidence upon which the amended birth record was made and the original birth certificate shall be kept in a sealed and confidential file and be subject to inspection only upon consent of the court and all interested persons, or in exceptional cases only upon an order of the court for compelling reasons clearly and convincingly shown. L.1983, c. 17, s. 22.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.30 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.30
Action by the division upon emergency removal.
Status: in_force

10. a. The division, when informed that there has been an emergency removal of a child from his home without court order, shall make every reasonable effort to communicate immediately with the child's parent or guardian that such emergency removal has been made and the location of the facility to which the child has been taken, and advise the parent or guardian to appear in the appropriate Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part within two court days. The division shall make a reasonable effort, at least 24 hours prior to the court hearing, to: notify the parent or guardian of the time to appear in court; and inform the parent or guardian of his right to obtain counsel, and how to obtain counsel through the Office of the Public Defender if the parent or guardian is indigent. The division shall also advise the party making the removal to appear. If the removed child is returned to his home prior to the court hearing, there shall be no court hearing to determine the sufficiency of cause for the child's removal, unless the child's parent or guardian makes application to the court for review. The division shall make reasonable efforts to place the child with a suitable relative or person who has a kinship relationship as defined in section 2 of P.L.2001, c.250 (C.3B:12A-2) prior to placing the child with another suitable person. For the purposes of this section, "facility" means a hospital, shelter or child care institution in which a child may be placed for temporary care, but does not include a resource family home. b. The division shall cause a complaint to be filed under this act within two court days after such removal takes place. c. Whenever a child has been removed pursuant to section 7 or 9 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.27 or 9:6-8.29), the division shall arrange for immediate medical screening of the child and shall have legal authority to consent to such screening. If necessary to safeguard the child's health or life, the division also is authorized to arrange for and consent to medical care or treatment of the child. Consent by the division pursuant to this subsection shall be deemed legal and valid for all purposes with respect to any person, hospital, or other health care facility screening, examining or providing care or treatment to a child in accordance with and in reliance upon such consent. Medical reports resulting from such screening, examination or care or treatment shall be released to the division for the purpose of aiding in the determination of whether the child has been abused or neglected. Any person or health care facility acting in good faith in the screening of, examination of or provision of care and treatment to a child or in the release of medical records shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed as a result of such act. L.1974, c.119, s.10; amended 1977, c.209, s.9; 1983, c.290; 1991, c.91, s.203; 2004, c.130, s.29; 2006, c.47, s.49; 2021, c.154, s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-62 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-62
Definitions.
Status: in_force

3. Definitions. As used in this act: "Advanced practice nurse" means a person certified in accordance with the provisions of section 8 or 9 of P.L.1991, c.377 (C.45:11-47 or 45:11-48). "Assisted reproductive technology" means procreative laboratory procedures involving human eggs or pre-embryos, including, but not limited to: in vitro fertilization; embryo transfer; gamete transfer; pronuclear stage transfer; and zygote transfer. "Attorney" means a person licensed to practice law in New Jersey or another state or the District of Columbia. "Certified nurse midwife" means a midwife licensed by the State Board of Medical Examiners as a certified nurse midwife pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1991, c.97 (C.45:10-17 et al.). "Donor" means a person who contributes gametes for use in assisted reproduction. The term does not include an intended parent who contributes gametes to be used in assisted reproduction pursuant to a valid gestational carrier agreement. "Fertilization" means the initial union of the sperm and the egg. "Gamete" means sperm or egg. "Gestational carrier" means a woman 21 years of age or older who agrees to become pregnant for an intended parent by assisted reproductive technology without the use of her own egg. "Gestational carrier agreement" means the written contract between the gestational carrier and the intended parent, pursuant to which the intended parent agrees to become the legal parent of a child created through assisted reproductive technology and carried by the gestational carrier. "Implantation" means when the fertilized egg adheres to the gestational carrier's uterine wall. "Intended parent" means a person who enters into a gestational carrier agreement with a gestational carrier pursuant to section 6 of P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-65), pursuant to which the person shall be the legal parent of the resulting child. The term shall include persons who are single, married, partners in a civil union or domestic partnership, and couples who are not married or in a civil union or domestic partnership. Any reference to an intended parent shall include both spouses or partners in a civil union or domestic partnership. This term shall include the intended mother, the intended father, the intended mother and intended father, the intended mother and intended mother, or the intended father and intended father. "In vitro fertilization" means all medical and laboratory procedures that are required to effectuate the formation of a human embryo outside the human body. "Medical evaluation" means an evaluation and consultation by a physician, a physician assistant, a certified nurse midwife, or an advanced practice nurse. "Order of parentage" means a judgment determining parentage pursuant to the provisions of a gestational carrier agreement that satisfies P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-60 et al.). "Physician" means a person licensed to practice medicine in New Jersey pursuant to R.S.45:9-1 et seq. or licensed to practice in any one of the United States or its territories, or the District of Columbia. "Physician assistant" means a health professional who meets the qualifications under P.L.1991, c.378 (C.45:9-27.10 et seq.) and holds a current, valid license issued pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1991, c.378 (C.45:9-27.13). "Pre-embryo" is a fertilized egg prior to 14 days of development. "Pre-embryo transfer" means all medical and laboratory procedures that are necessary to effectuate the transfer of a pre-embryo into the uterine cavity. "Psychological evaluation" means an evaluation and consultation by a clinical social worker, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist licensed by the State of New Jersey or licensed to practice in any one of the United States or its territories, or the District of Columbia. "Reasonable expenses" means medical, hospital, counseling or other similar expenses incurred in connection with the gestational carrier agreement, reasonable attorney fees and costs for legal services in connection with the gestational carrier agreement, and the reasonable living expenses of the gestational carrier 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 during the period of postpartum recovery. These payments may be made directly to the gestational carrier or on the gestational carrier's behalf to the supplier of the goods or services pursuant to the gestational carrier agreement. L.2018, c.18, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3A-14 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3A / Section 3A-14
Criminal history record information check for certain employees.
Status: in_force

14. The Department of Children and Families shall not employ any individual as a direct care staff member unless the Commissioner of Children and Families has first determined, consistent with the requirements and standards of this section, that no criminal history record information exists on file in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Identification Division, or in the State Bureau of Identification in the Division of State Police, which would disqualify that individual from being employed at the department. A criminal history record background check shall be conducted at least once every two years for an individual employed as a direct care staff member. As used in this section, "direct care staff member" means an individual employed at the department in a position which involves unsupervised, regular contact with individuals receiving services from the department. a. An individual shall be disqualified from employment as a direct care staff member if that individual's criminal history record check reveals a record of conviction of any of the following crimes and offenses: (1) In New Jersey, any crime or disorderly persons offense: (a) involving danger to the person, meaning those crimes and disorderly persons offenses set forth in N.J.S.2C:11-1 et seq., N.J.S.2C:12-1 et seq., N.J.S.2C:13-1 et seq., N.J.S.2C:14-1 et seq. or N.J.S.2C:15-1 et seq.; or (b) against the family, children or incompetents, meaning those crimes and disorderly persons offenses set forth in N.J.S.2C:24-1 et seq.; or (2) In any other state or jurisdiction, of conduct which, if committed in New Jersey, would constitute any of the crimes or disorderly persons offenses described in paragraph (1) of this subsection. b. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of this section to the contrary, no individual shall be disqualified from employment under this act on the basis of any conviction disclosed by a criminal history record check performed pursuant to this section if the individual has affirmatively demonstrated to the Commissioner of Children and Families clear and convincing evidence of his rehabilitation. In determining whether an individual has affirmatively demonstrated rehabilitation, the following factors shall be considered: (1) The nature and responsibility of the position which the convicted individual would hold; (2) The nature and seriousness of the offense; (3) The circumstances under which the offense occurred; (4) The date of the offense; (5) The age of the individual when the offense was committed; (6) Whether the offense was an isolated or repeated incident; (7) Any social conditions which may have contributed to the offense; and (8) Any evidence of rehabilitation, including good conduct in prison or in the community, counseling or psychiatric treatment received, acquisition of additional academic or vocational schooling, successful participation in correctional work-release programs, or the recommendation of persons who have had the individual under their supervision. c. If a prospective direct care staff member refuses to consent to, or cooperate in, the securing of a criminal history record background check, the commissioner shall not consider the individual for employment as a direct care staff member. The prospective staff member shall, however, retain any available right of review by the Civil Service Commission. d. If a current direct care staff member refuses to consent to, or cooperate in, the securing of a criminal history record background check, the commissioner shall immediately remove the individual from his position as a direct care staff member and terminate the individual's employment. The staff member shall, however, retain any available right of review by the Civil Service Commission. e. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of this section to the contrary, the department may provisionally employ an individual as a direct care staff member for a period not to exceed six months if that individual's State Bureau of Identification criminal history record background check does not contain any information that would disqualify the individual from employment at the department and if the individual submits to the commissioner a sworn statement attesting that the individual has not been convicted of any crime or disorderly persons offense as described in this section, pending a determination that no criminal history record background information which would disqualify the individual exists on file in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Identification Division. An individual who is provisionally employed pursuant to this subsection shall perform his duties under the direct supervision of a superior who acts in a supervisory capacity over that individual until the determination concerning the federal information is complete. f. All applicants or current direct care staff members from whom criminal history record background checks are required shall submit their fingerprints in a manner acceptable to the commissioner. The commissioner is authorized to exchange fingerprint data with and receive criminal history record information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Division of State Police for use in making the determinations required by this section. No criminal history record background check shall be performed pursuant to this section unless the applicant shall have furnished his written consent to the check. g. (1) Upon receipt of an applicant or direct care staff member's criminal history record information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Division of State Police, as applicable, the commissioner shall notify the applicant or staff member, in writing, of the applicant's or staff member's qualification or disqualification for employment under this act. If the applicant or staff member is disqualified, the conviction or convictions which constitute the basis for the disqualification shall be identified in the written notice. (2) The applicant or staff member shall have 30 days from the date of written notice of disqualification to petition the commissioner for a hearing on the accuracy of the criminal history record information or to establish his rehabilitation under subsection b. of this section. The commissioner may refer any case arising hereunder to the Office of Administrative Law for administrative proceedings pursuant to P.L.1978, c.67 (C.52:14F-1 et al.). (3) The commissioner shall not maintain any individual's criminal history record information or evidence of rehabilitation submitted under this section for more than six months from the date of a final determination by the commissioner as to the individual's qualification or disqualification to be a direct care staff member pursuant to this section. h. The commissioner shall initiate a criminal history record background check on all prospective direct care staff members. Current direct care staff members who have had a criminal history record background check conducted and stored in a manner approved by the commissioner shall have up to two years from the effective date of this act until the next criminal history background check is conducted. i. The department shall assume the cost of all criminal history record background checks conducted on current and prospective direct care staff members. L.2006, c.47, s.14; amended 2008, c.29, s.85.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.94 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.94
Immunity from liability for civil damages.
Status: in_force

12. A member of the board shall not be liable for any civil damages as a result of providing in good faith any reports, records, opinions or recommendations pursuant to P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.83 et al.). L.1997,c.175,s.12.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.96 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.96
Regulations by board.
Status: in_force

14. The board shall adopt regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) concerning the operation of the board, procedures for conducting reviews of cases involving child fatalities and near fatalities, and other matters necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act. L.1997,c.175,s.14.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.43 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.43
Notice of rights.
Status: in_force

23. Notice of rights. a. The court shall advise the parent or guardian of his right to have an adjournment to retain counsel and consult with him. The court shall advise the respondent that if he is indigent, he may apply for an attorney through the Office of the Public Defender. In cases where the parent or guardian applies for an attorney through the Office of the Public Defender, the court may adjourn the case for a reasonable period of time for the parent or guardian to secure counsel; however, the adjournment shall not preclude the court from granting temporary relief as appropriate under the law. The court shall appoint a law guardian for the child as provided by this act. b. The general public may be excluded from any hearing under this act, and only such persons and the representatives of authorized agencies may be admitted thereto as have an interest in the case. L.1974,c.119,s.23; amended 1977, c.209, s.21; 1994, c.58, s.40; 2004, c.130, s.33.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23-7 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23 / Section 23-7
Violation of compact, crime of the fourth degree
Status: in_force

Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, association or agency violating any provision of the compact is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. If a violation consists of unintentional failure to satisfy a requirement of Article III of the compact in a timely and sufficient manner, subsequent satisfaction thereof and the receipt by the sending agency of a notice pursuant to subsection d. of paragraph 1. of Article III that the placement does not appear to be contrary to the interests of the child shall be deemed to cure the violation and no court or officer of this State shall impose any sentence or penalty on account thereof. L.1989, c.284, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 9:2-5 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-5
Death of parent having custody; reversion of custody to surviving parent; appointment of guardian by superior court; removal
Status: in_force

In case of the death of the parent to whom the care and custody of the minor children shall have been awarded by the Superior Court, or in the case of the death of the parent in whose custody the children actually are, when the parents have been living separate and no award as to the custody of such children has been made, the care and custody of such minor children shall not revert to the surviving parent without an order or judgment of the Superior Court to that effect. The Superior Court shall have the right, in an action brought by a guardian ad litem on behalf of the children, to appoint such friend or other suitable person, guardian of such minor children, and shall have the right to remove such guardian, and to appoint a new guardian or guardians, and to make such judgments and orders, from time to time, as the circumstances of the case and the benefit of the children shall require. Amended by L.1948, c. 321, p. 1297, s. 5; L.1953, c. 9, p. 71, s. 4.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.49 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.49
Priority to certain proceedings.
Status: in_force

29. To ensure that the safety of children is of paramount concern, when scheduling hearings and investigations, the court shall give priority to proceedings under this act involving imminent or actual physical harm, or in which a child has been removed from home before a final order of disposition. Any adjournment granted in the course of such a proceeding should be for as short a time as possible. L.1974,c.119,s.29; amended 1999, c.53, s.14.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-64 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-64
Eligibility.
Status: in_force

5. Eligibility. a. A gestational carrier shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements of P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-60 et al.) if, at the time the gestational carrier agreement is executed, she: (1) Is at least 21 years of age; (2) Has given birth to at least one child; (3) Has completed a medical evaluation approving her suitability to serve as a gestational carrier; (4) Has completed a psychological evaluation approving her suitability to serve as a gestational carrier; (5) Has retained an attorney, independent of the intended parent, but for whose services the intended parent may pay, who has consulted with her about the terms of the gestational carrier agreement and the potential legal consequences of being a gestational carrier under the terms of this agreement. b. The intended parent shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements of P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-60 et al.) if, at the time the gestational carrier agreement is executed, the intended parent: (1) Has completed a psychological evaluation approving the intended parent's suitability to participate in a gestational carrier agreement; and (2) Is represented by an attorney who consulted with the intended parent about the terms of the gestational carrier agreement and the potential legal consequences of the agreement.
L.2018, c.18, s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.22 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.22
Jurisdiction of Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part.
Status: in_force

2. The Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part in each county shall have jurisdiction over all noncriminal proceedings involving alleged cases of child abuse or neglect, and shall be charged with the immediate protection of said children, whereby the safety of the children shall be of paramount concern. All noncriminal cases involving child abuse shall be commenced in or transferred to this court from other courts as they are made known to the other courts. Commencement of cases of child abuse or neglect must be the first order of priority in the Family Part. L.1974,c.119,s.2; amended 1977, c.209, s.2; 1991, c.91, s.198; 1999, c.53, s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.26 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.26
Venue
Status: in_force

Proceedings under this act shall be brought in accordance with the Rules of Court. L.1974, c. 119, s. 6, eff. Oct. 10, 1974. Amended by L.1977, c. 209, s. 5, eff. Sept. 7, 1977.
N.J. Stat. § 9:22-1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 22 / Section 22-1
Municipal youth guidance council
Status: in_force

When authorized by resolution of the municipal governing body, the mayor or chief executive officer of each municipality in this State shall appoint by and with the advice and consent of the said governing body a municipal youth guidance council for the said municipality of not to exceed seven members, all of whom shall be residents of the said municipality. The membership of the municipal youth guidance council shall include at least one representative of the municipal governing body, one representative of the school system, and one representative of the municipal police department. L.1947, c. 179, p. 819, s. 1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.17 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.17
Report of action of taking protective custody of child.
Status: in_force

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 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). L.1973, c.147, s.2; amended 2004, c.130, s.25; 2012, c.16, s.27.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.38 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.38
Service of summons
Status: in_force

a. In cases involving abuse, or neglect the complaint and summons shall be served within 2 court days after their issuance. If they cannot be served within that time, such fact shall be reported to the court with the reasons therefor within 3 court days after their issuance and the court shall thereafter issue a warrant in accordance with the provisions of section 19 of this act. The court shall also, unless dispensed with for good cause shown, direct that the child be brought before the court. b. Service of a summons and complaint shall be made by delivery of a true copy thereof to the person summoned at least 24 hours before the time stated therein for appearance. c. If after reasonable effort, personal service is not made, the court may at any stage in the proceedings make an order providing for substituted service in the manner provided for substituted service in accordance with the Rules of Court. L.1974, c. 119, s. 18, eff. Oct. 10, 1974. Amended by L.1977, c. 209, s. 17, eff. Sept. 7, 1977.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-48 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-48
Consent conference; settlement; contested cases, testing; presumptions.
Status: in_force

11. a. As soon as practicable after an action to declare the existence or nonexistence of the father and child relationship has been brought, a consent conference shall be held by the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part intake service, the Probation Division or the county welfare agency. At the request of either party, the determination of paternity may be referred directly to the court in lieu of the consent process. A court appearance shall be scheduled in the event that a consent agreement cannot be reached. b. On the basis of the information produced at the conference, an appropriate recommendation for settlement shall be made to the parties, which may include any of the following: (1) That the action be dismissed with or without prejudice; or (2) That the alleged father voluntarily acknowledge his paternity of the child. c. If the parties accept a recommendation made in accordance with subsection b. of this section, which has been approved by the court, judgment shall be entered or a Certificate of Parentage shall be executed accordingly. d. If a party refuses to accept a recommendation made under subsection b. of this section or the consent conference is terminated because it is unlikely that all parties would accept a recommendation pursuant to subsection b. of this section, and blood tests or genetic tests have not been taken, the county welfare agency shall require or the court shall order the child and the parties to submit to blood tests or genetic tests unless a party claims, and the county welfare agency or the court finds, good cause for not ordering the tests. The court may hear and decide motions to challenge a directive issued by the county welfare agency requiring a party to submit to blood or genetic tests. A genetic test shall be ordered upon the request of either party, if the request is supported by a sworn statement by the requesting party which alleges paternity and sets forth the facts establishing a reasonable possibility of the requisite sexual contact between the parties or denies paternity and sets forth the facts establishing a reasonable possibility of the nonexistence of sexual contact between the parties. If a party refuses to acknowledge paternity based upon the blood or genetic test results, the action shall be set for a hearing. If the results of the blood test or genetic test indicate that the specific threshold probability, as set by subsection i. of this section to establish paternity has been met or exceeded, the results shall be received in evidence as a rebuttable presumption of paternity without requiring any additional foundation testimony or proof of authenticity or accuracy of the paternity testing or results. In actions based on allegations of fraud or inaccurate analysis, the court or the county welfare agency shall require that additional blood or genetic tests be scheduled within 10 days of the request and be performed by qualified experts. Additional blood or genetic tests shall be paid for in advance by the requesting party. If a party objects to the results of the blood or genetic tests, the party shall make the objection to the appropriate agency, in writing, within 10 days of the consent conference or hearing. e. The guardian ad litem may accept or refuse to accept a recommendation under this section. f. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1994, c.164). g. No evidence, testimony or other disclosure from the consent conference shall be admitted as evidence in a civil action except by consent of the parties. However, blood tests or genetic tests ordered pursuant to subsection d. of this section shall be admitted as evidence. h. The refusal to submit to a blood test or genetic test required pursuant to subsection d. of this section, or both, shall be admitted into evidence and shall give rise to the presumption that the results of the test would have been unfavorable to the interests of the party who refused to submit to the test. Refusal to submit to a blood test or genetic test, or both, is also subject to the contempt power of the court. i. Blood test or genetic test results indicating a 95% or greater probability that the alleged father is the father of the child shall create a presumption of paternity which may be rebutted only by clear and convincing evidence that the results of the test are not reliable in that particular case. j. If a party refuses to acknowledge paternity or does not appear at a consent conference conducted by the county welfare agency, the county welfare agency shall refer the matter to the court for adjudication. For purposes of establishing paternity, the blood or genetic test results shall be admitted into evidence at the hearing without the need for foundation testimony or other proof of authenticity or accuracy, unless an objection is made. L.1983,c.17,s.11; amended 1991, c.91, s.212; 1994, c.164, s.2; 1997, c.376, s.4; 1998, c.1, s.40.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-40 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-40
Extent of parent and child relationship
Status: in_force

3. The parent and child relationship extends equally to every child and to every parent, regardless of the marital status of the parents. L.1983, c. 17, s. 3.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17A-1.12 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17A / Section 17A-1.12
Provisions of act severable
Status: in_force

13. If any provision of this act or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the sections which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this act are severable. L.1999,c.145,s.13.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23-1.1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23 / Section 23-1.1
Authorization to execute amendment
Status: in_force

The Governor is authorized and directed to execute, with any other state or states legally joining in the same, an amendment to the Interstate Compact on Juveniles, which shall provide the remedies set forth in section 2 of this act in addition to those provided by P.L.1955, c. 55 or any other law, and shall be binding among and between those party states which execute the same. L.1975, c. 13, s. 1, eff. Feb. 13, 1975.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6B-2.2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6B / Section 6B-2.2
Findings, declarations.
Status: in_force

2. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. In January 2020, the Department of Children and Families established a Youth Council comprising 24 young New Jerseyans with lived experience in the child welfare system. b. In considering ways to improve the child welfare system, members of the youth council emphasized the importance of maintaining sibling relationships by: keeping siblings together in resource family or congregate care settings, when feasible; placing siblings in close proximity with one another when placing siblings together is not an option; and supporting sibling connections while in out-of-home placement. c. The Youth Council's conclusion that maintaining sibling relationships and placing siblings together whenever possible improves child welfare outcomes and counteracts adverse childhood experiences is supported by research and child welfare organizations. d. Siblings should be supported by the Department of Children and Families in their efforts to maintain relationships with siblings who are not in resource family care or who have not been adopted. e. Therefore, it is in the best interests of the State to declare that policies and procedures allowing for all siblings in resource family or congregate care settings to be placed together are generally preferred unless such placements are not in the best interests of one or more of the siblings. L.2023, c.1, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.107 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.107
Findings, declarations relative to child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams.
Status: in_force

1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. Child advocacy centers are child-friendly centers where a multidisciplinary team of law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, mental health and medical professionals, and victim witness and family advocates can provide a coordinated response to the investigation, treatment, prosecution, and prevention of child abuse and neglect. b. Child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams are designed to ease the stress experienced by survivors of child abuse and neglect, and their families, throughout the investigation process and improve methods of responding to acts of child abuse and neglect. c. Child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams reduce the trauma suffered by children who have been abused or neglected by employing forensic interviewers specifically trained to work with survivors of child abuse and neglect. d. The centers and teams also assist child abuse and neglect survivors and their families in obtaining judicial, medical, therapeutic, and victim advocacy services, and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement, prosecutors, and child protective services professionals when investigating child abuse and neglect. e. The number of child advocacy centers in the United States has grown dramatically since 1986 when the first center was established. According to the National Children's Alliance, the national accrediting organization for child advocacy centers, there are now more than 770 centers nationwide, and, as of 2009, there were over 900 multidisciplinary teams throughout the United States. f. In order to ensure the effective, efficient, and consistent delivery of services to the survivors of child abuse and neglect and their families, it is necessary to establish a certification program for the State's child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams. g. Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature to create a certification program for the State's child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams through the adoption and implementation of guidelines of practice consistent with the accreditation standards developed by the National Children's Alliance, or its successor. L.2017, c.90, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23-14 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23 / Section 23-14
Agreements between party states for visitation, inspection, supervision
Status: in_force

Any requirements for visitation, inspection or supervision of children, homes, institutions or other agencies in another party state which may apply under Title 30 of the Revised Statutes shall be deemed to be met if performed pursuant to an agreement entered into by appropriate officers or agencies of this State or a subdivision thereof as contemplated by subsection b. of paragraph 1. of Article V of the compact. L.1989, c.284, s.10.
N.J. Stat. § 9:2-18 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-18
Procedure to terminate parental rights
Status: in_force

6. An approved agency which is providing supervision of a child may institute an action in the Superior Court, seeking the termination of the rights of the parents of such child and the transfer of custody of such child to the agency. A prior surrender of custody as provided by Article II of this act shall not be deemed a waiver of notice or service of process in proceedings under Article III hereof. At least five days prior to the hearing, the plaintiff shall file with the court a written report as to all circumstances of the case. L.1955,c.232,s.6; amended 1991,c.91,s.192.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-53 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-53
Costs of proceedings
Status: in_force

17. The costs of all proceedings pursuant to P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-37 et seq.) shall be borne by the plaintiff, including the costs incurred by an approved agency acting pursuant to an order of the court; except that the approved agency may waive part or all costs. Payment of costs shall not be a condition precedent to entry of judgment. The costs shall not include the provision of counsel for any person, other than the plaintiff, entitled to the appointment of counsel pursuant to P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-37 et seq.). L.1977,c.367,s.17; amended 1993,c.345,s.16.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.108 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.108
Definitions relative to child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams.
Status: in_force

2. As used in this act: "Child advocacy center" means a county-based center as defined in section 6 of P.L.1998, c.19 (C.9:6-8.104). "Multidisciplinary team" means a county-based team as established in section 6 of P.L.1998, c.19 (C.9:6-8.104). L.2017, c.90, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 9:11-5 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 11 / Section 11-5
Places of detention
Status: in_force

A county youth house may be the place of detention for all persons under the age of 16 years who come within the class mentioned in section 9:11-3 of this Title, but nothing in this article shall forbid imprisonment in a county jail or other county or State institution, or detention in the county jail awaiting trial, or commitment to the care of probation officers under authority of law. Amended by L.1957, c. 46, p. 82, s. 5.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-40.11 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-40.11
Regulations unaffected.
Status: in_force

6. a. Nothing in this act shall affect regulations adopted by the Department of Children and Families with respect to adoptions facilitated by the Department of Children and Families. b. Nothing in this act shall alter the requirement for an approved adoption agency to provide a prospective parent with non-identifying information relevant to the child's development, including the child's developmental and medical history, and the birth parents' complete medical histories, as provided in section 1 of P.L.1979, c.292 (C.9:3-41.1). L.2014, c.9, s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-56 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-56
Severability
Status: in_force

If any provision of this act, or any application of any provision, is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other applications of the provision, or other provisions of the act, which reasonably can be given effect despite the invalidity. To this end, the provisions of this act are declared severable. L.1977, c. 367, s. 21.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.73 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.73
Severability
Status: in_force

If any provision of this act or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held to be invalid, the remainder of the act and application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. L.1974, c. 119, s. 55, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.29 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.29
Removal of child without court order.
Status: in_force

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 the child is residing, or any person or any physician treating a child may keep a child in 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 the child's continuance in 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 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 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 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 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. L.1974, c.119, s.9; amended 1977, c.209, s.8; 1999, c.53, s.9; 2012, c.16, s.32.
N.J. Stat. § 9:25-1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 25 / Section 25-1
Short title
Status: in_force

This act shall be known and may be cited as the "New Jersey Youth Corps Act." L.1984, c. 198, s. 1, eff. Nov. 27, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-50 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-50
Entry of judgment of adoption, effect; inheritance rights
Status: in_force

14. a. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1993, c.345). b. The entry of a judgment of adoption shall establish the same relationships, rights, and responsibilities between the child and the adopting parent as if the child were born to the adopting parent in lawful wedlock. For good cause, the court may direct the entry of judgment nunc pro tunc as of the date the action was instituted. In applying the intestate laws of this State, an adopted child shall have the same rights of inheritance as if born to the adopting parent in lawful wedlock. c. The entry of a judgment of adoption shall: (1) terminate all parental rights and responsibilities of the parent towards the adoptive child except for a parent who is the spouse of the petitioner and except those rights that have vested prior to entry of the judgment of adoption; (2) terminate all rights of inheritance under intestacy from or through the parent unless that parent is the spouse of the petitioner or that parent or other relative had died prior to the judgment of adoption; and (3) terminate all rights of inheritance under intestacy from or through the child which existed prior to the adoption. d. The court may order counseling for the adopting parents. L.1977,c.367,s.14; amended 1993,c.345,s.13.
N.J. Stat. § 9:24-6 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 24 / Section 24-6
Rules and regulations
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall issue and promulgate, after consultation with the Governor's manpower co-ordinating committee and the Commissioner of Labor and Industry, such rules and regulations as are necessary and appropriate to carry out the provisions of this act, and to revise, repeal or amend said rules and regulations from time to time. L.1968, c. 125, s. 6, eff. June 26, 1968.
N.J. Stat. § 9:22-11 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 22 / Section 22-11
Appropriations to municipal youth guidance council
Status: in_force

Each municipality of this State is hereby authorized and empowered to appropriate and make available to its municipal youth guidance council such sums of money as may be deemed necessary to defray its expenses, and the activities of such municipal youth guidance councils are hereby declared to be proper purposes for which the moneys of the municipality may be expended. L.1947, c. 179, p. 822, s. 11.
N.J. Stat. § 9:22-8 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 22 / Section 22-8
Adjustment committee of guidance council; plan of operation; records; reports
Status: in_force

8. Any municipal youth guidance council may, by resolution, create a special subcommittee to be known as the adjustment committee consisting of persons qualified by experience and training to assist in and to co-ordinate the efforts of police, schools, and other agencies to provide guidance and counsel to children with incipient behavior problems and to co-operate with the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part having jurisdiction when cases arise in which official adjudication of delinquency seems indicated. When an adjustment committee shall have been appointed, the municipal youth guidance council shall draft a plan of operation which shall be registered with the State agency, referred to in section 6 of this act and with the Family Part having jurisdiction. This plan shall outline the procedure for the referral of cases to the committee by police, schools, other agencies concerned with youth problems, and by other interested persons. The adjustment committee of each municipal youth guidance commission shall maintain summary records of each child brought to its attention. The summary records shall include data concerning the circumstances surrounding each referral of a child to the committee, concerning his family, school, church, and neighborhood relationships, and concerning the methods used by the committee to improve the adjustment of the child. These records shall be confidential with the exception that they may be reviewed at any time by the judge of the Family Part having jurisdiction, to make sure that no child properly referrable to such court is denied access to the court. Each municipal youth guidance council may also be called upon to provide reports of the operations of its adjustment committee by the municipal governing body, the Family Part, or by the State agency. L.1947,c.179,s.8; amended 1991,c.91,s.214.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-46 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-46
Objection to adoption.
Status: in_force

10. a. A person who is entitled to notice pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-45) shall have the right to object to the adoption of his child within 20 days after the filing of the complaint for adoption for a State resident and 35 days after the filing in the case of a nonresident. Failure to object within that time period constitutes a waiver of the right to object. In a contest between a person who is entitled to notice pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-45) objecting to the adoption and the prospective adoptive parent, the standard shall be the best interest of the child. The best interest of a child requires that a parent affirmatively assume the duties encompassed by the role of being a parent. In determining whether a parent has affirmatively assumed the duties of a parent, the court shall consider, but is not limited to consideration of, the fulfillment of financial obligations for the birth and care of the child, demonstration of continued interest in the child, demonstration of a genuine effort to maintain communication with the child, and demonstration of the establishment and maintenance of a place of importance in the child's life. A judgment of adoption shall be entered over an objection of a person who is entitled to notice pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-45) communicated to the court by personal appearance or by letter if the court finds, during the six-month period prior to the placement of the child for adoption or within 120 days after the birth of a child or prior to the date of the preliminary hearing, whichever occurs first, in the case of a child placed for adoption as a newborn infant: (1) that the parent has substantially failed to perform the regular and expected parental functions of care and support of the child, although able to do so, or (2) that the parent is unable to perform the regular and expected parental functions of care and support of the child and that the parent's inability to perform those functions is unlikely to change in the immediate future. The regular and expected functions of care and support of a child shall include the following: (a) the maintenance of a relationship with the child such that the child perceives the person as his parent; (b) communicating with the child or person having legal custody of the child and parenting time rights, or unless prevented from so doing by the custodial parent or other custodian of the child or a social service agency over the birth parent's objection; or (c) providing financial support for the child unless prevented from doing so by the custodial parent or other custodian of the child or a social service agency. A parent shall be presumed to have failed to perform the regular and expected parental functions of care and support of the child if the court finds that the situation set forth in paragraph (1) or (2) has occurred during the six-month period prior to the placement of the child for adoption, or within 120 days after the birth of a child or prior to the date of the preliminary hearing, whichever occurs first, in the case of a child placed for adoption as a newborn infant. In the case where the objecting parent is incarcerated during the six-month period prior to placement of the child for adoption, relevant factors to be considered in determining whether that incarcerated parent has failed to perform the regular and expected parental functions or is unable to perform the regular and expected parental functions pursuant to this subsection, shall include the extent of the relationship which existed between the parent and child prior to incarceration, including financial support; the efforts made to continue a relationship during the incarceration; the ability to communicate and visit with the child during incarceration; and the effect of the communication and visitation on the child's development in terms of providing nurturing and emotional support. b. The guardian of a child to be adopted who has not executed a surrender pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-41) and any other person who has provided primary care and supervision in his home for the child for a period of six months or one half of the life of the child, whichever is less, in the two years prior to the complaint shall be given notice of the action and in accordance with the Rules of Court shall have standing to object to the adoption, which objection shall be given due consideration by the court in determining whether the best interests of the child would be promoted by the adoption. L.1977,c.367,s.10; amended 1993, c.345, s.9; 1997, c.299, s.10; 1998, c.20, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17B-1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17B / Section 17B-1
Legislative findings
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds and declares and by this act intends, pending the revision and amendment of the many statutory provisions involved, to: a. Extend to persons 18 years of age and older the basic civil and contractual rights and obligations heretofore applicable only to persons 21 years of age or older, including the right to contract, sue, be sued and defend civil actions, apply for and be appointed to public employment, apply for and be granted a license or authority to engage in a business or profession subject to State regulation, serve on juries, marry, adopt children, attend and participate in horse race meetings and parimutuel betting and other legalized games and gaming, except as otherwise provided in subsection c. of this section, sell alcoholic beverages, act as an incorporator, registered agent or director of a corporation, consent to medical and surgical treatment, execute a will, and to inherit, purchase, mortgage or otherwise encumber and convey real and personal property. b. Extend to persons 21 years of age and older the right to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages on January 1, 1983, provided that anyone attaining the age to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages legally prior to January 1, 1983, shall retain that right. Nothing in this act shall preclude any licensee under R.S. 33:1-1 et seq. from making purchases in the regular course of his licensed activities. c. Extend to persons at or over the age at which a person is authorized to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages, heretofore applicable only to persons 18 years of age or older, the right to attend and participate in casino gaming. Nothing in this act shall preclude any licensee under the "Casino Control Act," P.L.1977, c. 110 (C. 5:12-1 et seq.) from attending and participating in casino gaming in the regular course of his licensed activities. d. Abolish the right of a person between the ages of 18 and 21 years to disaffirm and be relieved of contractual obligations by reason of age. L.1972, c. 81, s. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1973. Amended by L.1979, c. 260, s. 1, eff. Jan. 2, 1980; L.1982, c. 215, s. 1, eff. Dec. 28, 1982; L.1983, c. 134, s. 1, eff. April 13, 1983.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23-9 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23 / Section 23-9
Governor designated executive head
Status: in_force

As used in Article VII of the compact, the term "executive head" means the Governor. The Governor is authorized to appoint a compact administrator in accordance with the terms of Article VII. L.1989, c.284, s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23-4 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23 / Section 23-4
Payment of financial obligations
Status: in_force

The compact administrator, subject to the approval of the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting, may make or arrange for any payments necessary to discharge any financial obligations imposed upon this State by the compact or by any supplementary agreement entered into thereunder. L.1955, c. 55, p. 194, s. 4.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23-5 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23 / Section 23-5
Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children
Status: in_force

The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children is enacted into law and entered into with all other jurisdictions legally joining therein in the form substantially as follows: PART I INTERSTATE COMPACT ON THE PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN ARTICLE I. PURPOSE AND POLICY 1. It is the purpose and policy of the party states to cooperate with each other in the interstate placement of children to the end that: a. Each child requiring placement shall receive the maximum opportunity to be placed in a suitable environment and with persons or institutions having appropriate qualifications and facilities to provide a necessary and desirable degree and type of care. b. The appropriate authorities in a state where a child is to be placed may have full opportunity to ascertain the circumstances of the proposed placement hereby promoting full compliance with applicable requirements for the protection of the child. c. The proper authorities of the state from which the placement is made may obtain the most complete information on the basis of which to evaluate a projected placement before it is made. d. Appropriate jurisdictional arrangements for the care of children will be promoted. ARTICLE II. DEFINITIONS 1. a. "Child" means a person who, by reason of minority, is legally subject to parental, guardianship or similar control. b. "Sending agency" means a party state, officer or employee thereof; a subdivision of a party state, or officer or employee thereof; a court of a party state; a person, corporation, association, charitable agency or other entity which sends, brings, or causes to be sent or brought any child to another party state. c. "Receiving state" means the state to which a child is sent, brought, or caused to be sent or brought, whether by public authorities or private persons or agencies, and whether for placement with state or local public authorities or for placement with private agencies or persons. d. "Placement" means the arrangement for the care of a child in a family free or boarding home or in a child-caring agency or institution but does not include any institution caring for the mentally ill, mentally defective or epileptic or any institution primarily educational in character, and any hospital or other medical facility. ARTICLE III. CONDITIONS FOR PLACEMENT 1. a. No sending agency shall send, bring, or, cause to be sent or brought into any other party state any child for placement in foster care or as a preliminary to a possible adoption unless the sending agency shall comply with each and every requirement set forth in this article and with the applicable laws of the receiving state governing the placement of children therein. b. Prior to sending, bringing or causing any child to be sent or brought into a receiving state for placement in foster care or as a preliminary to a possible adoption, the sending agency shall furnish the appropriate public authorities in the receiving state written notice of the intention to send, bring, or place the child in the receiving state. The notice shall contain: (1) The name, date and place of birth of the child. (2) The identity and address or addresses of the parents or legal guardian. (3) The name and address of the person, agency or institution to or with which the sending agency proposes to send, bring, or place the child. (4) A full statement of the reasons for such proposed action and evidence of the authority pursuant to which the placement is proposed to be made. c. Any public officer or agency in a receiving state which is in receipt of a notice pursuant to subsection a. of paragraph 1. of this article may request of the sending agency, or any other appropriate office or agency of or in the sending agency's state, and shall be entitled to receive therefrom, such supporting or additional information as it may deem necessary under the circumstances to carry out the purpose and policy of this compact. d. The child shall not be sent, brought, or caused to be sent or brought into the receiving state until the appropriate public authorities in the receiving state shall notify the sending agency, in writing, to the effect that the proposed placement does not appear to be contrary to the interests of the child. ARTICLE IV. PENALTY FOR ILLEGAL PLACEMENT 1. The sending, bringing, or causing to be sent or brought into any receiving state of a child in violation of the terms of this compact shall constitute a violation of the law respecting the placement of children of both the state in which the sending agency is located or from which it sends or brings the child and of the receiving state. Such violation may be punished or subjected to penalty in either jurisdiction in accordance with its laws. In addition to liability for any such punishment or penalty, any such violation shall constitute full and sufficient grounds for the suspension or revocation of any license, permit, or other legal authorization held by the sending agency which empowers or allows it to place, or care for, children. ARTICLE V. RETENTION OF JURISDICTION 1. a. The sending agency shall retain jurisdiction over the child sufficient to determine all matters in relation to the custody, supervision, care, treatment and disposition of the child which it would have had if the child had remained in the sending agency's state, until the child is adopted, reaches majority, becomes self-supporting or is discharged with the concurrence of the appropriate authority in the receiving state. Such jurisdiction shall also include the power to effect or cause the return of the child or its transfer to another location and custody pursuant to law. The sending agency shall continue to have financial responsibility for support and maintenance of the child during the period of the placement. Nothing contained herein shall defeat a claim of jurisdiction by a receiving state sufficient to deal with an act of delinquency or crime committed therein. b. When the sending agency is a public agency, it may enter into an agreement with an authorized public or private agency in the receiving state providing for the performance of one or more services in respect of such case by the latter as agent for the sending agency. c. Nothing in this compact shall be construed to prevent a private charitable agency authorized to place children in the receiving state from performing services or acting as agent in that state for a private charitable agency of the sending state; nor to prevent the agency in the receiving state from discharging financial responsibility for the support and maintenance of a child who has been placed on behalf of the sending agency without relieving the responsibility set forth in subsection a. of paragraph 1. hereof. ARTICLE VI. INSTITUTIONAL CARE OF DELINQUENT CHILDREN 1. A child adjudicated delinquent may be placed in an institution in another party jurisdiction pursuant to this compact, but no such placement shall be made unless the child is given a court hearing on notice to the parent or guardian with opportunity to be heard, prior to his being sent to such other party jurisdiction for institutional care and the court finds that: a. Equivalent facilities for the child are not available in the sending agency's jurisdiction; and b. Institutional care in the other jurisdiction is in the best interest of the child and will not produce undue hardship. ARTICLE VII. COMPACT ADMINISTRATOR 1. The executive head of each jurisdiction party to this compact shall designate an officer who shall be general coordinator of activities under this compact in his jurisdiction and who, acting jointly with like officers of other party jurisdiction, shall have power to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out more effectively the terms and provisions of this compact. ARTICLE VIII. LIMITATIONS 1. This compact shall not apply to: a. The sending or bringing of a child into a receiving state by his parent, step-parent, grandparent, adult brother or sister, adult uncle or aunt, or his guardian and leaving the child with any such relative or nonagency guardian in the receiving state. b. Any placement, sending or bringing of a child into a receiving state pursuant to any other interstate compact to which both the state from which the child is sent or brought and the receiving state are party, or to any other agreement between said states which has the force of law. ARTICLE IX. ENACTMENT AND WITHDRAWAL 1. This compact shall be open to joinder by any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and, with the consent of Congress, the government of Canada or any province thereof. It shall become effective with respect to any such jurisdiction when such jurisdiction has enacted the same into law. Withdrawal from this compact shall be by the enactment of a statute repealing the same, but shall not take effect until two years after the effective date of such statute and until written notice of the withdrawal has been given by the withdrawing state to the governor of each other party jurisdiction. Withdrawal of a party state shall not affect the rights, duties and obligations under this compact of any sending agency therein with respect to a placement made prior to the effective date of withdrawal. ARTICLE X. CONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY 1. The provisions of this compact shall be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any party state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any other government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state party thereto, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining states and in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters. L.1989, c.284, s.1. (FOR PART II, SEE 9:23-6 - 9:23-17)
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.61 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.61
Service of petition; answer
Status: in_force

A copy of a petition under section 40 hereof shall promptly be served pursuant to the Rules of Court upon the division or the individual having custody of the child under section 34 whose duty it shall be to file an answer to the petition within 5 days. L.1974, c. 119, s. 41, eff. Oct. 10, 1974. Amended by L.1977, c. 209, s. 29, eff. Sept. 7, 1977.
N.J. Stat. § 9:2-13 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-13
Definitions.
Status: in_force

1. For the purposes of P.L.1955, c.232 (C.9:2-13 et seq.), the following words and phrases, unless otherwise indicated, shall be deemed to have the following meanings: (a) The phrase "approved agency" means a legally constituted agency having its principal office within or without this State, which has been approved, pursuant to law, to place children in New Jersey for purposes of adoption. (b) The word "child" means any person under 18 years of age. (c) The word "custody" means continuing control and authority over the person of a child, established by natural parenthood, by order or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, or by written surrender to and approved agency pursuant to law. (d) The phrase "forsaken parental obligations" means willful and continuous neglect or failure to perform the natural and regular obligations of care and support of a child. (e) The phrase "mentally incapacitated" means the inability to understand and discharge the natural and regular obligations of care and support of a child by reason of having a mental health condition, an intellectual disability, or a substance use disorder. (f) The word "parent," when not otherwise described by the context, means a natural parent or parent by previous adoption. (g) The word "may" shall be construed to be permissive and the word "shall" shall be construed to be mandatory. L.1955, c.232, s.1; amended 1990, c.26, s.3; 2013, c.103, s.54; 2023, c.177, s.17.
N.J. Stat. § 9:22-5 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 22 / Section 22-5
Duties of guidance council
Status: in_force

The municipal youth guidance council shall be charged with responsibility to: a. Assist in co-ordinating and integrating community plans and services, governmental and voluntary, affecting the welfare of all children and youth in the community. b. Assist in co-ordinating and integrating community plans and services, governmental and voluntary, for protecting children who are especially exposed to conditions conducive to delinquency. c. Assist in co-ordinating and integrating community plans for the control of harmful influences in the community. L.1947, c. 179, p. 820, s. 5.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3A-2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3A / Section 3A-2
Findings, declarations relative to establishing Department of Children and Families.
Status: in_force

2. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. In 2003, New Jersey settled a class action lawsuit alleging that the State's child welfare system, which was primarily administered through the Division of Youth and Family Services in the Department of Human Services, failed to protect the State's most vulnerable children from child abuse and neglect. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, a New Jersey Child Welfare Panel was created to provide technical assistance to the State on child welfare issues in order to monitor the development and implementation of a State plan to reform New Jersey's child welfare system; b. Although the State has committed substantial financial resources to the reform of the child welfare system between the date of the settlement agreement and 2005, the New Jersey Child Welfare Panel concluded that the department has not been able to demonstrate substantial progress in the implementation of the reform plan, and the Child Welfare Panel and other child advocates have concluded that children continue to remain at risk; c. One of the concerns about the reform is that the child welfare system is administered through and is one of several large units within one of the largest agencies in State government, the Department of Human Services, which is responsible for so many of our State's vulnerable citizens. The department consists of approximately 22,000 employees and includes, in addition to the Division of Youth and Family Services: the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services, which administers the State's Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs; the Division of Family Development, which administers the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and other public assistance programs; the Division of Developmental Disabilities, which provides services to developmentally disabled persons in the community and operates seven developmental centers; the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, which provides services to persons with mental illness in the community; the Division of Disability Services, which provides various services to disabled adults; and the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, which are responsible for providing services to persons who are blind or visually impaired and persons with hearing impairments, respectively; and d. In order to facilitate aggressive reform of the child welfare system and ensure that the reform effort is successful, it is, therefore, in the best interest of the citizens of this State to establish a principal department within the Executive Branch that focuses exclusively on protecting children and strengthening families, so that our State's children will have the optimum conditions in which to grow and prosper to the benefit of themselves, their families, and society as a whole. The department shall have the goal of ensuring safety, permanency, and well-being for all children, and shall have direct responsibility for child welfare and other children and family services, supported by strong inter-agency partnerships among other State departments also responsible for family services. L.2006, c.47, s.2; amended 2023, c.177, s.18.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.103 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.103
Safety of child undergoing treatment assured
Status: in_force

5. The regional center shall ensure the safety of a child undergoing treatment while the child is at the regional center to the extent permitted by law. The appropriate law enforcement officials and protective services providers shall continue to ensure the safety of the child to the extent permitted by law. L.1998,c.19,s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17A-1.3 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17A / Section 17A-1.3
Definitions relative to parental notification for abortion
Status: in_force

4. As used in this act: "Abortion" means the use of any means to terminate the pregnancy of a female known to be pregnant with knowledge that the termination with those means will, with reasonable likelihood, cause the death of the fetus. "Medical emergency" means a condition which, on the basis of the physician's good faith clinical judgment, so complicates the medical condition of a pregnant unemancipated minor as to necessitate the immediate abortion of her pregnancy to avert her death or for which a delay will create serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function. "Parent" means a parent with care and control of the unemancipated minor, unless the parent has no custodial rights; or if there is no parent with care and control, then the foster parent or the guardian of the unemancipated minor; or a person standing in loco parentis to the unemancipated minor. "Person standing in loco parentis" means (1) that the biological or adoptive parent consented to and fostered, the person's formation and establishment of a parent-like relationship with the minor; (2) that the person and the minor live together in the same household; (3) that the person assumed obligations of parenthood by taking significant responsibility for the minor's care, education and development, including contributing towards the minor's support, without expectation of financial compensation; and (4) that the person has been in a parental role for a length of time sufficient to have established with the minor a bonded, dependent relationship parental in nature. "Unemancipated minor" means a female under the age of 18 years who is unmarried and is not currently serving active duty in one of the military services of the United States of America or a female for whom a guardian has been appointed pursuant to N.J.S.3B:12-25 because of a finding of incompetency. For the purposes of this act, pregnancy does not emancipate a female under the age of 18 years. L.1999,c.145,s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-54 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-54
Costs and fees
Status: in_force

17. The court may order reasonable fees of counsel, experts, and the child's guardian ad litem, and other costs of the action and pre-trial proceedings, including blood or genetic tests, to be paid by the parties in proportions and at times determined by the court. L.1983, c. 17, s. 17.
N.J. Stat. § 9:22-9 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 22 / Section 22-9
Hearings.
Status: in_force

9. Any municipal youth guidance council having an adjustment committee may petition the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part, in its discretion, to either: a. Establish a schedule for a holding of juvenile hearings in a suitable location chosen by the adjustment committee within the limits of the petitioning municipality; or b. Appoint a referee to hear and recommend disposition of any cases specifically referred to the referee by the Family Part of the county and any cases coming within the provisions of the "New Jersey Code of Youth Justice," P.L.1982, c. 77 (C.2A:4A-20 et seq.) arising within the limits of the petitioning municipality. It shall be the duty of the petitioning municipality to see that adequate diagnostic services shall be made available to such children. Any case requiring the detention of a child shall be referred to the Family Part for hearing. Upon receipt of a petition to appoint a referee the Family Part shall proceed to appoint a member of the adjustment committee, or some other suitable person, as referee, in accordance with N.J.S.2A:4-12. Nothing in this provision shall limit the present discretionary power of the Family Part to appoint referees on their own initiative or to prevent such a court from hearing cases scheduled to be heard in the petitioning municipality in place of the referee so appointed by it. L.1947,c.179,s.9; amended 1953, c.9, s.61; 1991,c.91,s.215; 2025, c.35, s.26.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.39 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.39
Issuance of warrant and reports
Status: in_force

a. The court may issue a warrant directing the parent or guardian with whom the child is residing to be brought before the court, when a complaint is filed with the court under this act and it appears that (1) the summons cannot be served; or (2) the summoned person has refused to obey the summons; or (3) the parent or guardian is likely to leave the jurisdiction; or (4) a summons, in the court's opinion, would be ineffectual; or (5) the safety of the child is endangered. b. When issuing a warrant under this section, the court may also direct that the child be brought before the court. c. If a warrant is not executed within 2 court days of its issuance such fact shall be reported to the court within 3 court days of its issuance. L.1974, c. 119, s. 19, eff. Oct. 10, 1974. Amended by L.1977, c. 209, s. 18, eff. Sept. 7, 1977.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3A-7.1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3A / Section 3A-7.1
Regulations for implementing provisions of act establishing the department.
Status: in_force

203. Notwithstanding any provision of P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) to the contrary, the Commissioner of Children and Families may, with the approval of the Governor, 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 regulations 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 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.). L.2006, c.47, s.203.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3A-17 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3A / Section 3A-17
Annual consultation.
Status: in_force

3. In establishing the helpline authorized under the provisions of section 1 of P.L.2013, c.281 (C.9:3A-15) the Commissioner of Children and Families and University Behavioral HealthCare of Rutgers, the State University, or another entity, shall consult on an annual basis with the Division of Developmental Disabilities in the Department of Human Services, the Division of Children's System of Care in the Department of Children and Families, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and at least two State recognized child advocacy groups. L.2013, c.281, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.71 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.71
Appropriations
Status: in_force

There shall be appropriated from the general fund such funds as are necessary to implement the provisions and to effectuate the purposes of this act as shall be included in any general or supplemental appropriation act. L.1974, c. 119, s. 51, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
N.J. Stat. § 9:22-7 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 22 / Section 22-7
Division of Community Services for Delinquency Prevention to advise guidance councils
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of the Division of Community Services for Delinquency Prevention, of the Department of Institutions and Agencies, hereafter referred to as the State agency, to advise and counsel each municipal youth guidance council and fully to cooperate with such councils in the development of plans and activities. L.1947, c. 179, p. 820, s. 7.
N.J. Stat. § 9:12A-7 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 12A / Section 12A-7
Basic center shelter program.
Status: in_force

6. a. A basic center shelter program shall provide a homeless youth with 24-hour, seven-day a week, walk-in access to emergency, short-term residential care. The services offered by the program shall provide a homeless youth with a stable out-of-home placement and help reunite the youth with his parent or legal guardian, except in the case where family reunification is not in the youth's best interest. The services provided at the basic center shelter, as determined by the department's contract, may include, but are not limited to, the following core services: (1) Family reunification services; (2) Individual, family and group counseling; (3) Food; (4) A clothing allowance; (5) Medical care; (6) Educational services; (7) Recreational activities; and (8) Advocacy and referral services. b. If a homeless youth under the age of 18 is admitted to a basic center shelter, the shelter shall attempt to notify the youth's parent or legal guardian of the youth's admission within 24 hours after the admission. The notification shall include a description of the youth's physical and emotional condition and the circumstances surrounding the youth's admission to the basic center shelter, unless there are compelling reasons not to provide the parent or legal guardian with this information. Compelling reasons include, but are not limited to, circumstances in which the youth is or has been a victim of child abuse or neglect. c. If a homeless youth under the age of 18 is admitted to a basic center shelter, the shelter shall notify the division of the youth's admission to the basic center shelter within 24 hours after the admission to determine if the youth is in the legal care or custody of the division. If the homeless youth is in the legal care or custody of the division, the division, in consultation with the basic center shelter, shall determine what services shall be provided to the youth. The services may include, but are not limited to: crisis intervention services, continued temporary placement in the basic center shelter for up to 30 days, placement in an alternative living arrangement or referral to a transitional living program established pursuant to section 7 of this act or to other appropriate organizations and agencies. d. When the basic center shelter has reason to believe that the youth is an abused or neglected child as defined in P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.21 et seq.), the basic center shelter shall report the allegation to the division pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.10). A homeless youth may remain at a basic center shelter for up to 30 days pending the division's disposition of any case originated pursuant to this subsection. e. If a homeless youth under the age of 18 is not in the legal care or custody of the division as provided in subsection c. of this section, and a basic center shelter has not made a report to the division pursuant to subsection d. of this section, the basic center shelter shall notify a juvenile-family crisis intervention unit, established pursuant to P.L.1982, c.80 (C.2A:4A-76 et seq.), in the county of residence of the homeless youth, within 24 hours of the youth's admission to the basic center shelter, that a juvenile-family crisis exists as defined in section 3 of P.L.1982, c.77 (C.2A:4A-22). f. In the event that a basic center shelter notifies a juvenile-family crisis intervention unit pursuant to subsection e. of this section, the homeless youth may remain at the basic center shelter for up to 10 days without the consent of the youth's parent or legal guardian. During this time, the juvenile-family crisis intervention unit and the basic center shelter shall help to reunite the youth with his parent or legal guardian. If reunification with the parent or legal guardian is not in the youth's best interest or not possible because the youth's parent or legal guardian cannot be located, the juvenile-family crisis intervention unit, in consultation with the basic center shelter, shall determine what services shall be provided to the youth. The services may include, but are not limited to, crisis intervention services and continued temporary placement in the basic center shelter for up to an additional 30 days. g. In the case of a homeless youth from another state who is under the age of 18, a basic center shelter shall notify the Compact Administrator of the Interstate Compact on Juveniles, as soon as practicable, but within 24 hours of the youth's admission to the basic center shelter. The Compact Administrator shall facilitate the youth's return home to his parent or legal guardian or make other suitable care arrangements for the youth. L.1999,c.224,s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.10d — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.10d
Rules, regulations.
Status: in_force

4. The Commissioner of Children and Families shall adopt rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) to carry out the purposes of sections 2 and 3 of this act. L.2003, c.301, s.4; amended 2006, c.47, s.44.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-41 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-41
Surrender of child
Status: in_force

5. a. Surrender of a child to an approved agency for the purpose of adoption, other than a surrender taken in accordance with P.L.1955, c.232 (C.9:2-13 et seq.), shall be by a signed instrument acknowledged by the person executing the instrument before an officer authorized to take acknowledgments or proofs in the State in which the instrument is executed. Prior to the execution of the surrender, the approved agency shall, directly or through its agent, inform the person executing the surrender that the instrument is a surrender of parental rights by the signatory and means the permanent end of the relationship and all contact between the parent and child. The approved agency shall advise the parent that the surrender shall constitute relinquishment of the person's parental rights in or guardianship or custody of the child named therein and consent by the person to adoption of the child. The approved agency shall offer counseling to the parent, prior to the execution of the surrender. The surrender shall be valid and binding without regard to the age of the person executing the surrender and shall be irrevocable except at the discretion of the approved agency taking such surrender or upon order or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction setting aside such surrender upon proof of fraud, duress or misrepresentation by the approved agency. The surrender taken pursuant to this section shall be valid whether 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). b. Any approved agency may accept custody of a child by a duly executed instrument of surrender from a parent or guardian of the child or from another approved agency or any agency for the care and protection of children approved by any other state, by the United States or by any foreign country, which has duly obtained the authority to place the child for adoption. c. A surrender executed in another state or foreign country by a domiciliary of that state or country and valid where executed shall be deemed a valid surrender in this State if taken more than 72 hours after the birth of the child. d. At the request of a parent of the child, an approved agency authorized to receive surrenders, may receive that parent's surrender of his child for purposes of having the child adopted by a person specified by the surrendering parent. The agency shall follow all regulations regarding the securing of a surrender and shall cooperate with the prospective parents in the processing of the proposed adoption. An adoption based on a surrender under this subsection shall be deemed one in which the child was received from an approved agency for purposes of section 11 of P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-47). e. A surrender of a child shall not be valid if taken prior to the birth of the child who is the subject of the surrender. A surrender by the birth parent of a child shall not be valid if taken within 72 hours of the birth of the child. The denial of paternity by an alleged father, at any time including prior to the birth of the child, shall be deemed a surrender for purposes of allowing the child to be adopted. L.1977,c.367,s.5; amended 1993,c.345,s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 9:12A-9 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 12A / Section 12A-9
Rules, regulations.
Status: in_force

8. Subject to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), the Commissioner of Children and Families shall adopt rules and regulations for the licensing by the department of organizations and agencies that provide street outreach or basic center shelter or transitional living programs for homeless youth. L.1999, c.224, s.8; amended 2006, c.47, s.75.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.34 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.34
Persons who may originate proceedings
Status: in_force

The following persons may originate a proceeding under this act: a. A parent or other person interested in the child. b. A duly authorized agency, association, society, institution or the division. c. A police officer. d. Any person having knowledge or information of a nature which convinces him that a child is abused or neglected. e. A person on the court's direction. f. The county prosecutor. g. In cases where a private individual is unwilling or reluctant to file a complaint, he may request the division to initiate a complaint in his stead. L.1974, c. 119, s. 14, eff. Oct. 10, 1974. Amended by L.1977, c. 209, s. 13, eff. Sept. 7, 1977.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.25 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.25
Transfer to and from the Superior Court
Status: in_force

5. Transfer to and from the Superior Court. a. Notice to the prosecutor. Immediately upon receipt of a complaint, the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part shall forward a copy of such complaint to the county prosecutor, after which the prosecutor shall take whatever action he deems necessary under all of the circumstances. b. Any criminal complaint charging facts amounting to abuse or neglect under this act may be transferred by the county prosecutor or the criminal court in which the complaint was made, to the Family Part, in the county in which the former court is located. If any police officer, county prosecutor or criminal court receives a complaint which amounts to child abuse or neglect, the police officer, county prosecutor or criminal court shall report to the division pursuant to P.L.1971, c.437, section 3 (C.9:6-8.10). If any police officer, county prosecutor or the criminal court refers a matter with regard to the parent or guardian, or child, and there appears to be no basis for action in the Family Part, the proceeding may be terminated. If the Family Part determines a complaint should be filed, proceedings under this act shall be commenced immediately. c. Nothing in this act shall be interpreted to preclude the county prosecutor from bringing criminal action against the parent or guardian or any other person even though the child involved is initially or ultimately the subject of proceedings in the Family Part. L.1974,c.119,s.5; amended 1977, c.209, s.4; 1991,c.91,s.201.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-3.1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-3.1
Suspension; due process rights; remedial plan.
Status: in_force

7. a. A teacher, employee, volunteer or staff person of an institution as defined in section 1 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.21) who is alleged to have committed an act of child abuse or neglect as defined in R.S. 9:6-1, section 2 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.9) and section 1 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.21) shall be temporarily suspended by the appointing authority from his position at the institution with pay, or reassigned to other duties which would remove the risk of harm to the child under the person's custody or control, if there is reasonable cause for the appointing authority to believe that the life or health of the alleged victim or other children at the institution is in imminent danger due to continued contact between the alleged perpetrator and a child at the institution. A public employee suspended pursuant to this subsection shall be accorded and may exercise due process rights, including notice of the proposed suspension and a presuspension opportunity to respond and any other due process rights provided under the laws of this State governing public employment and under any applicable individual or group contractual agreement. A private employee suspended pursuant to this subsection shall be accorded and may exercise due process rights provided for under the laws of this State governing private employment and under any applicable individual or group employee contractual agreement. b. If the child abuse or neglect is the result of a single act occurring in an institution, within 30 days of receipt of the report of child abuse or neglect, the Department of Children and Families may request that the chief administrator of the institution formulate a plan of remedial action. The plan may include, but shall not be limited to, action to be taken with respect to a teacher, employee, volunteer or staff person of the institution to assure the health and safety of the alleged victim and other children at the institution and to prevent future acts of abuse or neglect. Within 30 days of the date the department requested the remedial plan, the chief administrator shall notify the department in writing of the progress in preparing the plan. The chief administrator shall complete the plan within 90 days of the date the department requested the plan. c. If the child abuse or neglect is the result of several incidents occurring in an institution, within 30 days of receipt of the report of child abuse or neglect, the department may request that the chief administrator of the institution make administrative, personnel or structural changes at the institution. Within 30 days of the date the department made its request, the chief administrator shall notify the department of the progress in complying with the terms of the department's request. The department and chief administrator shall determine a time frame for completion of the terms of the request. d. If a chief administrator of an institution does not formulate or implement a remedial plan or make the changes requested by the department, the department may impose appropriate sanctions or actions if the department licenses, oversees, approves or authorizes the operation of the institution. If the department does not license, oversee, approve or authorize the operation of the institution, the department may recommend to the authority which licenses, oversees, approves or authorizes the operation of the institution that appropriate sanctions or actions be imposed against the institution. L.1987, c.341, s.7; amended 2004, c.130, s.21; 2006, c.47, s.41.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.72a — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.72a
Rules, regulations.
Status: in_force

8. The Commissioner of Education shall, in cooperation and consultation with the Commissioner of Children and Families, adopt rules and regulations, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), concerning the relationship, rights and responsibilities of the Department of Children and Families and local school districts regarding the reporting and investigation of allegations of child abuse. L.1987, c.341, s.8; amended 2004, c.130, s.34; 2006, c.47, s.54.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.41 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.41
Required findings concerning notice
Status: in_force

No hearing may commence under this act unless the court enters a finding: a. That the parent or guardian is present at the hearing or has been served with a copy of the complaint; or b. If the parent or guardian is not present, that every reasonable effort has been made to effect service under sections 18 and 19 hereof. L.1974, c. 119, s. 21, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-45 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-45
Action to determine existence of parent-child relationship.
Status: in_force

8. a. A child, a legal representative of the child, the natural mother, the estate or legal representative of the mother, if the mother has died or is a minor, a man alleged or alleging himself to be the father, the estate or legal representative of the alleged father, if the alleged father has died or is a minor, the Division of Family Development in the Department of Human Services, or the county welfare agency, or any person with an interest recognized as justiciable by the court may bring or defend an action or be made a party to an action at any time for the purpose of determining the existence or nonexistence of the parent and child relationship. b. No action shall be brought under P.L.1983, c.17 (C.9:17-38 et seq.) more than five years after the child attains the age of majority. c. The death of the alleged father shall not cause abatement of any action to establish paternity, and an action to determine the existence or nonexistence of the parent and child relationship may be instituted or continued against the estate or the legal representative of the alleged father. d. Regardless of its terms, an agreement, other than an agreement approved by the court in accordance with subsection c. of section 11 of P.L.1983, c.17 (C.9:17-48) between an alleged or presumed father and the mother of the child, shall not bar an action under this section. e. If an action under this section is brought before the birth of the child, all proceedings shall be stayed until after the birth, except service of process and the taking of depositions to perpetuate testimony. The court may consider the issue of medical expenses and may order the alleged father to pay the reasonable expenses of the mother's pregnancy and postpartum disability. Bills for pregnancy, childbirth and genetic testing are admissible as evidence without requiring third party foundation testimony, and shall constitute prima facie evidence of the amounts incurred for such services or for testing on behalf of the child. f. This section does not extend the time within which a right of inheritance or a right to succession may be asserted beyond the time provided by law relating to distribution and closing of decedents' estates or to the determination of heirship, or otherwise, or limit any time period for the determination of any claims arising under the laws governing probate, including the construction of wills and trust instruments. L.1983,c.17,s.8; amended 1997, c.376, s.2; 1998, c.1, s.39.
N.J. Stat. § 9:2-21 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-21
Effective date
Status: in_force

This act shall take effect July 1, 1955. L.1955, c. 232, p. 898, s. 9.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6B-3 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6B / Section 6B-3
Definitions.
Status: in_force

3. As used in this act: "Child placed outside his home" means a child placed outside his home by the Department of Human Services, the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Health, or a board of education. "Department" means the Department of Human Services, the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Health, or board of education, as applicable. L.1991, c.290, s.3; amended 2006, c.47, s.71; 2012, c.17, s.19.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-50 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-50
Witnesses; compelling to testify; immunity; contempt; physician's testimony; admissibility of evidence
Status: in_force

13. a. The mother of the child and the alleged father are competent to testify and may be compelled to testify. b. Upon refusal of any witness, including a party, to testify under oath or produce evidence, the court may order the witness to testify under oath and produce evidence concerning all relevant facts. If the refusal is upon the ground that the testimony or evidence might tend to incriminate the witness, the court, after notice to the prosecutor, may grant the witness immunity from all criminal liability on account of the testimony or evidence that the witness is required to produce. An order granting immunity bars prosecution of the witness for any offense shown in whole or in part by testimony or evidence the witness is required to produce, except for perjury committed in the testimony. The refusal of a witness who has been granted immunity to obey an order to testify or produce evidence is a civil contempt of the court. c. Testimony of a physician concerning the medical circumstances of the pregnancy, and the condition and characteristics of the child upon birth is not privileged. d. Testimony relating to sexual access to the mother by any man at any time other than the probable time of conception of the child is inadmissible in evidence, unless offered by the mother. Before testimony relating to sexual access to the mother by an unidentified man at the probable time of conception may be introduced, the court shall hold an in camera hearing to determine whether the evidence is sufficiently probative so that the interests of justice require its admission. e. In an action against an alleged father, uncorroborated evidence offered by him with respect to a man who is not subject to the jurisdiction of the court concerning his sexual intercourse with the mother at or about the probable time of conception of the child is admissible in evidence only if the other man has undergone blood tests or genetic tests, the results of which do not exclude the possibility of his paternity of the child and which tests are made available to the court. A man who is identified and is subject to the jurisdiction of the court shall be made a party in the action. L.1983, c. 17, s. 13.
N.J. Stat. § 9:24-3 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 24 / Section 24-3
Liberal construction
Status: in_force

This act shall be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes and intent thereof. L.1968, c. 125, s. 3, eff. June 26, 1968.
N.J. Stat. § 9:7-1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-1
Consent of Commissioner of Institutions and Agencies
Status: in_force

A public or private agency of any State accredited in such State for the placement of children, or any person whose home is approved by any such agency for the placement of a child, desiring to bring, send, or receive into this State any dependent child for the purpose of placing such child in any home in this State, may apply for the consent and approval of the Commissioner of Institutions and Agencies entitling such agency or person to the privilege of bringing, sending, or receiving into this State such child for placement in conformity with such rules and regulations of the State Board of Control of Institutions and Agencies consistent herewith as it may from time to time adopt. Each and every application for consent and approval as provided in this section must be submitted on the form approved by the Commissioner of Institutions and Agencies for the purpose and must be accompanied by a certificate or other available evidence that the applicant has obtained a license or approval as may be granted or required by the State Department of Welfare or similar body, or officer exercising similar authority, of the State from which the child is to be brought or sent into this State. No consent and approval shall be given by the Commissioner of Institutions and Agencies for the sending, bringing or receiving of any child into this State for placement for purposes of adoption unless such placement has been approved by an agency approved to place children for adoption under the laws of this State. Amended by L.1949, c. 161, p. 544, s. 1; L.1956, c. 86, p. 176, s. 1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6B-2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6B / Section 6B-2
Findings, declarations.
Status: in_force

2. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. A child placed outside his home by the Department of Human Services, the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Health and Senior Services or a board of education, or an agency or organization with which the applicable department contracts to provide services has certain specific rights separate from and independent of the child's parents or legal guardian by virtue of his placement in another residential setting; b. The State has an affirmative obligation to recognize and protect these rights through its articulation of a clear and specific bill of rights that reflects the best interests of the child whereby the safety of the child is of paramount concern and an affirmation by the State of its commitment to enforce these rights in order to protect and promote the welfare of the child placed outside his home; and c. The obligation of the State to recognize and protect the rights of the child placed outside his home shall be fulfilled in the context of a clear and consistent policy to promote the child's eventual return to his home or placement in an alternative permanent setting, which this Legislature has expressly declared to be in the public interest in section 2 of the "Child Placement Review Act," P.L.1977, c.424 (C.30:4C-51). L.1991, c.290, s.2; amended 1999, c.53, s.18; 2006, c.47, s.70.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-54.2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-54.2
Home study, fingerprint and criminal data.
Status: in_force

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 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 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. L.1993, c.345, s.21; amended 1997, c.176; 2006. c.47, s.40; 2012, c.16, s.18.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.101 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.101
Purpose of center
Status: in_force

3. The regional centers shall: evaluate and treat child abuse and neglect; be resources for the region and develop additional resources within the region; provide training and consultative services; and be available for emergency phone consultation 24 hours a day. The centers shall also be a source for research and training for additional medical and mental health personnel dedicated to the identification and treatment of child abuse and neglect. The regional center may charge a sliding scale fee for services provided under this act. L.1998,c.19,s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17B-3 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17B / Section 17B-3
Majority at 18.
Status: in_force

3. Except with respect to the provision of services pursuant to the laws relating to dependent and neglected children, allocated to chapter 4C of Title 30 of the Revised Statutes (C.30:4C-1 to 30:4C-44), to persons between 18 and 21 years of age who seek to avail themselves of such services and who are enrolled in a school or training program below college level or who require a course of treatment for emotionally, cognitively, or physically disabled persons, with respect to the right of a court to take any action it deems appropriate and in the interest of a person under 21 years of age, or to require a change in action heretofore taken by a court with respect to a person under 21 years of age, or with respect to the provisions of the "New Jersey Uniform Gifts to Minors Act" (P.L.1963, c.177, C.46:38-13 et seq.), or the "New Jersey Uniform Transfers to Minors Act," R.S. 46:38A-1 et seq., every person 18 or more years of age shall in all other matters and for all other purposes be deemed to be an adult and, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, shall have the same legal capacity to act and the same powers and obligations as a person 21 or more years of age. Except as herein otherwise provided, every act or action of any such person shall be as valid, binding, and enforceable by or against such person as if, at the time such act or action was performed or undertaken, such person was 21 or more years of age and no act or action by any such person performed or undertaken on or after the effective date of this act shall be subject to disaffirmance because of minority. L.1972, c.81, s.3; amended 1972, c.206, s.2; 1987, c.18, s.3; 2013, c.103, s.56.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-65 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-65
Requirements for a gestational carrier agreement.
Status: in_force

6. Requirements for a Gestational Carrier Agreement. a. A gestational carrier agreement shall satisfy the following requirements: (1) It is in writing and executed by the gestational carrier, her spouse or partner in a civil union or domestic partnership, if any, and each intended parent. If the intended parent is married or in a domestic partnership or civil union at the time the intended parent enters the agreement, both spouses or partners shall meet the requirements of subsection b. of section 5 of P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-64) and shall be required to enter into the agreement as intended parents. If the intended parent is not married or in a civil union or domestic partnership, no other person shall be deemed a legal parent of the child unless that person meets the requirements of subsection b. of section 5 of P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-64) and duly executes the agreement; (2) It is executed after the required medical and psychological screenings of the gestational carrier and the psychological screening of the intended parent, but prior to the commencement of any other necessary medical procedures in furtherance of the implantation of the pre-embryo; and (3) The gestational carrier and her spouse or partner, if any, and the intended parent shall have been represented by separate attorneys in all matters relating to the gestational carrier agreement and each attorney provides an affidavit of such representation. b. A gestational carrier agreement shall provide: (1) Express terms that the gestational carrier shall: (a) Undergo pre-embryo transfer and attempt to carry and give birth to the child; (b) Surrender custody of the child to the intended parent immediately upon the child's birth; and (c) Have the right to medical care for the pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery provided by a physician, physician assistant, advance practice nurse, or certified nurse midwife of her choice, after she notifies, in writing, the intended parent of her choice; (2) An express term that, if the gestational carrier is married or in a civil union or domestic partnership, the spouse or partner agrees to the obligations imposed on the gestational carrier pursuant to the terms of the gestational carrier agreement and to surrender custody of the child to the intended parent immediately upon the child's birth; and (3) Express terms that the intended parent shall: (a) Accept custody of the child immediately upon the child's birth; and (b) Assume sole responsibility for the support of the child immediately upon the child's birth. c. A gestational carrier agreement shall be presumed enforceable if: (1) It satisfies the contractual requirements set forth in subsection a. of this section; and (2) It contains at a minimum each of the terms set forth in subsection b. of this section. In addition, an enforceable gestational carrier agreement shall include a provision setting forth the financial responsibilities of the parties and shall include a provision that the intended parent shall pay the gestational carrier's reasonable expenses, as defined herein, unless expressly waived, in whole or in part, in writing by the gestational carrier. d. In the event that any of the requirements of this section are not met, a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine parentage based on the parties' intent. L.2018, c.18, s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-42 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-42
Jurisdiction in Chancery, venue
Status: in_force

6. An action for adoption shall be instituted in the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part of the county in which the prospective parent resides, or in the county where the child resided immediately prior to placement for adoption, or if the child is less than three months of age, the county in which the child was born; except that whenever the child to be adopted has been received into the home of a prospective parent from an approved agency, the action may be instituted in the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part of any county in which the approved agency has an office. L.1977,c.367,s.6; amended 1991,c.91,s.193; 1993,c.345,s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.109 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.109
Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Board.
Status: in_force

3. a. There is established in, but not of, the Department of Children and Families in the Executive Branch of State government the Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Board. For the purpose of complying with the provisions of Article V, Section IV, paragraph 1 of the New Jersey Constitution, the Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Board is allocated within the Department of Children and Families, but, notwithstanding this allocation, the advisory board shall be independent of any supervision or control by the department or by any officer or employee thereof. b. The purpose of the board is to establish a certification program for the State's child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams to ensure that the certified centers and teams comply with the accreditation standards developed by the National Children's Alliance, or its successor. c. The board shall consist of 14 members as follows: (1) the Commissioner of Children and Families, the Attorney General, the Chairperson of the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, and the Chapter Coordinator of New Jersey Children's Alliance or their designees, who shall serve ex officio; and (2) ten public members, with at least 10 years' experience, background, or specialized knowledge in child welfare, child advocacy centers, and multidisciplinary teams, to be appointed by the Governor, including a representative of the New Jersey Prosecutors' Association, a law guardian, a multidisciplinary team coordinator, a pediatrician with expertise in child abuse and neglect, a psychologist with expertise in child abuse and neglect, a representative of a child advocacy center, a representative of a victim or family advocacy group, a law enforcement officer with experience in child abuse and neglect investigations, an academician with experience and expertise in child abuse and neglect research or a related field; and one member with general expertise in child welfare and multidisciplinary teams. d. Vacancies in the membership of the board shall be filled in the same manner provided for the original appointments. The members of the board shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for traveling and other miscellaneous expenses necessary to perform their duties, within the limits of funds made available to the board for its purposes. e. The board shall organize as soon as practicable, but no later than 60 days following the appointment of its members, and shall select a chairperson and vice-chairperson from among the members. The chairperson shall appoint a secretary who need not be a member of the board. f. The board may meet at the call of its chair and hold hearings at the times and in the places it deems appropriate and necessary to fulfill its charge. The board shall be entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of the employees of any State, county, or municipal department, board, bureau, commission, or agency as it may require and as may be available to it for its purposes. g. The Department of Children and Families shall provide professional and clerical staff to the board as necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act. L.2017, c.90, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 9:22-12 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 22 / Section 22-12
Effective date
Status: in_force

This act shall take effect July first, one thousand nine hundred and forty-seven. L.1947, c. 179, p. 823, s. 12.
N.J. Stat. § 9:24-5 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 24 / Section 24-5
Grants for establishing and maintaining youth in community service corps; application; report and audit
Status: in_force

(a) Upon proper application submitted to the commissioner by community work program sponsors, the commissioner is authorized to enter into agreements with, and to make grants of money to, such community work programs sponsors, for the purpose of establishing and maintaining the youth in community service corps consisting of disadvantaged youth assigned to community service projects. The application shall contain a description of the overall goals and objectives of the community service project and specific job titles and job descriptions of the various positions of employment for which a grant is sought, and contain such other information as the commissioner may deem necessary and useful. (b) No application for a grant pursuant to this act shall be approved by the commissioner unless the commissioner shall find, in the exercise of his discretion, (1) that any community service project to which disadvantaged youth have been or are to be assigned will contribute materially to the development of such disadvantaged youth and to the public health, safety and welfare, and (2) that the assignment of disadvantaged youth to a community service project pursuant to this act will not displace any other person employed by or at such community service project. (c) No disadvantaged youth shall be employed or assigned pursuant to the provisions of this act for a period in excess of 10 weeks unless the commissioner shall find, in the exercise of his discretion, that a longer period is required or appropriate. No disadvantaged youth employed or assigned pursuant to this act shall be paid or receive compensation less than the applicable minimum wage. Any disadvantaged youth employed or assigned pursuant to the provisions of this act shall be deemed to be an employee of the community work program sponsor that submitted an application on his behalf to the commissioner, and all disadvantaged youth employed or assigned pursuant to the provisions of this act shall be so employed or assigned without regard to the provisions of Title 11 of the Revised Statutes where otherwise applicable. (d) No grant of money by the commissioner to any community work program sponsor on behalf of any disadvantaged youth shall exceed the sum of $750.00 pro rata for each disadvantaged youth employed or assigned by said community work program sponsor. (e) Each community work program sponsor shall submit to the commissioner within 60 days of the termination of each community service project for which a grant has been received a report on the accomplishment of the goals and objectives of the program and an audit of the project conducted by an independent certified public accountant according to regulations specified by the commissioner. L.1968, c. 125, s. 5, eff. June 26, 1968. Amended by L.1977, c. 280, s. 2, eff. Nov. 2, 1977.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.69 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.69
Release from responsibility under order of placement
Status: in_force

Those responsible for the operation of a place where a child has been placed under section 34 hereof may petition the court for leave to return the child to the court and, for good cause shown, to be released from responsibility under the order of placement. After hearing the court may grant the petition and make any order, including an order of placement, that might have been made at the time the order of placement was made. L.1974, c. 119, s. 49, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.10 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.10
Report of abuse.
Status: in_force

3. Any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to child abuse, including sexual abuse, or acts of child abuse shall report the same immediately to the Division of 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. L.1971, c.437, s.3; amended 1987, c.341, s.4; 2012, c.16, s.21; 2019, c.40, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.72 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.72
Rules and regulations
Status: in_force

The division shall promulgate such rules and regulations that will facilitate compliance with this act. L.1974, c. 119, s. 52, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-5 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-5
Reputed father out of county; serving warrant upon
Status: in_force

If the person charged as such reputed father shall be or reside in a county of this State other than that in which the warrant is issued, the person serving the warrant shall present it to a court of the county wherein the reputed father resides or can be found, and upon being authorized by that court, may apprehend the reputed father in that county. Amended by L.1953, c. 9, p. 82, s. 32.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.13 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.13
Immunity
Status: in_force

Anyone acting pursuant to this act in the making of a report under this act shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed. Any such person shall have the same immunity with respect to testimony given in any judicial proceeding resulting from such report. A person who reports or causes to report in good faith an allegation of child abuse or neglect pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1971, c. 437 (C. 9:6-8.10) and as a result thereof is discharged from employment or in any manner discriminated against with respect to compensation, hire, tenure or terms, conditions or privileges of employment, may file a cause of action for appropriate relief in the family part of the Chancery Division of the Superior Court in the county in which the discharge or alleged discrimination occurred or in the county of the person's primary residence. If the court finds that the person was discharged or discriminated against as a result of the person's reporting an allegation of child abuse or neglect, the court may grant reinstatement of employment with back pay or other legal or equitable relief. L. 1971, c.437; amended by L. 1987,c.341,s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 9:12-1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 12 / Section 12-1
Commitment authorized; powers of board
Status: in_force

In any county wherein the board of chosen freeholders maintains for children an almshouse, welfare house or home, under the charge of a board of managers thereof appointed and regulated by such board of chosen freeholders, a court authorized to commit a child to the care and custody of a society, association or corporation for the prevention of cruelty to children, may commit such child to the care and custody of such board of managers, in which case such board of managers shall have the same power respecting such child as such society, association or corporation may have in the like case. Amended by L.1953, c. 9, p. 79, s. 24.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.57 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.57
Abandoned child
Status: in_force

If the court finds that a child was abandoned by his parents or guardian, it may make an order so finding and may discharge the child to the custody of the Division which shall provide for such child as authorized by law. L.1974, c. 119, s. 37, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.23 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.23
Law guardian; appointment
Status: in_force

3. a. Any minor who is the subject of a child abuse or neglect proceeding under this act must be represented by a law guardian to help protect his interests and to help him express his wishes to the court. However, nothing in this act shall be construed to preclude any other interested person or agency from appearing by counsel. b. The Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part, on its own motion, will make appointments of law guardians. L.1974,c.119,s.3; amended 1991,c.91,s.199.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-58 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-58
Support agreement
Status: in_force

21. a. Any agreement in writing to furnish support for a child, growing out of a supposed or alleged father and child relationship, does not require consideration and is enforceable according to its terms, subject to subsection d. of section 8. b. In the best interests of the child or the mother, the court may, and upon the request of the person agreeing to furnish support shall, order the agreement to be kept in confidence and designate a person or agency to receive and disburse on behalf of the child all amounts paid in performance of the agreement. L.1983, c. 17, s. 21.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.35 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.35
Preliminary procedure.
Status: in_force

15. Preliminary procedure. The division may, with the safety of the child of paramount concern: a. Confer with any person seeking to file a complaint, the potential respondent, and other interested persons concerning the advisability of filing a complaint under this act; and b. Attempt to adjust suitable cases before a complaint is filed over which the court apparently would have jurisdiction. c. The division shall not prevent any person or agency who wishes to file a complaint under this act from having access to the court for that purpose. d. Efforts at adjustment under this section may not extend for a period of more than 30 days without an order of a judge of the court, who may extend the period for an additional 30 days. e. Such adjustment may include a preliminary conference held by the division at its discretion upon written notice to the parent or guardian and the potential complainant for the purpose of attempting such adjustment, provided however that the division shall not be authorized under this section to compel any person to appear at any conference, produce any papers, or visit any place. f. The Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part and the division shall deal with cases involving imminent physical harm or actual physical harm on a priority basis. L.1974,c.119,s.15; amended 1977, c.209, s.14; 1991, c.91, s.205; 1999, c.53, s.12.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17A-3 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17A / Section 17A-3
Institution of higher education defined
Status: in_force

As used in this act, an institution of higher education means any qualified institution of collegiate grade, located in this State or elsewhere, which is approved by any regional accrediting association recognized by the National Commission on Accrediting or approved by the Department of Higher Education, or any county college or junior college licensed or approved by the department, operated in accordance with rules and regulations of the Board of Higher Education, or any school of professional nursing accredited or approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. L.1968, c. 178, s. 2, eff. July 19, 1968.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.19 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.19
Notice to parents or guardian; visitation rights; limitation on period.
Status: in_force

4. a. The Division of 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 Division of Child Protection and Permanency, visit the 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 three court days. The protective custody may be terminated earlier at the discretion of the reporting physician, director or appropriate official of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, or upon order of the court. L.1973, c.147, s.4; amended 2012, c.16, s.29.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-44 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-44
Filing of complaint.
Status: in_force

8. Whenever a person receives a child into 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 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 Child Protection and Permanency. The cost of 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 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. L.1977, c.367, s.8; amended 1993, c.345, s.7; 2012, c.16, s.16.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-43 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-43
Instituting adoption actions; qualifications
Status: in_force

7. a. Any person may institute an action for adoption except that a married person may do so only with the written consent of his spouse or jointly with his spouse in the same action or if living separate and apart from his spouse. b. A plaintiff, at the time of the institution of the action, shall have attained the age of 18 years and shall be at least 10 years older than the child to be adopted, except that the court for good cause may waive either requirement, which waiver shall be recited in any judgment of adoption thereafter entered. L.1977,c.367,s.7; amended 1993,c.345,s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23B-9 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-9
The state council.
Status: in_force

9. Article IX. The State Council. Each member state shall create a State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision. While each state may determine the membership of its own state council, its membership must include at least one representative from the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government, victims groups, and the compact administrator, deputy compact administrator or designee. Each compacting state retains the right to determine the qualifications of the compact administrator or deputy compact administrator. Each state council will advise and may exercise oversight and advocacy concerning that state's participation in Interstate Commission activities and other duties as may be determined by that state, including but not limited to, development of policy concerning operations and procedures of the compact within that state. L.2004,c.142,s.9.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.92 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.92
Confidential master file.
Status: in_force

10. a. The board shall record the name, age, date of birth, place of death or pronouncement of death, date and time of death, and circumstances surrounding the death in a confidential master file. Similar information shall be recorded for each near fatality reviewed by the board. The file shall serve as the minimum record of the case and shall be the only file that contains the name of the child and shall not be subject to discovery, but may be used by the chairperson of the board to refer an individual case, including the board's deliberations and conclusions, to the extent necessary for an appropriate agency to investigate or to provide services. b. Except as provided in subsection a. of this section, the deliberations and conclusions of the board and of its teams, related to a specific case, shall be confidential. Summary records that are prepared by the board and the teams on each reported case shall be free of information that would identify the child. c. The summary reports, deliberations and conclusions of the board or its teams shall not supersede or replace the conclusions or opinions of the agencies that contribute information from their own records. d. The board shall review the reports submitted by each team and issue an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature which includes the number of cases reviewed and specific non-identifying information regarding cases of particular significance. The board shall also include in the report recommendations for achieving better coordination and collaboration among State and local agencies and recommendations for system-wide improvements in services to prevent fatalities and near fatalities among children. L.1997,c.175,s.10.
N.J. Stat. § 9:10-3 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 10 / Section 10-3
Scope and purpose of school; personnel
Status: in_force

9:10-3. A county school of detention shall be arranged and conducted so far as practicable for the safe custody of the inmates and so far as duration of commitment permits for their training for good citizenship and self-support. There shall be ample ground for farming or gardening and shops or other means for industrial training and the institution shall be maintained or conducted as a home. To this end a superintendent and such teachers, matrons, masters, farmers and other employees shall be employed by the board of directors as in their judgment may be necessary for the proper maintenance of the school and grounds and the proper care, instruction and training of the children. The superintendent shall be a competent person of good moral character and shall reside in the school. The superintendent or principal teacher shall prepare and adopt a course of study and training for the pupils of the school subject to approval of the board of directors and the State Board of Education. The teachers shall have the qualifications and certificates of public school teachers in the public schools of this State. The principal teacher shall be the supervising principal and the school shall be entitled to apportionment of school moneys as a school district under the supervision of a supervising principal. The teachers and principals shall make such reports and keep such records as are required in other school districts in the county. The superintendent shall employ, subject to the approval of the board of directors, such additional help as may be necessary for the maintenance of buildings and grounds. The compensation and terms of service of superintendent and other employees shall be fixed by the board of directors. Whatever sum in addition to money received from the State is necessary to operate the school shall be appropriated by the governing body of the county. All bills shall be paid by the custodian of the school's moneys on order signed by the president and secretary of the board of directors. Amended L.1990,c.26,s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-40.10 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-40.10
Adoption agencies located out-of-State.
Status: in_force

9. In the case of an adoption agency located outside the State, the administrator of the agency shall ensure that all applicants or staff members meet all applicable laws and regulations in that state governing criminal history record background and child abuse record information checks that may be required as a condition of employment. In the event that criminal history record background and child abuse record information checks are not required, the administrator of the agency shall require that the applicant or staff member make a voluntary disclosure of any criminal conviction or substantiation for child abuse or neglect. The results of the disclosure shall be made available to the department, so the department can determine the suitability of the staff member or applicant for employment. L.2008, c.114, s.9.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.104 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.104
Establishment, maintenance of county-based multidisciplinary teams; "child advocacy center" defined.
Status: in_force

6. Regional centers shall act as a resource in the establishment and maintenance of county-based multidisciplinary teams which work in conjunction with the county prosecutor and the Department of Children and Families in the investigation of child abuse and neglect in the county in which the child who is undergoing evaluation and treatment resides. The Commissioner of Children and Families, in consultation with the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, shall establish standards for a county team. The county team shall consist of representatives of the following disciplines: law enforcement; child protective services; mental health; substance use disorder identification and treatment; and medicine; and, in those counties where a child advocacy center has been established, shall include a staff representative of a child advocacy center, all of whom have been trained to recognize child abuse and neglect. The county team shall provide: facilitation of the investigation, management and disposition of cases of criminal child abuse and neglect; referral services to the regional diagnostic center; appropriate referrals to medical and social service agencies; information regarding the identification and treatment of child abuse and neglect; and appropriate follow-up care for abused children and their families. As used in this section, "child advocacy center" means a county-based center which meets the standards for a county team established by the commissioner pursuant to this section and demonstrates a multidisciplinary approach in providing comprehensive, culturally competent child abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment services to children who are victims of child abuse or neglect. L.1998, c.19, s.6; amended 2001, c.344; 2004, c.130, s.36; 2006, c.47, s.65; 2023, c.177, s.24.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23-2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23 / Section 23-2
Appointment of compact administrator.
Status: in_force

2. Pursuant to said compact, the Governor is hereby authorized and empowered to designate an officer within the Youth Justice Commission established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1995, c.284 (C.52:17B-170) who shall be the compact administrator and who, acting jointly with like officers of other party States, shall promulgate rules and regulations to carry out more effectively the terms of the compact. Said compact administrator shall serve subject to the pleasure of the Governor. The compact administrator is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to co-operate with all departments, agencies and officers of and in the government of this State and its political subdivisions in facilitating the proper administration of the compact or of any supplementary agreement or agreements entered into by this State thereunder. L.1955,c.55,s.2; amended 1995,c.280,s.23; 2025, c.35, s.27.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3A-7.2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3A / Section 3A-7.2
List of State-owned properties available for use as residential treatment facility for certain juveniles.
Status: in_force

1. The Commissioner of Children and Families, in conjunction with the State Treasurer, shall prepare and maintain a list of all available State-owned properties that would be suitable for use as a residential treatment facility for juveniles who are adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to be in need of mental health treatment or referred by the Department of Children and Families. The list shall include: the location of the property; the general condition of the property, including whether the property is available for immediate occupancy; and the square footage of the property including, if available or applicable, the size of potential sleeping areas, eating areas and kitchen space, recreational space, and classroom space. The commissioner shall provide the list to nonprofit and for-profit agencies and organizations that provide or intend to provide residential mental health services to children, upon request of the agency or organization and when the State is provided notice, either verbally or in writing, that the agency or organization is relocating. L.2007,c.76,s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23-3 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23 / Section 23-3
Supplementary agreements with other states
Status: in_force

The compact administrator is hereby authorized and empowered to enter into supplementary agreements pursuant to said compact with appropriate officials of other States. In the event that such supplementary agreement shall require or contemplate the use of any institution or facility of this State or require or contemplate the provisions of any service by this State, said supplementary agreement shall have no force or effect until approved by the head of the department or agency under whose jurisdiction said institution or facility is operated or whose department or agency will be charged with the rendering of such service. L.1955, c. 55, p. 194, s. 3.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-42 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-42
Closed court; confidentiality of records
Status: in_force

5. Notwithstanding any other law concerning public hearings and records, any action or proceeding held under this act shall be held in closed court without admittance of any person other than those necessary to the action or proceeding. All papers and records and any information pertaining to an action or proceeding held under this act which may reveal the identity of any party in an action, other than the final judgment or the birth certificate, whether part of the permanent record of the court or of a file with the State registrar of vital statistics or elsewhere, are confidential and are subject to inspection only upon consent of the court and all parties to the action who are still living, or in exceptional cases only upon an order of the court for compelling reason clearly and convincingly shown. L.1983, c. 17, s. 5.
N.J. Stat. § 9:2-7.1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-7.1
Visitation rights for grandparents, siblings
Status: in_force

1.a. A grandparent or any sibling of a child residing in this State may make application before the Superior Court, in accordance with the Rules of Court, for an order for visitation. It shall be the burden of the applicant to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the granting of visitation is in the best interests of the child. b. In making a determination on an application filed pursuant to this section, the court shall consider the following factors: (1) The relationship between the child and the applicant; (2) The relationship between each of the child's parents or the person with whom the child is residing and the applicant; (3) The time which has elapsed since the child last had contact with the applicant; (4) The effect that such visitation will have on the relationship between the child and the child's parents or the person with whom the child is residing; (5) If the parents are divorced or separated, the time sharing arrangement which exists between the parents with regard to the child; (6) The good faith of the applicant in filing the application; (7) Any history of physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect by the applicant; and (8) Any other factor relevant to the best interests of the child. c. With regard to any application made pursuant to this section, it shall be prima facie evidence that visitation is in the child's best interest if the applicant had, in the past, been a full-time caretaker for the child. L.1971,c.420,s.1; amended 1973,c.100; 1987,c.363,s.2; 1993,c.161,s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.100 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.100
Function of center, staffing.
Status: in_force

2. Each center shall demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach to identifying and responding to child abuse and neglect. The center staff shall include, at a minimum, a pediatrician, a consulting psychiatrist, a psychologist and a social worker who are trained to evaluate and treat children who have been abused or neglected and their families. Each center shall establish a liaison with the district office of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families and the prosecutor's office from the county in which the child who is undergoing evaluation and treatment resides. At least one member of the staff shall also have an appropriate professional credential or significant training and experience in the identification and treatment of substance use disorder. Each center shall develop an intake, referral and case tracking process which assists the division and prosecutor's office in assuring that child victims receive appropriate and timely diagnostic and treatment services. L.1998, c.19, s.2; amended 2006, c.47, s.63; 2023, c.177, s.22.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.113 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.113
Distribution of grants.
Status: in_force

7. a. The monies deposited in the Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Fund shall be distributed by the Department of Children and Families as grants to child advocacy centers or multidisciplinary teams certified by the board pursuant to subsection c. of section 5 of this act, as applicable to: (1) establish or construct new centers, or renew, renovate, improve, expand, or reconstruct existing centers; (2) make technological improvements, including the modernization of software and hardware; (3) hire personnel, fund new positions, expand the responsibilities of existing positions, pay for additional diagnostic treatment services and other costs, and provide for continuing funding that has been eliminated from a State, federal, or private funding source for diagnostic mental health and medical treatment services, as necessary, to establish new services or improve existing services provided by the centers or teams; and (4) fund any other purpose that would enhance the effective and efficient operation of the centers or teams. b. The Department of Children and Families shall accept and approve the applications of child advocacy centers or multidisciplinary teams for grants from the fund, and shall award the grants to new centers or teams that apply and qualify for, and existing centers or teams that meet the requirements of, certification in accordance with subsection b. of section 5 of this act. The Department of Children and Families shall maintain records of all the grants made from the fund pursuant to this section. L.2017, c.90, s.7.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-46 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-46
Jurisdiction
Status: in_force

9. a. The Superior Court shall have jurisdiction over an action brought under this act. The action shall be joined with an action for divorce, annulment, separate maintenance or support. b. A person who has sexual intercourse in this State thereby submits to the jurisdiction of the courts of this State as to an action brought under this act with respect to a child who may have been conceived by that act of intercourse. In addition to any other method provided by law, personal jurisdiction may be acquired by service in accordance with the rules of the court. c. The action may be brought in the county in which the child or the alleged father resides or is found or, if the father is deceased, in which proceedings for probate of his estate have been or could be commenced. L.1983,c.17,s.9; amended 1991,c.91,s.211.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-55 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-55
Enforcing parties
Status: in_force

18. a. If existence of the father and child relationship is declared, or paternity or a duty of support has been acknowledged or adjudicated under this act or under prior law, the obligation of the father may be enforced in the same or other proceedings by the mother, and child, the public agency that has furnished or may furnish the reasonable expenses of pregnancy, postpartum disability, education, support, medical expenses, or burial, or by any other person, including a private agency, to the extent that the mother, child, person or agency has furnished or is furnishing these expenses. b. The court may order support payments to be made to the mother, the clerk of the court, the appropriate probation department, or a person, corporation, or agency designated to administer them for the benefit of the child, under the supervision of the court. c. Willful failure to obey the judgment or order of the court is a civil contempt of the court. L. 1983, c. 17, s. 18. Amended by L. 1985, c. 278, s. 10, eff. Oct. 1, 1985.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23-17 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23 / Section 23-17
Jurisdiction of courts not conferred by this act
Status: in_force

Neither this act nor the compact contained herein shall be construed to confer on any court jurisdiction to place children or any class of children if the court does not otherwise have jurisdiction in making any placements into another state party to the compact. A court shall follow the procedures and implement the requirements as are otherwise contained in law and shall also take the steps necessary for compliance with the compact. L.1989, c.284, s.13.
N.J. Stat. § 9:25-7 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 25 / Section 25-7
Reasonably remunerative stipends to members of corps on community service projects
Status: in_force

a. Members of the corps while engaged in community service projects shall receive reasonably remunerative stipends, to be determined in accordance with guidelines promulgated by the Commissioner of Community Affairs. b. Guidelines established for this purpose shall take into account: (1) the necessity of offering sufficient inducement for participation in the corps by those persons whose enrollment will conduce to a realization of the aims and purposes set forth in section 2 of this act; (2) the requirements, expressed in subsection e. of section 2 of this act, as to efficient operation and avoidance of unfair price and wage competition. L.1984, c. 198, s. 7, eff. Nov. 27, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-40.6 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-40.6
Convincing evidence of rehabilitation.
Status: in_force

5. a. For crimes and offenses other than those cited in subsections a. and b. of section 4 of this act, a staff member may be eligible for employment at an approved agency if the staff member has affirmatively demonstrated to the department clear and convincing evidence of rehabilitation pursuant to subsection b. of this section. b. In determining whether a staff member has affirmatively demonstrated rehabilitation, the following factors shall be considered: (1) the nature and responsibility of the position at the agency that the convicted staff member would hold, has held or currently holds, as the case may be; (2) the nature and seriousness of the offense; (3) the circumstances under which the offense occurred; (4) the date of the offense; (5) the age of the staff member when the offense was committed; (6) whether the offense was an isolated or repeated incident; (7) any social conditions that may have contributed to the offense; and (8) any evidence of rehabilitation, including good conduct in prison or in the community, counseling or psychiatric treatment received, acquisition of additional academic or vocational schooling, successful participation in correctional work-release programs, or the recommendation of those who have had the staff member under their supervision. c. The department shall make the final determination regarding the employment of the administrator of an agency with a criminal conviction specified under this section. d. The administrator of the agency shall make the final determination regarding the employment of a staff member or applicant with a criminal conviction specified under this section. e. If an administrator has knowledge that a staff member has criminal charges pending against the staff member, the administrator shall promptly notify the department to determine whether any action concerning the staff member is necessary. L.2008, c.114, s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 9:2-16 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-16
Voluntary surrender to approved agency
Status: in_force

An approved agency may take a voluntary surrender of custody of a child from the parent of such child, or from such other person or persons who, by order of a court of competent jurisdiction, have been substituted for the parent as to custody of such child. Each such surrender, when properly acknowledged in the manner and form provided by sections 46:14-6 and 46:14-7 of the Revised Statutes, shall be valid whether or not the person giving the same is a minor, and shall be irrevocable except at the discretion of the approved agency taking such surrender or upon order or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, setting aside such surrender upon proof of fraud, duress or misrepresentation. L.1955, c. 232, p. 896, s. 4.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.93 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.93
Subpoena, review of records.
Status: in_force

11. a. The board may subpoena and review records that pertain to the child, except as provided in any statute, regulation or Executive Order relating to the confidentiality of criminal investigations and criminal investigative files. The records subject to subpoena and review shall include, but are not limited to, private medical and hospital records, school records, mental health records, and other records which may be deemed pertinent to the review process and necessary for the formulation of a conclusion by the board. b. Records obtained by the board pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall not be subject to subpoena. c. If, at the time of initial notification or during the subsequent review, the board has reasonable cause to believe that the death is the result of child abuse or neglect, or has reasonable cause to believe that the death is the result of an on-going hazard to other members of the household, then the board shall notify or shall verify that notification has been made to the county prosecutor of the county wherein the death occurred or was pronounced, and to the division. L.1997,c.175,s.11.
N.J. Stat. § 9:25-5 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 25 / Section 25-5
Community service projects; agreements with sponsors; employment of corps; contents; duration of employment or assignment of disadvantaged youth; report; appropriations from municipality
Status: in_force

a. The Commissioner of Community Affairs is authorized to enter into agreements with sponsors of community service projects for the employment of the Corps in these projects. The agreement may delegate to the sponsor the recruitment of eligible youth into the Corps for employment in the project or provision for recruitment or their training or both. The sponsor may be required to contribute a portion of the cost. Any eligible youth employed or assigned pursuant to the provisions of this act shall be so employed or assigned without regard to the provisions of Title II of the Revised Statutes where otherwise applicable. b. An agreement under subsection a. of this section shall set forth: (1) A general description of each community service project designated. (2) The number of corps members to be assigned to each project; a description of the nature and duration of their employment. (3) The amount of funds required to sustain each project, distinguishing between the amounts required for corps members' stipends, and the amounts required for other purposes. (4) A statement of the amount and purpose of State funds to be contributed toward the expenses set forth in paragraph (3), above, and the manner and timing of their disbursement. (5) A further description of projects or budgetary detail as the Commissioner of Community Affairs may require. c. No disadvantaged youth shall be employed or assigned pursuant to the provisions of this act for a period in excess of 52 weeks unless the commissioner shall find, in the exercise of his discretion, that a longer period is required, if appropriate. d. Each community service project sponsor shall submit to the commissioner, within 60 days of the termination of each community service project for which a grant has been received, a report on the accomplishments of the goals and objectives of the project and may be required to submit an audit of the project conducted by an independent certified public accountant, according to regulations specified by the commissioner. e. It is lawful for the governing body of a municipality to appropriate funds of the municipality, or to receive and expend money or anything of value made available to it for the purpose from any public or private source, for the support of any activities or projects of the corps within the municipality, pursuant to delegation of administrative authority under this section. L.1984, c. 198, s. 5, eff. Nov. 27, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.36 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.36
Admissibility of statements made during a preliminary conference
Status: in_force

No statement made by the potential respondent during a preliminary conference held pursuant to section 15 hereof may be admitted into evidence at a fact-finding hearing under this act or in a court of criminal jurisdiction at any time prior to conviction. L.1974, c. 119, s. 16, eff. Oct. 10, 1974. Amended by L.1977, c. 209, s. 15, eff. Sept. 7, 1977.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3A-4 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3A / Section 3A-4
Definitions relative to Department of Children and Families.
Status: in_force

4. As used in this act: "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Children and Families. "Department" means the Department of Children and Families established by this act. L.2006, c.47, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 9:10-2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 10 / Section 10-2
Incorrigible, insubordinate and disorderly children and habitual truants
Status: in_force

Children under the age of sixteen who shall be habitual truants from school or habitually insubordinate or incorrigible and disorderly during attendance at school and who have been complained against in accordance with subtitle 5 of this title (s. 9:18-1 et seq.) shall be received by the school of detention. All children under sixteen years of age arrested for any cause, except murder or manslaughter, and school children habitually truant or incorrigible may by order of the juvenile and domestic relations court be held in the detention school until final judgment.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.40a — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.40a
Expungement of unfounded allegations.
Status: in_force

1. a. The Division of 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.). L.1997, c.62, s.1; amended 2004, c.130, s.32; 2006, c.47, s.52; 2012, c.16, s.34.
N.J. Stat. § 9:7-2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-2
Indemnity bond; conditions
Status: in_force

Subject to the further provisions of this chapter, any agency or person as described in section 9:7-1, before obtaining the consent and approval of the Commissioner of Institutions and Agencies for bringing, sending or receiving any such child into this State, shall be required to furnish an indemnity bond, with corporate surety, in favor of the State of New Jersey in the sum of $1,000.00, to be approved by the Commissioner of Institutions and Agencies, conditioned as follows: That such agency or person will not send or bring, or cause to be brought or sent, or receive into this State any child that is incorrigible, or one that is of unsound mind or body; but nothing herein contained shall be construed to mean that blindness in itself shall act as any barrier to the importation of any such child, subject to all other consistent provisions of this chapter; that if any such child shall, before reaching the age of 18 years, become a public charge such agency or person will, within 30 days after written notice given by the Commissioner of Institutions and Agencies, remove such child from this State; and that if any such child shall be adjudged delinquent within 3 years from the time of arrival within this State, such agency or person will remove from this State such child within 30 days thereafter upon written notice as aforesaid; and that if any such child who shall become a public charge as aforesaid, or who shall be adjudged delinquent as aforementioned, shall not be so removed from this State, then such agency or person shall at once and thereby forfeit such sum as this State, or any county or municipality thereof, shall have expended in the care or maintenance of such child; that such agency or person will make to the Commissioner of Institutions and Agencies such reports as such commissioner from time to time may require. Amended by L.1949, c. 161, p. 545, s. 2; L.1956, c. 86, p. 177, s. 2.
N.J. Stat. § 9:2-4.1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-4.1
Person convicted of sexual assault, custody of, visitation to minor child; denied, exceptions.
Status: in_force

1. a. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a person convicted of sexual assault under N.J.S.2C:14-2 shall not be awarded the custody of or visitation rights to any minor child, including a minor child who was born as a result of or was the victim of the sexual assault, except upon a showing by clear and convincing evidence that it is in the best interest of the child for custody or visitation rights to be awarded. However, a court that awards such custody or visitation rights to a person convicted of sexual assault under N.J.S.2C:14-2 shall stay enforcement of the order or judgment for at least 10 days in order to permit the appeal of the order or judgment and application for a stay in accordance with the Rules of Court. b. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a person convicted of sexual contact under N.J.S.2C:14-3 or endangering the welfare of a child under N.J.S.2C:24-4 shall not be awarded the custody of or visitation rights to any minor child, except upon a showing by clear and convincing evidence that it is in the best interest of the child for such custody or visitation rights to be awarded. However, a court that awards such custody or visitation rights to a person convicted of sexual contact under N.J.S.2C:14-3 or endangering the welfare of a child under N.J.S.2C:24-4 shall stay enforcement of the order or judgment for at least 10 days in order to permit the appeal of the order or judgment and application for a stay in accordance with the Rules of Court. c. A denial of custody or visitation under this section shall not by itself terminate the parental rights of the person denied visitation or custody, nor shall it affect the obligation of the person to support the minor child. d. In any proceeding for establishment or enforcement of such an obligation of support the victim shall not be required to appear in the presence of the obligor and the victim's and child's whereabouts shall be kept confidential. L.1995,c.55,s.1; amended 1999, c.424.
N.J. Stat. § 9:14A-1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 14A / Section 14A-1
Report of deaf children under six years; care and treatment; notice to commissioner of education
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of every attending or consulting physician, nurse, parent or guardian having charge of any minor under six years of age who is totally deaf or whose hearing is impaired to report the same at once in writing to the state department of health, giving the name, age and residence of such minor to the director of health and furnish such additional information as the director may require. If the director, after investigation, finds that such minor is not receiving adequate care and treatment, he shall report the facts relative to such minor to the appropriate welfare or other official agency which may provide for such care and treatment. If the case of such minor is referred to any welfare officer, when he has approved the provision of such medical or surgical care and treatment as is needed, and which the parent is unable to provide, the cost thereof shall be a charge against the municipality in which the child resides. The director of health shall in each instance notify the state commissioner of education of his disposition of the case, and the name of the official or agency to whom the same was referred. The commissioner of education, when in his judgment it is desirable, shall communicate to the parent, guardian, official or agency the location of the resident schools for the deaf and also the nearest public school having special classes and also instruction for the hard of hearing with information concerning the advantages offered by the school and the benefits to accrue to the child from attendance at such school, classes or instruction.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6B-4 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6B / Section 6B-4
Child's rights
Status: in_force

4. A child placed outside his home shall have the following rights, consistent with the health, safety and physical and psychological welfare of the child and as appropriate to the individual circumstances of the child's physical or mental development: a. To placement outside his home only after the applicable department has made every reasonable effort, including the provision or arrangement of financial or other assistance and services as necessary, to enable the child to remain in his home; b. To the best efforts of the applicable department, including the provision or arrangement of financial or other assistance and services as necessary, to place the child with a relative; c. To the best efforts of the applicable department, including the provision or arrangement of financial or other assistance and services as necessary, to place the child in an appropriate setting in his own community; d. To the best efforts of the applicable department to place the child in the same setting with the child's sibling if the sibling is also being placed outside his home; e. To visit with the child's parents or legal guardian immediately after the child has been placed outside his home and on a regular basis thereafter, and to otherwise maintain contact with the child's parents or legal guardian, and to receive assistance from the applicable department to facilitate that contact, including the provision or arrangement of transportation as necessary; f. To visit with the child's sibling on a regular basis and to otherwise maintain contact with the child's sibling if the child was separated from his sibling upon placement outside his home, including the provision or arrangement of transportation as necessary, and to have access to a phone number or computer that allows for virtual visits between face-to-face visits or when face-to-face visits are not feasible; g. To placement in the least restrictive setting appropriate to the child's needs and conducive to the health and safety of the child; h. To be free from physical or psychological abuse and from repeated changes in placement before the permanent placement or return home of the child; i. To have regular contact with any caseworker assigned to the child's case who is employed by the applicable department or any agency or organization with which the applicable department contracts to provide services and the opportunity, as appropriate to the age of the child, to participate in the planning and regular review of the child's case, and to be informed on a timely basis of changes in any placement plan which is prepared pursuant to law or regulation and the reasons therefor in terms and language appropriate to the child's ability to understand; j. To have a placement plan, as required by law or regulation, that reflects the child's best interests and is designed to facilitate the permanent placement or return home of the child in a timely manner that is appropriate to the needs of the child; k. To services of a high quality that are designed to maintain and advance the child's mental and physical well-being; l. To be represented in the planning and regular review of the child's case, including the placement and development of, or revisions to, any placement plan which is required by law or regulation and the provision of services to the child, the child's parents or legal guardian and the temporary caretaker, by a person other than the child's parent or legal guardian or temporary caretaker who will advocate for the best interests of the child and the enforcement of the rights established pursuant to this act, which person may be the caseworker, as appropriate, or a person appointed by the court for this purpose; m. To receive an educational program which will maximize the child's potential; n. To receive adequate, safe and appropriate food, clothing and housing; o. To receive adequate and appropriate medical care; p. To be free from unwarranted physical restraint and isolation; q. To be placed in the closest proximity possible to other siblings who are not in out-of-home placement or if placement together is not possible, when it is in the best interests of the child; r. To be allowed to participate in the permanency planning decisions of the child's siblings, whenever appropriate; to invite any other siblings of the child who is the subject of the permanency planning to participate in the permanency planning decision, which other siblings shall be allowed to participate in the permanency planning decision, whenever appropriate; and to have the recommendations and wishes of the child and of each sibling who participates in the permanency planning decision documented in the case record of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families and provided to the court, which recommendations and wishes shall be documented in the words written, or otherwise expressed by the child or other sibling, to the extent possible; s. To know, or be made aware by the Department of Children and Families, of expectations for continued contact with the child's siblings after an adoption or transfer of permanent physical and legal custody to a caregiver as defined in section 2 of P.L.2001, c.250 (C.3B:12A-2), which continued contact shall be subject to the approval of the adoptive parents or caregiver, as applicable; t. To be promptly informed about changes in sibling placements or permanency planning goals; u. To be actively involved in the lives of the child's siblings, including planning and attending celebrations, birthdays, holidays, graduations, and other meaningful milestones, to the greatest extent possible; v. To not have sibling visits, including phone calls and virtual visits, be denied as a result of behavioral consequences when residing in a resource family home or congregate care setting; w. To be provided updated contact information for all siblings at least annually, including a current telephone number, address, and email address, unless not in the best interests of one or more siblings; x. To be promptly notified of the identity and contact information of the child's case manager and supervisor and if a new case manager or supervisor is assigned to the child; y. To have the child's resource family be promptly notified of the identity and contact information of the child's case manager and supervisor and if a new case manager or supervisor is assigned to the child; and z. To be notified of property and benefits to which the child is the owner or beneficiary at the time of the child's placement outside of the child's home, if known by the Department of Children and Families at the time of the child's placement, or to be promptly notified upon the Department of Children and Families becoming aware of such property and benefits, including, but not limited to, federal Social Security benefits; to be informed of the department's intent to file for federal benefits on the child's behalf; and to have an opportunity to review the contents of any application form for federal benefits filed on the child's behalf prior to submission. L.1991,c.290,s.4; amended 2023, c.1, s.3; 2023, c.304.
N.J. Stat. § 9:11-9 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 11 / Section 11-9
Use of facilities by other counties and agencies by agreement
Status: in_force

The board of trustees of any youth house created and organized pursuant to the chapter supplemented hereby may enter into an agreement with the board of chosen freeholders of any other county or the Attorney General of the United States or the State Board of Child Welfare for the care, custody, maintenance or detention of juveniles between the ages of 8 and 18 years. Such agreement shall be first approved by the board of chosen freeholders of the county in which the school is located. L.1952, c. 105, p. 446, s. 1. Amended by L.1957, c. 46, p. 84, s. 9.
N.J. Stat. § 9:11-4 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 11 / Section 11-4
Master, matron, teachers and employees; rules
Status: in_force

Upon the completion of the youth house buildings the board of trustees may appoint 2 suitable persons as master and matron and such other suitable teachers, attendants, officers and employees as in their judgment may be necessary and proper and with the approval of the board of chosen freeholders fix their compensation and the compensation of the secretary. Each appointee shall hold his office or position at the pleasure of the board of trustees. Each person appointed as a teacher shall hold a teacher's certificate equal or superior to a first grade county certificate. The board of trustees shall make proper and necessary rules for the conduct and management of the youth house and care of the inmates and shall prescribe the duties and powers of the employees. The purpose of the youth house is to provide for the education and the moral and intellectual improvement of persons committed thereto. The board of trustees may, subject to the approval of the board of chosen freeholders, prescribe a course of education and manual instruction and training for persons committed to the youth house, giving special attention to courses in industrial training and agriculture. Amended by L.1957, c. 46, p. 82, s. 4.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.111 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.111
Certification program; goal.
Status: in_force

5. a. The board shall establish a certification program for the State's child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams. The goal of the program shall be to ensure that: (1) every child advocacy center or multidisciplinary team in the State applying for certification pursuant to subsection b. of this section is in compliance with guidelines of practice that are consistent with the accreditation standards developed by the National Children's Alliance, or its successor; and (2) the State's child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams incorporate best practices and standards in providing child abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment services to survivors of child abuse and neglect. b. Every child advocacy center and multidisciplinary team in the State may apply to the board for certification in a manner and on a form prescribed by the board. In order to qualify for certification with the board, a child advocacy center or multidisciplinary team shall adopt and implement guidelines of practice that are consistent with the accreditation standards developed by the National Children's Alliance, or its successor. The guidelines shall, at a minimum, provide for: (1) a multidisciplinary team response in an investigation of child abuse and neglect by representatives of the following core disciplines: law enforcement, child protective services, mental health, prosecution, victim advocacy, and medicine; (2) the designation of a private, child-friendly interview and family meeting room which provides an environment that is physically and psychologically safe for, and provides comfort to, a survivor of child abuse and neglect and the survivor's family during the course of an investigation of child abuse and neglect; (3) protocols governing the forensic interview of a survivor of child abuse and neglect that comply with the 2010 Guidelines of Practice for Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Teams in New Jersey and current best practice standards and nationally recognized methods for forensic interviews, New Jersey Court Rules, relevant case law, and internal or external peer review; (4) an interdisciplinary case review process that describes the responsibilities of each team member in an investigation of child abuse and neglect and the provisions of the services to a survivor of child abuse and neglect and the survivor's family; (5) a uniform system to identify, track, collect, and coordinate information obtained during an investigation of child abuse and neglect, and to monitor the progress and outcomes of the investigation; (6) procedures to facilitate communication, collaboration, coordination, information sharing, problem solving, and decision making between team members during an investigation of child abuse and neglect; (7) a dispute resolution process to resolve interdisciplinary conflicts that may arise between team members during the course of an investigation of child abuse and neglect; (8) the provision of services, supports, and other assistance in a culturally competent manner to a survivor of child abuse and neglect and the survivor's family during an investigation of child abuse and neglect; (9) on-going, specialized interdisciplinary training for team members to enhance their basic skills and expertise in the investigation and prevention of child abuse and neglect; (10) mechanisms and processes to allow the center to self-evaluate the effectiveness of its operations and its success in investigating child abuse and neglect; (11) the establishment of county based child advocacy center-multidisciplinary team advisory boards to oversee the operations and administration of the child advocacy center or multidisciplinary team; (12) the creation of an education and outreach program to train professionals from State and local governmental and community-based social services agencies in providing multidisciplinary services to survivors of child abuse and neglect and their families, and to educate the community on child maltreatment and child abuse prevention techniques; (13) procedures to apply for and accept any grant of money from the State or federal government or other sources, which may be available to child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams; and (14) reporting requirements on the use of grant funds received by a child advocacy center or multidisciplinary team pursuant to section 7 of this act. c. If a child advocacy center or multidisciplinary team adopts and implements the guidelines of practice specified in subsection b. of this section, the board shall certify that a child advocacy center or multidisciplinary team is in compliance with the provisions of this act. d. The board shall conduct an annual compliance review of each child advocacy center and multidisciplinary team the board certifies pursuant to subsection c. of this section, and shall evaluate the center or team to determine whether it continues to comply with the provisions of this act. L.2017, c.90, s.5.