N.J. Stat. § 9:17-6 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-6
Bond to be taken; discharge thereon; proceedings when no bond is taken
Status: in_force

When the reputed father is apprehended pursuant to section 9:17-5 of this Title, he shall be taken before any court of the county wherein he resides or is found, and that court may take from him a bond to the State of New Jersey, with good and sufficient surety or sureties, or with cash security, in the sum directed upon the warrant, for his appearance, at a time therein stated, before the court issuing the warrant, and thereafter from time to time as such court may direct. Thereupon, the court taking the bond shall discharge the reputed father from arrest, and such officer shall deliver the warrant and bond to the court issuing the warrant. If no bond is given as herein provided the officer having the warrant shall take the reputed father before the court originally issuing the warrant. Amended by L.1945, c. 183, p. 618, s. 1; L.1953, c. 9, p. 82, s. 33.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3A-13 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3A / Section 3A-13
Inapplicability of act.
Status: in_force

13. This act shall not: a. affect the tenure, compensation, and pension rights, if any, of the lawful holder thereof, in any position not specifically abolished herein; and b. alter the term of any member of any board, commission, or public body, not specifically abolished herein, lawfully in office on the effective date of this act, or require the reappointment thereof. L.2006, c.47, s.13.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23B-7 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-7
Oversight, enforcement and dispute resolution by the interstate commission.
Status: in_force

7. Article VII. Oversight, Enforcement and Dispute Resolution by the Interstate Commission. a. Oversight. The Interstate Commission shall oversee the administration and operations of the interstate movement of juveniles subject to this compact in the compacting states and shall monitor such activities being administered in non-compacting states which may significantly affect compacting states. The courts and executive agencies in each compacting state shall enforce this compact and shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the compact's purposes and intent. The provisions of this compact and the rules promulgated hereunder shall be received by all the judges, public officers, commissions, and departments of the state government as evidence of the authorized statute and administrative rules. All courts shall take judicial notice of the compact and the rules. In any judicial or administrative proceeding in a compacting state pertaining to the subject matter of this compact which may affect the powers, responsibilities or actions of the Interstate Commission, it shall be entitled to receive all service of process in any such proceeding, and shall have standing to intervene in the proceeding for all purposes. b. Dispute Resolution. The compacting states shall report to the Interstate Commission on all issues and activities necessary for the administration of the compact as well as issues and activities pertaining to compliance with the provisions of the compact and its by-laws and rules. The Interstate Commission shall attempt, upon the request of a compacting state, to resolve any disputes or other issues which are subject to the compact and which may arise among compacting states and between compacting and non-compacting states. The commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes among the compacting states. The Interstate Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and rules of this compact using any or all means set forth in Article XI of this compact. L.2004,c.142,s.7.
N.J. Stat. § 9:12A-2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 12A / Section 12A-2
Short title.
Status: in_force

1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "New Jersey Homeless Youth Act." L.1999,c.224,s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.47 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.47
Sequence of hearings
Status: in_force

a. Upon completion of the fact-finding hearing, the dispositional hearing may commence immediately after the required findings are made. b. Reports prepared by the probation department or the division for use by the court at any time for the making of an order of disposition shall be deemed confidential information furnished to the court which the court in a proper case may, in its discretion, disclose in whole or in part to the law guardian, attorney as defined herein, or other appropriate person. Such reports may not be furnished to the court prior to the completion of a fact-finding hearing, but may be used in a dispositional hearing. L.1974, c. 119, s. 27, eff. Oct. 10, 1974. Amended by L.1977, c. 209, s. 23, eff. Sept. 7, 1977.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17A-4.2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17A / Section 17A-4.2
Information provided relative to certain behavioral health provisions.
Status: in_force

2. The Department of Children and Families shall prepare and make available on the department's Internet website, in an easily printable format, information on the behavioral health provisions of section 1 of P.L.1968, c.230 (C.9:17A-4), including, but not limited to, the provisions which specify that a minor's consent to treatment under the supervision of a licensed physician, an advanced practice nurse, or an individual licensed to provide professional counseling under Title 45 of the Revised Statutes is to be considered valid and binding as if the minor had achieved the age of majority, and the provisions which specify that treatment consented to by a minor is to be considered confidential information. L.2015, c.287, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.18 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.18
Division of Child Protection and Permanency, actions upon receipt of report.
Status: in_force

3. The Division of Child Protection and Permanency, shall upon receipt of such report, take action to insure the safety of the child under section 4 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.11). The report shall be deemed an oral complaint under section 12 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-12), and the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, shall investigate the circumstances under which the child was injured and may, after such investigation has been completed, apply for a court order placing the child under its care and supervision, pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-12). L.1973, c.147, s.3; amended 2012, c.16, s.28.
N.J. Stat. § 9:25-4.1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 25 / Section 25-4.1
Youth Corps supervisor, assistant
Status: in_force

The Commissioner of Community Affairs is authorized to appoint a supervisor and an assistant supervisor of the New Jersey Youth Corps created pursuant to P.L. 1984, c. 198, and, within the limit of funds appropriated or otherwise made available for the purpose, to fix their compensation and other terms and conditions of employment. The supervisor and assistant supervisor of the New Jersey Youth Corps shall serve at the pleasure of the commissioner, and their positions shall not be in the classified service of the Civil Service, notwithstanding any provision of Title 11 of the Revised Statutes or of any other law to the contrary. L. 1985, c. 158, s. 1, eff. April 26, 1985.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17A-1.2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17A / Section 17A-1.2
Findings relative to parental notification for abortion
Status: in_force

3. The Legislature finds that there exist compelling and important State interests in protecting minors against their own immaturity, in fostering the family structure and preserving it as a viable social unit, and in protecting the rights of parents to rear their children. The Legislature further finds that minors often lack the ability to make fully informed choices that take into account both immediate and long-range consequences of their actions; that the medical, emotional, and psychological consequences of abortion are serious and of indeterminate duration, particularly when the patient is a minor; that parents ordinarily possess information essential to a physician's exercise of his best medical judgment concerning their child; and that parents who are aware that their minor daughter has had an abortion may better insure that the minor receives adequate medical attention after her abortion. The Legislature further finds that parental consultation regarding abortion is desirable and in the best interests of the minor. It is, therefore, the intent of the Legislature to further the interests stated above by enacting this parental notice provision. L.1999,c.145,s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 9:1-1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 1-1
Equal rights of parents to services and earnings of minor child; action for injuries to child
Status: in_force

The father and mother of a minor child are equally entitled to its services and earnings. If one of the parents be dead, has abandoned the child, or has been deprived of its custody by direction of court, the other is entitled to such services and earnings. The parents jointly may maintain an action for the loss of the wages or services of their minor child when such loss is occasioned by an injury, wrongfully or negligently inflicted upon such child. If one of the parents be dead, has abandoned the child, has been deprived of its custody by direction of court or refuses to sue, the other may sue alone. Nothing contained in this section shall be deemed to supersede, limit, modify or affect the provisions of chapter fifteen of Title 34 (s. 34:15-1 et seq.). Amended by L.1953, c. 9, p. 69, s. 1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:25-2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 25 / Section 25-2
Legislative findings and declarations
Status: in_force

a. The Legislature finds and declares: (1) There persist in the State and especially in the urban communities of New Jersey, areas of economic decay and declining housing stock and human deprivation, marked by the progressive deterioration of housing and community facilities and installations of the economic infrastructure. (2) The dearth of employment opportunities for young persons in these areas has chronically exceeded any life problems experienced in other areas and under current economic conditions, has reached catastrophic proportions, particularly with respect to minority youth. (3) The persistence of these problems despite the fact that the very youth thus affected present a vast and largely untapped resource of talent, energy and zeal sufficient to make a significant contribution to the revitalization of our urban and urbanized areas, suggests the need and desirability of establishing some mechanism to recruit, organize and direct the boundless energy and vigorous idealism of youth, so as to match their hitherto neglected potential against the currently intractable problems of urban reconstruction. b. Accordingly, it is the purpose of the Legislature in enacting this act to establish a New Jersey Youth Corps to recruit, train and employ young persons to supplement and assist in preserving, conserving and enhancing those assets that are necessary to a sound and flourishing community life and are currently threatened by ongoing forces of urban decay. c. Specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is the intent of the Legislature that the New Jersey Youth Corps would be employed in such projects as the rehabilitation of substandard housing; the repair, restoration and maintenance of public facilities and amenities; assisting in the organization and delivery of educational and health and other social services required by various segments of urban populations. d. It is the further intent of the Legislature that the New Jersey Youth Corps, in recruiting young persons for service therein, should aim primarily at providing socially worthwhile and reasonably remunerative employment to urban youth to whom these opportunities might not otherwise be available. e. It is further intended by the Legislature that the proposed New Jersey Youth Corps be operated in a business like manner, with due regard to the true cost-effectiveness of such projects as it may engage in; that its activities be coordinated with apprenticeship or other youth-oriented programs as may be concurrently conducted by State government, and that adequate departmental cooperation and liaison be established to secure that coordination; and that its resources not be in any way employed in unfair price or wage competition with business or individuals. Nothing in this act shall be construed as giving the administrator any authority by virtue of which the Youth Corps or any member or subdivision thereof may compete for any project on which an incorporated business or recognized labor union has expressed intention to bid. L.1984, c. 198, s. 2, eff. Nov. 27, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17A-6 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17A / Section 17A-6
Consent by person age 17 to donate blood, age 16 with parental consent.
Status: in_force

1. a. Any person of the age of 17 years or over can consent to donate blood in any voluntary and noncompensatory blood program without the necessity of obtaining parental permission or authorization. Such consent shall be valid and binding as if the person had achieved his majority, and shall not be subject to later disaffirmance because of minority. b. Any person of the age of 16 years may donate blood in any voluntary and noncompensatory blood program with the written consent of at least one parent or the person's legal guardian or other legally responsible adult, as appropriate. L.1971, c.355, s.1; amended 2002, c.79; 2009, c.58.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-47 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-47
Action on complaint for adoption of child received from approved agency.
Status: in_force

11. a. When the child to be adopted has been received from an approved agency, the prospective parent shall file with the court a complaint for adoption after the child has been in the home of the prospective parent for at least six months. In the discretion of the approved agency, a complaint may be filed prior to that time and the court may schedule a hearing to resolve all matters except finalization of the adoption. The adoption shall not be finalized under this section unless the child has been in the home of the adoptive parent for at least six months. The complaint shall be accompanied by a consent to the plaintiff's adoption of the child signed and acknowledged by an authorized officer or representative of the approved agency; except that failure or refusal on the part of the approved agency to give consent, or withdrawal of consent on the part of the approved agency, shall not preclude an action for adoption. b. Upon the filing of the complaint, the court shall set a date for the adoption hearing not less than 10 nor more than 30 days from the date of institution of the action unless a longer period shall be required in order to obtain service of notice upon one or more of the people entitled thereto and shall order the approved agency concerned to file at least five days prior to the hearing a written report which shall describe the circumstances surrounding the surrender of the child and shall set forth the results of the agency's evaluation of the child, the plaintiff and any other person residing in the proposed adoptive home; and the agency's assessment of the care being received by the child and the adjustment of the child and the plaintiff as members of a family. Upon the request of a surrogate and not more than 30 days prior to the hearing, the court shall conduct a search of the records of the central registry established pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1999, c.421 (C.2C:25-34) to determine whether a prospective adoptive parent or any member of the parent's household has: (1) ad a domestic violence restraining order entered against them; or (2) been charged with a violation of a court order involving domestic violence. The court shall provide the results of the search to the surrogate for inclusion in the court's adoption file. If the results of the search contain any material findings or recommendations adverse to the plaintiff, the surrogate shall provide the material findings or recommendations to the approved agency. If the agency's report contains or the results of the court's search of the central registry contain any material findings or recommendations adverse to the plaintiff, the agency shall serve a copy of that part of the agency's report or the results of the court's search upon the plaintiff at least five days prior to the hearing and the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the child in the adoption proceeding if the court determines that a guardian is necessary to represent the best interests of the child. If the approved agency that placed the child with the plaintiff has not consented to the adoption, the court may appoint another approved agency to conduct an investigation and make recommendations in the matter. The appointment shall not deprive the placing agency of standing to appear at the hearing and contest the adoption. Personal appearance at the hearing by a representative of the approved agency conducting the investigation may be dispensed with by the court if the agency's report favors the adoption. If an appearance is required, the approved agency shall be entitled to present testimony and to cross-examine witnesses and shall be subject to cross-examination with respect to its report and recommendations in the matter. The appearance of the child to be adopted shall not be required unless ordered by the court or unless the inquiry pursuant to section 13 of P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-49) indicates that the child is opposed to the adoption. c. The adoption hearing shall be held in camera. If a parent of the child has made an objection to the adoption, in accordance with section 10 of P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-46), the court shall take evidence relating to the objection. If the court finds against the objecting parent in accordance with subsection a. of section 10 of P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-46), it shall make an order terminating the parental rights of the parent and proceed with the hearing. d. If, based upon the approved agency's report and the evidence presented at the hearing, the court is satisfied that the best interests of the child would be promoted by the adoption, the court shall enter a judgment of adoption. If, based upon the approved agency's report and the evidence presented at the hearing, the court is not satisfied that the best interests of the child would be promoted by the adoption, the court shall deny the adoption and make such further order concerning the custody and guardianship of the child as may be deemed proper in the circumstances. L.1977,c.367,s.11; amended 1993, c.345, s.10; 2003, c.286, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.10f — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.10f
Check of abuse registry relative to individuals seeking employment.
Status: in_force

5. a. The Department of Children and Families shall conduct a check of its child abuse registry for each person who is seeking employment at the Department of Children and Families, or in any facility or program that is licensed, contracted, regulated, or funded by the Department of Children and Families, or who is seeking employment in any facility or program that is licensed, contracted, or regulated by the Department of Human Services to provide community-based services to individuals with developmental disabilities, in order to determine if the person is included on the child abuse registry as a substantiated perpetrator of child abuse or neglect. b. 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 prohibit a person who is included on the child abuse registry from being employed at the Department of Children and Families, or in any facility or program that is licensed, contracted, regulated, or funded by the Department of Children and Families. c. The Commissioner of Human Services shall adopt rules and regulations, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), to prohibit a person who is included on the child abuse registry from: (1) being employed in any facility or program that is licensed, contracted, regulated, or funded by the Department of Human Services to serve individuals with developmental disabilities; and (2) providing community-based services with indirect State funding to individuals with developmental disabilities. L.2017, c.213, s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-39.2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-39.2
Provision of certain information.
Status: in_force

7. In the event that the adopted person was under the care and custody of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families at the time of the person's adoption, the director of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency shall provide, upon request by an authorized requester, a statement providing summaries of the medical and social characteristics of birth family members, family health histories, the facts and circumstances related to adoptive placement, and summaries of case record material. The director shall not release case records in response to such a request. L.2014, c.9, s.7.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-49 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-49
Civil action under act; trial by court.
Status: in_force

12. a. An action under this act is a civil action governed by the Rules Governing the Courts of the State of New Jersey. b. The trial shall be by the court without a jury. L.1983,c.17,s.12; amended 1998, c. 1, s.46.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17A-1.6 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17A / Section 17A-1.6
Notice not required if abortion due to medical emergency
Status: in_force

7. Notice of a pending abortion shall not be required under this act if the attending physician certifies in the unemancipated minor's medical records that the abortion is necessary due to a medical emergency. L.1999,c.145,s.7.
N.J. Stat. § 9:2-12.1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-12.1
Definitions relative to child custody, parenting time arrangements related to certain military service absences.
Status: in_force

1. a. As used in this section: "Deployment" means: (1) the assignment of a service member by military order for military combat, or other military operation, mission, or service requiring a prolonged absence of 30 or more days, making the service member unable during that absence to exercise parenting time with a child for whom the service member is a parent or caretaker; or (2) the participation of a service member in full-time training duty, annual training duty, National Guard training, reserve training, or attendance at a military service school designated by law or by the Secretary of the applicable military branch concerned, requiring a prolonged absence of 30 or more days, making the service member unable during that absence to exercise parenting time with a child for whom the service member is a parent or caretaker. "Military" means the armed forces of the United States, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, the National Guard and any other reserve component of the armed forces, and the merchant marine when organized under the federal law as a public military force. "Service member" means a member of the military, as defined herein, who is not retired. "Service-related treatment" means treatment provided to a service member or veteran service member for a service-related injury, illness, or other health condition requiring a prolonged absence of 30 or more days, making the service member unable during that absence to exercise parenting time with a child for whom the service member is the parent or caretaker. b. (1) The court, whenever making a determination concerning child custody or parenting time, shall not consider the absence or potential absence of a military service member by reason of deployment or service-related treatment as a factor in determining the best interest of a child for whom the service member is a parent or caretaker. (2) The court shall, to the extent possible, expedite a determination on an application concerning a child custody or parenting time arrangement by a service member or the other parent or caretaker for a child in any case in which there is no existing child custody or parenting time order and the service member has received official written notice of deployment or service-related treatment from the military. c. (1) Whenever a service member is a party to a child custody or parenting time arrangement and has received an official written notice of deployment or service-related treatment, the service member shall: (a) notify the other parent or caretaker involved in the child custody or parenting time arrangement of the service member's deployment or treatment location and scheduled dates thereat, no later than the day immediately preceding the service member's departure, or the 10th day after receipt of the official written notice for the deployment or treatment, whichever date occurs first, unless the service member's notice to the other parent or caretaker is prohibited by the military; and (b) provide timely information, if not prohibited by the military, regarding the service member's scheduled leave or other availability during the service member's period of deployment or service-related treatment. (2) The other parent or caretaker involved in the child custody or parenting time arrangement with the service member shall: (a) make the child reasonably available to the service member while the service member is on leave or is otherwise available in accordance with the information provided to the other parent or caretaker pursuant to subparagraph (b) of paragraph (1) of this subsection; and (b) facilitate opportunities for communication, including telephonic and electronic mail contact, to the extent feasible, between the service member and the child during the period of the service member's deployment or service-related treatment. d. (1) During the period of the service member's deployment or service-related treatment, the court shall not enter an order modifying any judgment or order concerning child custody or parenting time, or issue a new order that changes an existing child custody arrangement in effect on the day immediately preceding the service member's departure for the deployment or treatment without the consent of all parties, except when the court finds it to be in the best interests of the child. The court may appoint a guardian ad litem, an attorney, or both to represent the child's interests with regard to any pending court determination concerning child custody or parenting time. (2) Whenever the court finds it to be in the best interest of the child to enter an order modifying any judgment or order concerning child custody or parenting time, or to issue a new order that changes the existing child custody arrangement during the period of the service member's deployment or service-related treatment, the court may order parenting time for a family member of the service member who has a close and substantial relationship with the child. This parenting time shall not create a legal entitlement or standing to assert any other right to parenting time with the child. e. During the period of the service member's deployment or service-related treatment and for 90 days following the day the deployment or treatment ended, New Jersey shall retain exclusive, continuing jurisdiction, in accordance with the provisions of the "Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act," P.L.2004, c.147 (C.2A:34-53 et seq.), over any determination concerning child custody or parenting time. f. Upon the service member's return from deployment or service-related treatment, the child custody or parenting time order in effect on the day immediately preceding the service member's departure for that deployment or treatment shall be resumed, and shall not be subject to modification for 90 days following the day the deployment or treatment ended; however, this provision shall not preclude any application to preserve the health, safety, and welfare of the child. g. Any application pursuant to this section by a service member parent or caretaker during the period of deployment or service-related treatment shall not, without the express consent of the service member, be considered a waiver of any right or protection provided under the "Servicemembers Civil Relief Act," 50 U.S.C. App. s.501 et seq., or the "New Jersey Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1979," P.L.1979, c.317 (C.38:23C-1 et seq.). h. Nothing in this section shall prevent a service member parent or caretaker and the other parent or caretaker from agreeing to a care arrangement for a child during the period of deployment or service-related treatment. L.2013, c.7, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.77 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.77
Vacancies; compensation
Status: in_force

4. Vacancies in the membership of the task force shall be filled in the same manner provided for the original appointments. The members of the task force 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 task force for its purposes. L.1994,c.119,s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 9:2-19 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-19
Grounds for terminating custody.
Status: in_force

7. If the court shall determine that custody of the child has been surrendered as provided in Article II of P.L.1955, c.232 (C.9:2-13 et seq.), the court may declare that the person making such surrender shall have no further right to custody of the child. If the court shall determine that a parent of the child is dead, or mentally incapacitated as defined in section 1 of P.L.1955, c.232 C.9:2-13), or has forsaken parental obligation, the court may declare that such parent shall have no further right to custody of the child. If the court shall determine that a custodian or guardian has been appointed for the child, but that such custodian or guardian has willfully and continuously neglected or failed to discharge the responsibilities of such appointment, the court may declare that such custodian or guardian shall have no further control and authority over the person of the child. L.1955, c.232, s.7; amended 1990, c.26, s.4; 2013, c.103, s.55.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.85 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.85
Procedures for responding to reports of medical neglect.
Status: in_force

3. The commissioner shall establish procedures for responding to the reporting of medical neglect, including instances of withholding of medically indicated treatment from disabled children with life-threatening conditions, to provide for: a. coordination and consultation with persons designated by and within appropriate health care facilities, and b. prompt notification by these persons of cases of suspected medical neglect, including withholding of medically indicated treatment from disabled children with life-threatening conditions. L.1997,c.175,s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23-18 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23 / Section 23-18
Authorization to enter into interstate compacts to enhance protection, permanency for children.
Status: in_force

19. a. The Commissioner of Children and Families is authorized on behalf of this State to develop, negotiate and enter into the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance and other interstate compacts, as determined by the commissioner to enhance protection and permanency for children. When so entered into, and for so long as it shall remain in force, such a compact shall have the force and effect of law. b. A compact entered into pursuant to the authority conferred by subsection a. of this section shall include: (1) a provision making it available for joinder by all states; (2) a provision for withdrawal from the compact upon written notice to the parties, with a period of one year between the date of the notice and the effective date of the withdrawal; (3) a requirement that the protections afforded by or pursuant to the compact be covered by a written agreement between the agency providing services and the parents, adoptive parents, or other caregiver for the child and that the protections continue in force for the duration of the written agreement for all children who, on the effective date of the withdrawal, are receiving services from a party state other than the one in which they reside; and (4) such other provisions as may be appropriate to implement the proper administration of the compact. L.1999, c.53, s.19; amended 2006, c.47, s.78.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.98 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.98
Rules, regulations by department.
Status: in_force

19. The Department 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 effectuate the purposes of this act. L.1997, c.175, s.19; amended 2006, c.47, s.61.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-53 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-53
Judgment, order of court, certificate of parentage, amendment of birth record; amount of support.
Status: in_force

16. a. The judgment or order of the court or a Certificate of Parentage determining the existence or nonexistence of the parent and child relationship is determinative for all purposes. b. If the judgment or order of the court is at variance with the child's birth certificate, the court shall order that an amendment to the original birth record be made under section 22 of P.L.1983, c.17 (C.9:17-59). c. The judgment or order may contain any other provision directed against the appropriate party to the proceeding concerning the duty of support, the custody and guardianship of the child, parenting time privileges with the child, the furnishing of bond or other security for the payment of the judgment, the repayment of any public assistance grant, or any other matter in the best interests of the child. The judgment or order may direct the father to pay the reasonable expenses of the mother's pregnancy and postpartum disability, including repayment to an agency which provided public assistance funds for those expenses. Bills for pregnancy, childbirth and blood or genetic testing are admissible as evidence without requiring third party foundation testimony, and shall constitute prima facie evidence of the amounts incurred for these services or for testing on behalf of the child. d. Support judgments or orders ordinarily shall be for periodic payments, which may vary in amount. In the best interests of the child, the purchase of an annuity may be ordered in lieu of periodic payments of support. The court may limit a parent's liability for past support of the child to the proportion of the expenses already incurred that the court deems just. e. In determining the amount to be paid by a parent for support of the child and the period during which the duty of support is owed, the court shall apply the child support guidelines as defined in section 3 of P.L.1998, c.1 (C.2A:17-56.52). In cases in which the court finds that a deviation from these guidelines is appropriate, the court shall consider all relevant facts when determining the amount of support, including the: (1) Needs of the child; (2) Standard of living and economic circumstances of each parent; (3) Income and assets of each parent, including any public assistance grant received by a parent; (4) Earning ability of each parent, including educational background, training, employment skills, work experience, custodial responsibility for children and the length of time and cost for each parent to obtain training or experience for appropriate employment; (5) Need and capacity of the child for education, including higher education; (6) Age and health of the child and each parent; (7) Income, assets and earning ability of the child; (8) Responsibility of the parents for the support of others; and (9) Debts and liabilities of each child and parent. The factors set forth herein are not intended to be exhaustive. The court may consider such other factors as may be appropriate under the circumstances. The obligation to pay support for a child who has not been emancipated by the court shall not terminate solely on the basis of the child's age if the child suffers from a severe mental or physical incapacity that causes the child to be financially dependent on a parent. The obligation to pay support for that child shall continue until the court finds that the child is relieved of the incapacity or is no longer financially dependent on the parent. However, in assessing the financial obligation of the parent, the court shall consider, in addition to the factors enumerated in this section, the child's eligibility for public benefits and services for people with disabilities and may make such orders, including an order involving the creation of a trust, as are necessary to promote the well-being of the child. As used in this section "severe mental or physical incapacity" shall not include a child's abuse of, or addiction to, alcohol or controlled substances. f. Upon a motion by a party, the court shall enter a temporary support order pending a judicial determination of parentage if there is clear and convincing evidence of paternity supported by blood or genetic test results or other evidence. L.1983,c.17,s.16; amended 1997, c.299, s.11; 1998, c.1, s.41; 2005, c.171, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-4 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-4
Warrants directed to whom
Status: in_force

9:17-4. Warrants in such proceedings shall be directed to a police officer of the county. Amended by L.1949, c. 141, p. 515, s. 4; L.1953, c. 9, p. 82, s. 31; 2023, c.250, s.19.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.70 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.70
Appealable orders
Status: in_force

50. Appealable orders. An appeal may be taken as of right from any final order of disposition and from any other final order made pursuant to this act. An appeal from a final order or decision in a case involving child abuse may be taken as of right to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court. Pending the determination of such appeal, such order or decision shall be stayed where the effect of such order or decision would be to discharge the child, if the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part or the court before which such appeal is pending finds that such a stay is necessary to avoid imminent risk to the child's life or health. L.1974,c.119,s.50; amended 1977, c.209, s.31; 1991,c.91,s.207.
N.J. Stat. § 9:7-5 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-5
Recovery of penalty in bond
Status: in_force

The penalty provided in the bond referred to in section 9:7-2 of this chapter shall be recovered in any court of competent jurisdiction in the name of the State of New Jersey; and such bond shall remain in force, and actions may be brought thereon, during any time within which there may be, within this State, any child under the age of 18 years, whose placement is covered by the provisions of such bond, and who shall have been brought, sent or received into this State by the principal obligor of such bond; provided, however, that upon the adoption of any such child the bond may be canceled forthwith. Amended by L.1949, c. 161, p. 547, s. 5; L.1956, c. 86, p. 179, s. 4.
N.J. Stat. § 9:2-20 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-20
Judgment terminating rights; effect of judgment
Status: in_force

If the court shall find that the parents of the child should have no further right to custody of the child, or that the custodian or guardian, if any, should have no further control and authority over the person of the child, a judgment shall be entered terminating such right or control and authority and transferring the custody of the child to the plaintiff. The judgment so entered, unless otherwise specified therein, shall not affect the duties of the parents, custodian or guardian with respect to support and maintenance of the child. L.1955, c. 232, p. 898, s. 8.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3A-7.4 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3A / Section 3A-7.4
Standardized admission protocols for transfer of child to psychiatric facility.
Status: in_force

2. The Commissioner of Children and Families, after consultation with the State-designated Children's Crisis Intervention Services units and screening centers, the New Jersey Hospital Association, the Hospital Alliance of New Jersey, the New Jersey Council of Teaching Hospitals, the New Jersey Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, the New Jersey Psychiatric Association, the New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies, and other groups as deemed appropriate by the commissioner, shall develop standardized admission protocols. The protocols shall include, but not be limited to, the following: a. routine laboratory and diagnostic tests, based on nationally recognized standards of care, for patients whose clinical presentation warrant such testing. If there is a clinical disagreement about the testing between the examining physician at the emergency department and the assigned physician at the psychiatric hospital or facility, the physicians shall engage in direct physician-to-physician communication to resolve the disagreement; and b. a medical clearance checklist form for transfer or admission to a Children's Crisis Intervention Services unit or screening center. L.2009, c.242, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-60 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-60
Title.
Status: in_force

1. Title. This act shall be known as the "New Jersey Gestational Carrier Agreement Act." L.2018, c.18, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.20 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.20
Physicians or directors of hospitals acting under this law; immunity from liability
Status: in_force

Any physician or director of a hospital or similar institution who takes a child into protective custody pursuant to this act shall have immunity from any civil and criminal liability 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 therefrom. L.1973, c. 147, s. 5, eff. May 24, 1973.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-43.1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-43.1
Conditions for recognizing foreign adoptions, certain circumstances.
Status: in_force

1. a. Notwithstanding the provisions of P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-37 et seq.) or any other law to the contrary, an adopting parent shall not be required to petition a court in this State for adoption of a child if: (1) the child was adopted under the laws of a jurisdiction or country other than the United States; and (2) the validity of the foreign adoption has been verified by the granting of an IR-3 immigrant visa, or a successor immigrant visa, for the child by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. b. If an adopting parent chooses to file a petition for adoption in this State, a court may grant a judgment of adoption without requiring the consent of a parent otherwise required pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-41) if the petitioner files with the petition a judgment of adoption, guardianship or termination of parental rights granted by a judicial, administrative or executive body of a jurisdiction or country other than the United States that is in compliance with the laws of that country. L.2005,c.81,s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:12-2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 12 / Section 12-2
Temporary relief of needy child
Status: in_force

When in a county described in section 9:12-1 of this title the parent, guardian or next friend of any child is unable to provide such care and maintenance for the child as its needs require, the board of managers of such home may, upon request of the parent, guardian or next friend, and upon such terms as it deems proper receive such child into the home for such temporary relief as it finds necessary.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-49 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-49
Age 10 or older, hearing appearance, child's wishes
Status: in_force

13. If the child sought to be adopted is of the age of 10 years or over, the appearance of the child shall be required at the final adoption hearing, unless waived by the court for good cause shown, and the child's wishes concerning the adoption shall be solicited by the court and given consideration if the child is of sufficient capacity to form an intelligent preference regarding the adoption. L.1977,c.367,s.13; amended 1993,c.345,s.12.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.14 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.14
Violations, degree of crime.
Status: in_force

7. a. Except as provided in subsection b. of this section any person knowingly violating the provisions of this act including the failure to report an act of child abuse having reasonable cause to believe that an act of child abuse has been committed, is a disorderly person. b. Any person who knowingly fails to report an act of sexual abuse against a child and who has reasonable cause to believe that an act of sexual abuse has been committed is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. L.1971, c.437, s.7; amended 2019, c.40, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-2
"Parent" and "custodian" defined.
Status: in_force

9:6-2. "Parent", as used in this chapter, shall include the stepfather and stepmother and the adoptive or resource family parent. "The person having the care, custody and control of any child", as used in this chapter, shall mean any person who has assumed the care of a child, or any person with whom a child is living at the time the offense is committed, and shall include a teacher, employee or volunteer, whether compensated or uncompensated, of an institution as defined in section 1 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.21) who is responsible for the child's welfare, and a person who legally or voluntarily assumes the care, custody, maintenance or support of the child. Custodian also includes any other staff person of an institution regardless of whether or not the person is responsible for the care or supervision of the child. Custodian also includes a teaching staff member or other employee, whether compensated or uncompensated, of a day school as defined in section 1 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.21). Amended 1987, c.341, s.2; 2004, c.130, s.20.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.95 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.95
Solicitation of grants, other funds.
Status: in_force

13. The board may solicit and receive grants and other funds made available from a governmental, public, private, nonprofit, or for-profit agency, including funds made available under any federal or State law, regulation or program. L.1997,c.175,s.13.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17A-5 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17A / Section 17A-5
Informing spouse, parent, custodian or guardian of minor's treatment
Status: in_force

Upon the advice and direction of a treating physician or, if more than one, any one of them, a member of the medical staff of a hospital, public clinic, or physician licensed to practice medicine, may, but shall not be obligated to, inform the spouse, parent, custodian or guardian of any such minor as to the treatment given or needed, and such information may be given to, or withheld from the spouse, parent, custodian or guardian without the consent of the minor patient and even over the express refusal of the minor patient to the providing of such information. L.1968, c. 230, s. 2, eff. July 31, 1968.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23B-2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-2
Definitions.
Status: in_force

2. Article II. Definitions. As used in this compact, unless the context clearly requires a different construction: a. "By laws" means those by-laws established by the Interstate Commission for its governance, or for directing or controlling its actions or conduct. b. "Compact Administrator" means the individual in each compacting state appointed pursuant to the terms of this compact, responsible for the administration and management of the state's supervision and transfer of juveniles subject to the terms of this compact, the rules adopted by the Interstate Commission and policies adopted by the State Council under this compact. c. "Compacting state" means any state which has enacted the enabling legislation for this compact. d. "Commissioner" means the voting representative of each compacting state appointed pursuant to Article III of this compact. e. "Court" means any court having jurisdiction over delinquent, neglected, or dependent children. f. "Deputy Compact Administrator" means the individual, if any, in each compacting state appointed to act on behalf of a Compact Administrator pursuant to the terms of this compact responsible for the administration and management of the state's supervision and transfer of juveniles subject to the terms of this compact, the rules adopted by the Interstate Commission and policies adopted by the State Council under this compact. g. "Interstate Commission" means the Interstate Commission for Juveniles created by Article III of this compact. h. "Juvenile" means any person defined as a juvenile in any member state or by the rules of the Interstate Commission, including: (1) Accused Delinquent a person charged with an offense that, if committed by an adult, would be a criminal offense; (2) Adjudicated Delinquent a person found to have committed an offense that, if committed by an adult, would be a criminal offense; (3) Accused Status Offender a person charged with an offense that would not be a criminal offense if committed by an adult; (4) Adjudicated Status Offender - a person found to have committed an offense that would not be a criminal offense if committed by an adult; and (5) Non-Offender a person in need of supervision who has not been accused or adjudicated a status offender or delinquent. i. "Non-Compacting state" means any state which has not enacted the enabling legislation for this compact. j. "Probation or Parole" means any kind of supervision or conditional release of juveniles authorized under the laws of the compacting states. k. "Rule" means a written statement by the Interstate Commission promulgated pursuant to Article VI of this compact that is of general applicability, implements, interprets or prescribes a policy or provision of the compact, or an organizational, procedural, or practice requirement of the Commission, and has the force and effect of statutory law in a compacting state, and includes the amendment, repeal, or suspension of an existing rule. l. "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia or its designee, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Marianas Islands. L.2004,c.142,s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-40.5 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-40.5
Disqualification of staff member for employment.
Status: in_force

4. Except as provided in subsection d. of this section, a current staff member or an applicant for employment shall be disqualified from employment at an approved agency if the criminal history record background check of the staff member or applicant reveals a record of conviction for any of the following crimes and offenses: a. In New Jersey, any crime or disorderly persons offense as follows: (1) a crime against a child, including endangering the welfare of a child and any crime involving child sexual abuse or exploitation material pursuant to N.J.S.2C:24-4; (2) abuse, abandonment, or neglect of a child pursuant to R.S.9:6-3; (3) endangering the welfare of an incompetent person pursuant to N.J.S.2C:24-7; (4) sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, or lewdness pursuant to N.J.S.2C:14-2 through 2C:14-4; (5) murder pursuant to N.J.S.2C:11-3 or manslaughter pursuant to N.J.S.2C:11-4; (6) stalking pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1992, c.209 (C.2C:12-10); (7) kidnapping and related offenses including criminal restraint, false imprisonment, interference with custody, criminal coercion, or enticing a child into a motor vehicle, structure, or isolated area pursuant to N.J.S.2C:13-1 through 2C:13-5 and section 1 of P.L.1993, c.291 (C.2C:13-6); (8) arson pursuant to N.J.S.2C:17-1 or causing or risking widespread injury or damage, which would constitute a crime of the second degree pursuant to N.J.S.2C:17-2; (9) aggravated assault, which would constitute a crime of the second or third degree pursuant to subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:12-1; (10) robbery, which would constitute a crime of the first degree pursuant to N.J.S.2C:15-1; (11) burglary, which would constitute a crime of the second degree pursuant to N.J.S.2C:18-2; (12) domestic violence pursuant to P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-17 et al.); (13) terroristic threats pursuant to N.J.S.2C:12-3; or (14) an attempt or conspiracy to commit any of the crimes or offenses listed in paragraphs (1) through (13) of this subsection. b. 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 subsection a. of this section. c. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section to the contrary, a staff member shall not be disqualified from employment at an approved agency under this act on the basis of any conviction disclosed by a criminal history record background check performed pursuant to this act without an opportunity to challenge the accuracy of the disqualifying criminal history record pursuant to the provisions of section 7 of P.L.2003, c.186 (C.53:1-20.9d). d. If a staff member is convicted of a crime specified in subsection a. of this section, the staff member shall be terminated from employment at the agency, except that the department may approve the staff member's employment at the agency if all of the following conditions are met: (1) the department determines that the crime does not relate adversely to the position the staff member is employed in pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1968, c.282 (C.2A:168A-1 et seq.); (2) the conviction is not related to a crime committed against a child, as specified in subsection a. of this section; (3) the agency documents that the staff member's employment at the agency does not create a risk to the safety or well-being of children due to the nature and requirements of the position; as necessary, the agency shall identify restrictions regarding the staff member's contact with, care, or supervision of children; (4) the agency documents that the staff member is uniquely qualified for the position due to specific skills, qualifications, characteristics, or prior employment experiences; and (5) the department determines that the staff member has affirmatively demonstrated rehabilitation, pursuant to the factors specified in subsection b. of section 5 of this act. L.2008, c.114, s.4; amended 2024, c.92, s.10.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.9 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.9
"Abused child" defined.
Status: in_force

For purposes of this act: "Abused child" means a child under the age of 18 years whose parent, guardian, or other person having his custody and control: a. Inflicts or allows to be inflicted upon such child physical injury by other than accidental means which causes or creates a substantial risk of death, or serious or protracted disfigurement, or protracted impairment of physical or emotional health or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ; b. Creates or allows to be created a substantial or ongoing risk of physical injury to such child by other than accidental means which would be likely to cause death or serious or protracted disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ; or c. Commits or allows to be committed an act of sexual abuse against the child; d. Or a child whose physical, mental, or emotional condition has been impaired or is in imminent danger of becoming impaired as the result of the failure of his parent or guardian, or such other person having his custody and control, to exercise a minimum degree of care (1) in supplying the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, education, medical or surgical care though financially able to do so or though offered financial or other reasonable means to do so, or (2) in providing the child with proper supervision or guardianship, by unreasonably inflicting or allowing to be inflicted harm, or substantial risk thereof, including the infliction of excessive corporal punishment or using excessive physical restraint under circumstances which do not indicate that the child's behavior is harmful to himself, others or property; or by any other act of a similarly serious nature requiring the aid of the court; e. Or a child who has been willfully abandoned by his parent or guardian, or such other person having his custody and control; f. Or a child who is in an institution as defined in section 1 of P.L.1974, c. 119 (C. 9:6-8.21) and (1) has been so placed inappropriately for a continued period of time with the knowledge that the placement has resulted and may continue to result in harm to the child's mental or physical well-being or (2) has been willfully isolated from ordinary social contact under circumstances which indicate emotional or social deprivation. A child shall not be considered abused pursuant to subsection f. of this section if the acts or omissions described therein occur in a day school as defined in section 1 of P.L.1974, c. 119 (C. 9:6-8.21). L. 1971, c.437, s.2; amended by L. 1974, c.119, s.53; 1987,c.341,s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 9:11-1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 11 / Section 11-1
Appointment of trustees; number; term; other offices; vacancies
Status: in_force

9:11-1. In counties of the first class, whenever in its judgment it shall be necessary or proper, the governing body of the county shall appoint 8 persons who shall constitute a board to be known as the Board of Trustees of the Youth House of the county of ............... . They shall serve without compensation and shall hold office for a term of 4 years and until their successors are appointed, except that of the 8 members first appointed, 2 shall hold office for 4 years, 2 shall hold office for 3 years, 2 shall hold office for 2 years, and 2 shall hold office for 1 year. The holding of any other public office by any member of said board of trustees shall not be held to be incompatible with the office as member of such board of trustees. A vacancy caused by death, resignation or otherwise shall be filled by the governing body of the county for the unexpired term. Amended 1950,c.121; 1957,c.46,s.1; 1957,c.144; 1990,c.26,s.7; 1991,c.91,s.208.
N.J. Stat. § 9:2-2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2
Custody of children of divorced or separated parents within jurisdiction of Superior Court; removal from jurisdiction; consent; security
Status: in_force

When the Superior Court has jurisdiction over the custody and maintenance of the minor children of parents divorced, separated or living separate, and such children are natives of this State, or have resided five years within its limits, they shall not be removed out of its jurisdiction against their own consent, if of suitable age to signify the same, nor while under that age without the consent of both parents, unless the court, upon cause shown, shall otherwise order. The court, upon application of any person in behalf of such minors, may require such security and issue such writs and processes as shall be deemed proper to effect the purposes of this section. Amended by L.1948, c. 321, p. 1295, s. 2.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.46 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.46
Evidence.
Status: in_force

26. a. In any hearing under this act, including an administrative hearing held in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), (1) proof of the abuse or neglect of one child shall be admissible evidence on the issue of the abuse or neglect of any other child of, or the responsibility of, the parent or guardian and (2) proof of injuries sustained by a child or of the condition of a child of such a nature as would ordinarily not be sustained or exist except by reason of the acts or omissions of the parent or guardian shall be prima facie evidence that a child of, or who is the responsibility of such person is an abused or neglected child, and (3) any writing, record or photograph, whether in the form of an entry in a book or otherwise, made as a memorandum or record of any condition, act, transaction, occurrence or event relating to a child in an abuse or neglect proceeding of any hospital or any other public or private institution or agency shall be admissible in evidence in proof of that condition, act, transaction, occurrence or event, if the judge finds that it was made in the regular course of the business of any hospital or any other public or private institution or agency, and that it was in the regular course of such business to make it, at the time of the condition, act, transaction, occurrence or event, or within a reasonable time thereafter, shall be prima facie evidence of the facts contained in such certification. A certification by someone other than the head of the hospital or agency shall be accompanied by a photocopy of a delegation of authority signed by both the head of the hospital or agency and by such other employees. All other circumstances of the making of the memorandum, record or photograph, including lack of personal knowledge of the making, may be proved to affect its weight, but they shall not affect its admissibility and (4) previous statements made by the child relating to any allegations of abuse or neglect shall be admissible in evidence; provided, however, that no such statement, if uncorroborated, shall be sufficient to make a fact finding of abuse or neglect. b. In a fact-finding hearing (1) any determination that the child is an abused or neglected child must be based on a preponderance of the evidence and (2) only competent, material and relevant evidence may be admitted. c. In a dispositional hearing and during all other stages of a proceeding under this act, only material and relevant evidence may be admitted. L.1974,c.119,s.26; amended 1977, c.209, s.22; 2005, c.169, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6A-6 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6A / Section 6A-6
Deduction of costs.
Status: in_force

8. Any costs incurred for collection or administration attributable to this act by the Division of Taxation may be deducted from receipts collected pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1985, c.197 (C.54A:9-25.4), as determined by the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting. L.1985, c.197, s.8; amended 2006, c.47, s.68.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-63 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-63
Rights of parentage.
Status: in_force

4. Rights of Parentage. a. Provided that the gestational carrier and the intended parent satisfy the eligibility requirements set forth in section 5 of P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-64) and the gestational carrier agreement satisfies the requirements set forth in section 6 of P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-65), immediately upon the birth of the child: (1) The intended parent shall be the legal parent of the child; (2) In the case of an intended parent who is a spouse or partner in a civil union or domestic partnership, both spouses or partners shall be the parents of the child; and (3) Neither the gestational carrier nor her spouse or partner, if any, shall be the legal parent of the child. b. In the event of a medical or laboratory error in which the resulting child is not genetically related to an intended parent whose gamete was intended to be used under the agreement, the intended parent shall be the parent of the child where the gestational carrier agreement satisfies the requirements set forth in section 6 of P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-65), unless otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to a complaint challenging parentage filed by a genetic parent within 120 days of birth. L.2018, c.18, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-39 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-39
Parent and child relationship defined.
Status: in_force

2. As used in P.L.1983, c.17 (C.9:17-38 et seq.), "parent and child relationship" means the legal relationship existing between a child and the child's natural or adoptive parents, between a child and the child's co-parents pursuant to the provisions of P.L.2019, c.323 (C.9:17-69 et al.), or between the child and the child's intended parents pursuant to a gestational carrier agreement executed in accordance with the provisions of P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-60 et al.), incident to which the law confers or imposes rights, privileges, duties, and obligations. It includes the mother and child relationship and the father and child relationship. L.1983, c.17, s.2; amended 2018, c.18, s.10; 2019, c.323, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23B-4 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-4
Powers and duties of the interstate commission.
Status: in_force

4. Article IV. Powers and Duties of the Interstate Commission. The commission shall have the following powers and duties: a. To provide for dispute resolution among compacting states. b. To promulgate rules to effect the purposes and obligations as enumerated in this compact, which shall have the force and effect of statutory law and shall be binding in the compacting states to the extent and in the manner provided in this compact. c. To oversee, supervise and coordinate the interstate movement of juveniles subject to the terms of this compact and any by-laws adopted and rules promulgated by the Interstate Commission. d. To enforce compliance with the compact provisions, the rules promulgated by the Interstate Commission, and the by-laws, using all necessary and proper means, including but not limited to the use of judicial process. e. To establish and maintain offices which shall be located within one or more of the compacting states. f. To purchase and maintain insurance and bonds. g. To borrow, accept, hire or contract for services of personnel. h. To establish and appoint committees and hire staff which it deems necessary for the carrying out of its functions including, but not limited to, an executive committee as required by Article III which shall have the power to act on behalf of the Interstate Commission in carrying out its powers and duties hereunder. i. To elect or appoint such officers, attorneys, employees, agents, or consultants, and to fix their compensation, define their duties and determine their qualifications; and to establish the Interstate Commission's personnel policies and programs relating to, inter alia, conflicts of interest, rates of compensation, and qualifications of personnel. j. To accept any and all donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services, and to receive, utilize, and dispose of it. k. To lease, purchase, accept contributions or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve or use any property, real, personal, or mixed. l. To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal or mixed. m. To establish a budget and make expenditures and levy dues as provided in Article VIII of this compact. n. To sue and be sued. o. To adopt a seal and by-laws governing the management and operation of the Interstate Commission. p. To perform such functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this compact. q. To report annually to the legislatures, governors, judiciary, and state councils of the compacting states concerning the activities of the Interstate Commission during the preceding year. Such reports shall also include any recommendations that may have been adopted by the Interstate Commission. r. To coordinate education, training and public awareness regarding the interstate movement of juveniles for officials involved in such activity. s. To establish uniform standards of the reporting, collecting and exchanging of data. t. The Interstate Commission shall maintain its corporate books and records in accordance with the by-laws. L.2004,c.142,s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.88 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.88
Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board.
Status: in_force

6. There is established the Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board. For the purposes of complying with the provisions of Article V, Section IV, paragraph 1 of the New Jersey Constitution, the board is established within the Department of Children and Families, but notwithstanding the establishment, the board shall be independent of any supervision or control by the department or any board or officer thereof. The purpose of the board is to review fatalities and near fatalities of children in New Jersey in order to identify their causes, their relationship to governmental support systems, and methods of prevention. The board shall describe trends and patterns of child fatalities and near fatalities in New Jersey; identify risk factors and their prevalence in these populations of children; evaluate the responses of governmental systems to children in families who are considered to be at high risk and to offer recommendations for improvement in those responses; characterize risk groups in terms that are compatible with the development of public policy; improve the sources of data collection by developing protocols for autopsies, death investigations, and complete recording of cause of death on the death certificate; and provide case consultation to individuals or agencies represented by the board. L.1997, c.175, s.6; amended 2006, c.47, s.59.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.68 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.68
Effect of running away from place of placement
Status: in_force

If a child placed under section 34 hereof runs away from the place of placement, the court may, after hearing, revoke the order of placement and may make any order, including an order of placement, that might have been made at the time the order of placement was made. The court may require that the child be present at such hearing and shall appoint a law guardian to represent him. L.1974, c. 119, s. 48, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
N.J. Stat. § 9:25-11 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 25 / Section 25-11
Receipt and expenditure of appropriations and other funds
Status: in_force

The Commissioner of Community Affairs is authorized to receive and expend for the purpose of stipends or other expenses of the corps those sums as may from time to time be appropriated for those purposes by the Legislature or otherwise made available out of State funds, grants from the federal government or any of its agencies, or from any private or public source; but an amount not to exceed 10% of the aggregate of these sums may be utilized for administration of the program, subject to such constraints as may be imposed on particular funds by their source. For fiscal year 1985, there is appropriated $1,500,000.00 to enable the planning and initiation of the New Jersey Youth Corps Program. Unexpended funds may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next fiscal year. L.1984, c. 198, s. 11, eff. Nov. 27, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 9:21-2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 21 / Section 21-2
Municipal youth guidance commission
Status: in_force

If in any municipality there shall exist a municipal youth guidance commission or other organization specifically devoted to the prevention of crime and juvenile delinquency, such commission or organization may give, to the courts having jurisdiction of offenses and juvenile delinquency occurring in such municipality, notice of the existence of the commission or other organization and it shall be the duty of such courts to send copies of all such reports to such commission or other organization. L.1947, c. 180, p. 823, s. 2. Amended by L.1953, c. 9, p. 90, s. 60.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.79 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.79
Task force's use of services and consultants
Status: in_force

6. a. The task force shall be entitled to call upon the services of any State, county or municipal department, board, commission or agency, as may be available to it for these purposes, and to incur such traveling and other miscellaneous expenses as it may deem necessary for the proper execution of its duties and as may be within the limit of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to it for these purposes. b. The task force shall consult with such organizations and associations as the Association for Children of New Jersey, the New Jersey Association of Children's Residential Facilities, the New Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, Inc., the Child Placement Advisory Council, the Medical Society of New Jersey, the New Jersey State Nurses Association, the New Jersey Education Association, the New Jersey Foster Parent Association, and the Graduate School of Social Work of Rutgers, The State University. L.1994,c.119,s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23B-5 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-5
Organization and operation of the interstate commission.
Status: in_force

5. Article V. Organization and Operation of the Interstate Commission. a. By-laws. The Interstate Commission shall, by a majority of the members present and voting, within twelve months after the first Interstate Commission meeting, adopt by-laws to govern its conduct as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the compact, including, but not limited to: (1) Establishing the fiscal year of the Interstate Commission; (2) Establishing an executive committee and such other committees as may be necessary; (3) Provide for the establishment of committees governing any general or specific delegation of any authority or function of the Interstate Commission; (4) Providing reasonable procedures for calling and conducting meetings of the Interstate Commission, and ensuring reasonable notice of each such meeting; (5) Establishing the titles and responsibilities of the officers of the Interstate Commission; (6) Providing a mechanism for concluding the operations of the Interstate Commission and the return of any surplus funds that may exist upon the termination of the compact after the payment and/or reserving of all of its debts and obligations; (7) Providing "start-up" rules for initial administration of the compact; and (8) Establishing standards and procedures for compliance and technical assistance in carrying out the compact. b. Officers and Staff. The Interstate Commission shall, by a majority of the members, elect annually from among its members a chairperson and a vice-chairperson, each of whom shall have such authority and duties as may be specified in the by-laws. The chairperson or, in the chairperson's absence or disability, the vice-chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the Interstate Commission. The officers so elected shall serve without compensation or remuneration from the Interstate Commission; provided that, subject to the availability of budgeted funds, the officers shall be reimbursed for any ordinary and necessary costs and expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties and responsibilities as officers of the Interstate Commission. The Interstate Commission shall, through its executive committee, appoint or retain an executive director for such period, upon such terms and conditions and for such compensation as the Interstate Commission may deem appropriate. The executive director shall serve as secretary to the Interstate Commission, but shall not be a Member and shall hire and supervise such other staff as may be authorized by the Interstate Commission. c. Qualified Immunity, Defense and Indemnification. The Commission's executive director and employees shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused or arising out of or relating to any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred, or that such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided, that any such person shall not be protected from suit or liability for any damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of any such person. The liability of any commissioner, or the employee or agent of a commissioner, acting within the scope of such person's employment or duties for acts, errors, or omissions occurring within such person's state may not exceed the limits of liability set forth under the Constitution and laws of that state for state officials, employees, and agents. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to protect any such person from suit or liability for any damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of any such person. The Interstate Commission shall defend the executive director or the employees or representatives of the Interstate Commission and, subject to the approval of the Attorney General of the state represented by any commissioner of a compacting state, shall defend such commissioner or the commissioner's representatives or employees in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties or responsibilities, or that the defendant had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of such person. The Interstate Commission shall indemnify and hold the commissioner of a compacting state, or the commissioner's representatives or employees, or the Interstate Commission's representatives or employees, harmless in the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against such persons arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that such persons had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of such persons. L.2004,c.142,s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.56 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.56
Probation supervision
Status: in_force

The court may place the respondent under the supervision of the probation department and the court shall define permissible terms and conditions of said supervision. The maximum duration of any such term or condition shall not exceed a period of 2 years, unless the court finds at the conclusion of that period that exceptional circumstances require an extension thereof for an additional year. L.1974, c. 119, s. 36, eff. Oct. 10, 1974. Amended by L.1977, c. 209, s. 27, eff. Sept. 7, 1977.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23B-10 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-10
Compacting states, effective date and amendment.
Status: in_force

10. Article X. Compacting States, Effective Date and Amendment. a. Any state, the District of Columbia or its designee, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Marianas Islands as defined in Article II of this compact is eligible to become a compacting state. b. The compact shall become effective and binding upon legislative enactment of the compact into law by no less than 35 of the states. The initial effective date shall be the later of July 1, 2004 or upon enactment into law by the 35th jurisdiction. Thereafter it shall become effective and binding as to any other compacting state upon enactment of the compact into law by that state. The governors of non-member states or their designees shall be invited to participate in the activities of the Interstate Commission on a nonvoting basis prior to adoption of the compact by all states and territories of the United States. c. The Interstate Commission may propose amendments to the compact for enactment by the compacting states. No amendment shall become effective and binding upon the Interstate Commission and the compacting states unless and until it is enacted into law by unanimous consent of the compacting states. L.2004,c.142,s.10.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3A-7.5 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3A / Section 3A-7.5
DCF rules, regulations.
Status: in_force

4. The Commissioner of Children and Families, in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt such rules and regulations as the commissioner deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this act. L.2009, c.242, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3A-8 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3A / Section 3A-8
Necessary investigations; powers.
Status: in_force

8. The commissioner may make, or cause to be made, such investigations as he deems necessary in the administration of the Department of Children and Families. For the purpose of any such investigation he may cause to be examined under oath any and all persons whatsoever and compel by subpoena the attendance of witnesses and the production of such books, records, accounts, papers and other documents as are appropriate. If a witness fails without good cause to attend, testify or produce such records or documents as directed in the subpoena, he shall be punished in the manner provided for the punishment of any witness who disobeys a summons or subpoena issued from a court of record in this State. L.2006, c.47, s.8.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.10a — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.10a
Records of child abuse reports; confidentiality; disclosure.
Status: in_force

1. a. All records of child abuse reports made pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.10), all information obtained by the Department of Children and Families in investigating such reports including reports received pursuant to section 20 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.40), and all reports of findings forwarded to the child abuse registry pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.11) shall be kept confidential and may be disclosed only under the circumstances expressly authorized under subsections b., c., d., e., f., and g. herein. The department shall disclose information only as authorized under subsections b., c., d., e., f., and g. of this section that is relevant to the purpose for which the information is required, provided, however, that nothing may be disclosed which would likely endanger the life, safety, or physical or emotional well-being of a child or the life or safety of any other person or which may compromise the integrity of a department investigation or a civil or criminal investigation or judicial proceeding. If the department denies access to specific information on this basis, the requesting entity may seek disclosure through the Chancery Division of the Superior Court. This section shall not be construed to prohibit disclosure pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (7) of subsection b. of this section. Nothing in P.L.1977, c.102 (C.9:6-8.10a et seq.) shall be construed to permit the disclosure of any information deemed confidential by federal or State law. b. The department may and upon written request, shall release the records and reports referred to in subsection a., or parts thereof, consistent with the provisions of P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.83 et al.) to: (1) A public or private child protective agency authorized to investigate a report of child abuse or neglect; (2) A police or other law enforcement agency investigating a report of child abuse or neglect; (3) A physician who has before him a child whom he reasonably suspects may be abused or neglected or an authorized member of the staff of a duly designated regional child abuse diagnostic and treatment center which is involved with a particular child who is the subject of the request; (4) A physician, a hospital director or his designate, a police officer, or other person authorized to place a child in protective custody when such person has before him a child whom he reasonably suspects may be abused or neglected and requires the information in order to determine whether to place the child in protective custody; (5) An agency, whether public or private, including any division or unit in the Department of Human Services or the Department of Children and Families, authorized to care for, treat, assess, evaluate, or supervise a child who is the subject of a child abuse report, or a parent, guardian, resource family parent, or other person who is responsible for the child's welfare, or both, when the information is needed in connection with the provision of care, treatment, assessment, evaluation, or supervision to such child or such parent, guardian, resource family parent, or other person and the provision of information is in the best interests of the child as determined by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency; (6) A court or the Office of Administrative Law, upon its finding that access to such records may be necessary for determination of an issue before it, and such records may be disclosed by the court or the Office of Administrative Law in whole or in part to the law guardian, attorney, or other appropriate person upon a finding that such further disclosure is necessary for determination of an issue before the court or the Office of Administrative Law; (7) A grand jury upon its determination that access to such records is necessary in the conduct of its official business; (8) Any appropriate State legislative committee acting in the course of its official functions, provided, however, that no names or other information identifying persons named in the report shall be made available to the legislative committee unless it is absolutely essential to the legislative purpose; (9) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1997, c.175). (10) A family day care sponsoring organization for the purpose of providing information on child abuse or neglect allegations involving prospective or current providers or household members pursuant to P.L.1993, c.350 (C.30:5B-25.1 et seq.) and as necessary, for use in administrative appeals related to information obtained through a child abuse registry search; (11) The Victims of Crime Compensation Board, for the purpose of providing services available pursuant to the "Criminal Injuries Compensation Act of 1971," P.L.1971, c.317 (C.52:4B-1 et seq.) to a child victim who is the subject of such report; (12) Any person appealing a department service or status action or a substantiated finding of child abuse or neglect and his attorney or authorized lay representative upon a determination by the department or the presiding Administrative Law Judge that such disclosure is necessary for a determination of the issue on appeal; (13) Any person or entity mandated by statute to consider child abuse or neglect information when conducting a background check or employment-related screening of an individual employed by or seeking employment with an agency or organization providing services to children; (14) Any person or entity conducting a disciplinary, administrative, or judicial proceeding to determine terms of employment or continued employment of an officer, employee, or volunteer with an agency or organization providing services for children. The information may be disclosed in whole or in part to the appellant or other appropriate person only upon a determination by the person or entity conducting the proceeding that the disclosure is necessary to make a determination; (15) The members of a county multi-disciplinary team, established in accordance with State guidelines, for the purpose of coordinating the activities of agencies handling alleged cases of child abuse and neglect; (16) A person being evaluated by the department or the court as a potential care-giver to determine whether that person is willing and able to provide the care and support required by the child; (17) The legal counsel of a child, parent, or guardian, whether court-appointed or retained, when information is needed to discuss the case with the department in order to make decisions relating to or concerning the child; (18) A person who has filed a report of suspected child abuse or neglect for the purpose of providing that person with only the disposition of the investigation; (19) A parent, resource family parent, or legal guardian when the information is needed in a department matter in which that parent, resource family parent, or legal guardian is directly involved. The information may be released only to the extent necessary for the requesting parent, resource family parent, or legal guardian to discuss services or the basis for the department's involvement or to develop, discuss, or implement a case plan for the child; (20) A federal, State, or local government entity, to the extent necessary for such entity to carry out its responsibilities under law to protect children from abuse and neglect; (21) Citizen review panels designated by the State in compliance with the federal "Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act Amendments of 1996," Pub.L.104-235; (22) The Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.83 et al.); or (23) Members of a family team or other case planning group formed by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency and established in accordance with regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Children and Families for the purpose of addressing the child's safety, permanency, or well-being, when the provision of such information is in the best interests of the child as determined by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency. Any individual, agency, board, court, grand jury, legislative committee, or other entity which receives from the department the records and reports referred to in subsection a., shall keep the records and reports, or parts thereof, confidential and shall not disclose the records and reports or parts thereof except as authorized by law. c. The department may share information with a child who is the subject of a child abuse or neglect report, as appropriate to the child's age or condition, to enable the child to understand the basis for the department's involvement and to participate in the development, discussion, or implementation of a case plan for the child. d. The department may release the records and reports referred to in subsection a. of this section to any person engaged in a bona fide research purpose, provided, however, that no names or other information identifying persons named in the report shall be made available to the researcher unless it is absolutely essential to the research purpose and provided further that the approval of the Commissioner of Children and Families or his designee shall first have been obtained. e. For incidents determined by the department to be substantiated, the department shall forward to the police or law enforcement agency in whose jurisdiction the child named in the report resides, the identity of persons alleged to have committed child abuse or neglect and of victims of child abuse or neglect, their addresses, the nature of the allegations, and other relevant information, including, but not limited to, prior reports of abuse or neglect and names of siblings obtained by the department during its investigation of a report of child abuse or neglect. The police or law enforcement agency shall keep such information confidential. f. The department may disclose to the public the findings or information about a case of child abuse or neglect which has resulted in a child fatality or near fatality. Nothing may be disclosed which would likely endanger the life, safety, or physical or emotional well-being of a child or the life or safety of any other person or which may compromise the integrity of a department investigation or a civil or criminal investigation or judicial proceeding. If the department denies access to specific information on this basis, the requesting entity may seek disclosure of the information through the Chancery Division of the Superior Court. No information may be disclosed which is deemed confidential by federal or State law. The name or any other information identifying the person or entity who referred the child to the department shall not be released to the public. g. The department shall release the records and reports referred to in subsection a. of this section to a unified child care agency contracted with the department pursuant to N.J.A.C.10:15-2.1 for the purpose of providing information on child abuse or neglect allegations involving a prospective approved home provider or any adult household member pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2003, c.185 (C.30:5B-32) to a child's parent when the information is necessary for the parent to make a decision concerning the placement of the child in an appropriate child care arrangement. The department shall not release any information that would likely endanger the life, safety, or physical or emotional well-being of a child or the life or safety of any other person. L.1977, c.102, s.1; amended 1993, c.350, s.5; 1995, c.135, s.9; 1996, c.32; 1997, c.175, s.16; 2003, c.185, s.1; 2004, c.130, s.22; 2006, c.47, s.42; 2012, c.16, s.22.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6B-1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6B / Section 6B-1
Short title
Status: in_force

1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Child Placement Bill of Rights Act." L.1991,c.290,s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-45 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-45
Notice of complaint to parents.
Status: in_force

9. a. In an adoption proceeding pursuant to P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-37 et seq.), notice of the complaint may not be waived and a notice of hearing shall be served in accordance with the Rules of Court on each parent of the child to be adopted. The notice shall inform each parent of the purpose of the action and of the parent's right to file written objections to the adoption within 20 days after notice is given in the case of a resident and 35 days in the case of a nonresident. For purposes of this section, "parent" means (1) the husband of the mother of a child born or conceived during the marriage or (2) a putative or alleged biological mother or father of a child. b. Notice pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall not be served on a parent: (1) Who has executed a valid surrender to an approved agency pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-41) or P.L.1955, c.232 (C.9:2-13 et seq.); (2) Whose parental rights have been terminated in a separate judicial proceeding by court order; (3) Who has, prior to the placement of the child for adoption, received notice of the intention to place the child, which notice shall inform the parent of the purpose of the placement, that failure to respond to the notice will prevent the person receiving the notice from objecting to any future adoption of the child, and that the parent has a right to file with the surrogate in the county in which venue is anticipated to lie, the address of which surrogate shall be included in the notice, written objections to the proposed placement within 20 days after notice is given, in the case of a resident, and 35 days in the case of a nonresident; and who has either failed to file written objections or denied paternity or maternity of the child. Failure to respond to this notice and object to the placement of the child for adoption shall constitute a waiver of all notice of any subsequent proceedings with regard to the child including proceedings for adoption or termination of parental rights; (4) Who has given the child for adoption to the adopting parent, and the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part, after a hearing at which the surrendering parent was heard as to the voluntariness of the surrender, has determined that the surrender was voluntary and proper; (5) Whose child has been made available for adoption in a foreign state or country if the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service has determined that the child has been approved for adoptive placement. The finding of the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service shall be presumed valid and no notice shall be served ; or (6) Who is presumed to be the biological father of the child who is the subject of the adoption proceeding pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection a. of section 6 of P.L.1983, c.17 (C.9:17-43) but who, within 120 days of the birth of the child or prior to the date of the preliminary hearing, whichever occurs first, has not acknowledged paternity by amending the original birth certificate record filed with the local registrar's office in the municipality of birth of the child who is the subject of the adoption proceeding in accordance with birth record amendment procedures, or has not filed an action for paternity in court. c. If personal service of the notice cannot be effected because the whereabouts of a birth parent of the child to be adopted are unknown, the court shall determine that an adequate effort has been made to serve notice upon the parent if the plaintiff immediately prior to or during the placement and not more than nine months prior to the filing of a complaint has: (1) Sent the notice by regular mail and by certified mail return receipt requested, to the parent's last known address; (2) Made a discreet inquiry as to the whereabouts of the missing parent among any known relations, friends and current or former employers of the parent; (3) Unless otherwise restricted by law, made direct inquiries, using the party's name and last known or suspected address, to the local post office, the Division of Motor Vehicles, county welfare agency, the municipal police department, the Division of State Police, the county probation office, the Department of Corrections, and any social service and law enforcement agencies known to have had contact with the party, or the equivalents in other states, territories or countries. Failure to receive a response to the inquiries within 45 days shall be a negative response. d. In any case where, within 120 days of the birth of the child or prior to the date of the preliminary hearing, whichever occurs first, the identity of a birth parent cannot be determined or where the known parent of a child is unable or refuses to identify the other parent, and the court is unable from other information before the court to identify the other parent, service on that parent shall be waived by the court. e. In conducting the hearing required by paragraph (4) of subsection b. of this section, the court shall determine that the surrender is voluntary and that the birth parent knows (1) that the hearing is to surrender birth rights; (2) that the hearing is to permanently end the relationship and all contact between parent and child; (3) that such action is a relinquishment and termination of parental rights and consent on the part of the birth parent to the adoption; and (4) that no further notice of the adoption proceedings shall be provided to the birth parent if the surrender is accepted by the court. L.1977,c.367,s.9; amended 1982, c.105, s.1; 1993, c.345, s.8; 1998, c.20, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-37 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-37
Liberal construction; rights of affected persons.
Status: in_force

1. This act shall be liberally construed to the end that the best interests of children be promoted and that the safety of children be of paramount concern. Due regard shall be given to the rights of all persons affected by an adoption. L.1977,c.367,s.1; amended 1999, c.53, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:11-2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 11 / Section 11-2
Organization and powers of trustees; contracts
Status: in_force

The board of trustees organized under section 9:11-1 of this title shall be a body corporate with power to sue and be sued and to use a common seal. It shall annually choose from among its members a president, a vice-president, a secretary and a treasurer. Such board with the approval of the board of chosen freeholders may take in its own name by purchase, gift or devise title to the lands necessary to carry out the provisions of this article. Such board of trustees in its own name may enter into and execute all necessary and appropriate contracts for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this article, including the lodging and victualing of its officers, agents and employees, and the care, keep and victualing of persons committed to the youth house, and the purchase of necessary and proper supplies, furniture and equipment for the education and manual training of persons committed to such youth house. Any contract for the doing of work or the furnishing of materials or supplies of any kind exceeding $1,000.00 in amount shall be awarded only after public advertisement as required by law and to the lowest responsible bidder. Amended by L.1957, c. 46, p. 80, s. 2.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.60 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.60
Petition to terminate placement
Status: in_force

Any interested person acting on behalf of a child placed under section 34 hereof or the child's parents or guardian may petition the court for any order terminating the placement. The petition must be verified and must show: a. That an application for the child's return to his home was made to an appropriate person after expiration of the Order of Placement provided for in section 34 hereof; b. That the application was denied or was not granted within 30 days from the day application was made; and c. The grounds for the petition. L.1974, c. 119, s. 40, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23-1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23 / Section 23-1
Interstate Compact on juveniles
Status: in_force

The Governor is hereby authorized and directed to execute a compact on behalf of this State with any other State or States legally joining therein in the form substantially as follows: INTERSTATE COMPACT ON JUVENILES The contracting States solemnly agree: ARTICLE I--FINDINGS AND PURPOSES That juveniles who are not under proper supervision and control, or who have absconded, escaped or run away, are likely to endanger their own health, morals and welfare, and the health, morals and welfare of others. The cooperation of the States party to this compact is therefore necessary to provide for the welfare and protection of juveniles and of the public with respect to (1) co-operative supervision of delinquent juveniles on probation or parole; (2) the return, from 1 State to another, of delinquent juveniles who have escaped or absconded; (3) the return, from 1 State to another, of nondelinquent juveniles who have run away from home; and (4) additional measures for the protection of juveniles and of the public, which any 2 or more of the party States may find desirable to undertake co-operatively. In carrying out the provisions of this compact the party States shall be guided by the noncriminal, reformative and protective policies which guide their laws concerning delinquent, neglected or dependent juveniles generally. It shall be the policy of the States party to this compact to co-operate and observe their respective responsibilities for the prompt return and acceptance of juveniles and delinquent juveniles who become subject to the provisions of this compact. The provisions of this compact shall be reasonably and liberally construed to accomplish the foregoing purposes. ARTICLE II--EXISTING RIGHTS AND REMEDIES That all remedies and procedures provided by this compact shall be in addition to and not in substitution for other rights, remedies and procedures, and shall not be in derogation of parental rights and responsibilities. ARTICLE III--DEFINITIONS That, for the purposes of this compact, "delinquent juvenile" means any juvenile who has been adjudged delinquent and who, at the time the provisions of this compact are invoked, is still subject to the jurisdiction of the court that has made such adjudication or to the jurisdiction or supervision of an agency or institution pursuant to an order of such court; "probation or parole" means any kind of conditional release of juveniles authorized under the laws of the States party hereto; "court" means any court having jurisdiction over delinquent, neglected or dependent children; "State" means any State, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and "residence" or any variant thereof means a place at which a home or regular place of abode is maintained. ARTICLE IV--RETURN OF RUNAWAYS (a) That the parent, guardian, person or agency entitled to legal custody of a juvenile who has not been adjudged delinquent but who has run away without the consent of such parent, guardian, person or agency may apply to the appropriate court in the demanding State for the issuance of a requisition for his return. The application shall state the name and age of the juvenile, the name of the applicant and the basis of entitlement to the juvenile's custody, the circumstances of his running away, his location if known at the time application is made, and such other facts as may tend to show that the juvenile who has run away is endangering his own welfare or the welfare of others and is not an emancipated minor. The application shall be verified by affidavit, shall be executed in duplicate, and shall be accompanied by 2 certified copies of the document or documents on which the applicant's entitlement to the juvenile's custody is based, such as birth certificate, letters of guardianship, or custody decrees. Such further affidavits and other documents as may be deemed proper may be submitted with such application. The judge of the court to which this application is made may hold a hearing thereon to determine whether for the purposes of this compact the applicant is entitled to the legal custody of the juvenile, whether or not it appears that the juvenile has in fact run away without consent, whether or not he is an emancipated minor, and whether or not it is in the best interest of the juvenile to compel his return to the State. If the judge determines, either with or without a hearing, that the juvenile should be returned, he shall present to the appropriate court or to the executive authority of the State where the juvenile is alleged to be located a written requisition for the return of such juvenile. Such requisition shall set forth the name and age of the juvenile, the determination of the court that the juvenile has run away without the consent of a parent, guardian, person or agency entitled to his legal custody, and that it is in the best interest and for the protection of such juvenile that he be returned. In the event that a proceeding for the adjudication of the juvenile as a delinquent, neglected or dependent juvenile is pending in the court at the time when such juvenile runs away, the court may issue a requisition for the return of such juvenile upon its own motion, regardless of the consent of the parent, guardian, person or agency entitled to legal custody, reciting therein the nature and circumstances of the pending proceeding. The requisition shall in every case be executed in duplicate and shall be signed by the judge. One copy of the requisition shall be filed with the compact administrator of the demanding State, there to remain on file subject to the provisions of law governing records of such court. Upon the receipt of a requisition demanding the return of a juvenile who has run away, the court or the executive authority to whom the requisition is addressed shall issue an order to any peace officer or other appropriate person directing him to take into custody and detain such juvenile. Such detention order must substantially recite the facts necessary to the validity of its issuance hereunder. No juvenile detained upon such order shall be delivered over to the officer whom the court demanding him shall have appointed to receive him, unless he shall first be taken forthwith before a judge of a court in the State, who shall inform him of the demand made for his return, and who may appoint counsel or guardian ad litem for him. If the judge of such court shall find that the requisition is in order, he shall deliver such juvenile over to the officer whom the court demanding him shall have appointed to receive him. The judge, however, may fix a reasonable time to be allowed for the purpose of testing the legality of the proceeding. Upon reasonable information that a person is a juvenile who has run away from another State party to this compact without the consent of a parent, guardian, person or agency entitled to his legal custody, such juvenile may be taken into custody without a requisition and brought forthwith before a judge of the appropriate court who may appoint counsel or guardian ad litem for such juvenile and who shall determine after a hearing whether sufficient cause exists to hold the person, subject to the order of the court, for his own protection and welfare, for such a time not exceeding 90 days as will enable his return to another State party to this compact pursuant to a requisition for his return from a court of that State. If, at the time when a State seeks the return of a juvenile who has run away, there is pending in the State wherein he is found any criminal charge, or any proceeding to have him adjudicated a delinquent juvenile for an act committed in such State, or if he is suspected of having committed within such State a criminal offense or an act of juvenile delinquency, he shall not be returned without the consent of such State until discharged from prosecution or other form of proceeding, imprisonment, detention or supervision for such offense or juvenile delinquency. The duly accredited officers of any State party to this compact, upon the establishment of their authority and the identity of the juvenile being returned, shall be permitted to transport such juvenile through any and all States party to this compact, without interference. Upon his return to the State from which he ran away, the juvenile shall be subject to such further proceedings as may be appropriate under the laws of that State. (b) That the State to which a juvenile is returned under this article shall be responsible for payment of the transportation costs of such return. (c) That "juvenile" as used in this article means any person who is a minor under the law of the State of residence of the parent, guardian, person or agency entitled to the legal custody of such minor. ARTICLE V--RETURN OF ESCAPEES AND ABSCONDERS (a) That the appropriate person or authority from whose probation or parole supervision a delinquent juvenile has absconded or from whose institutional custody he has escaped shall present to the appropriate court or to the executive authority of the State where the delinquent juvenile is alleged to be located a written requisition for the return of such delinquent juvenile. Such requisition shall state the name and age of the delinquent juvenile, the particulars of his adjudication as a delinquent juvenile, the circumstances of the breach of the terms of his probation or parole or of his escape from an institution or agency vested with his legal custody or supervision, and the location of such delinquent juvenile, if known, at the time the requisition is made. The requisition shall be verified by affidavit, shall be executed in duplicate, and shall be accompanied by 2 certified copies of the judgment, formal adjudication, or order of commitment which subjects such delinquent juvenile to probation or parole or to the legal custody of the institution or agency concerned. Such further affidavits and other documents as may be deemed proper may be submitted with such requisition. One copy of the requisition shall be filed with the compact administrator of the demanding State, there to remain on file subject to the provisions of law governing records of the appropriate court. Upon the receipt of a requisition demanding the return of a delinquent juvenile who has absconded or escaped, the court or the executive authority to whom the requisition is addressed shall issue an order to any peace officer or other appropriate person directing him to take into custody and detain such delinquent juvenile. Such detention order must substantially recite the facts necessary to the validity of its issuance hereunder. No delinquent juvenile detained upon such order shall be delivered over to the officer whom the appropriate person or authority demanding him shall have appointed to receive him, unless he shall first be taken forthwith before a judge of an appropriate court in the State, who shall inform him of the demand made for his return and who may appoint counsel or guardian ad litem for him. If the judge of such court shall find that the requisition is in order, he shall deliver such delinquent juvenile over to the officer whom the appropriate person or authority demanding him shall have appointed to receive him. The judge, however, may fix a reasonable time to be allowed for the purpose of testing the legality of the proceeding. Upon reasonable information that a person is a delinquent juvenile who has absconded while on probation or parole, or escaped from an institution or agency vested with his legal custody or supervision in any State party to this compact, such person may be taken into custody in any other State party to this compact without a requisition. But in such event, he must be taken forthwith before a judge of the appropriate court, who may appoint counsel or guardian ad litem for such person and who shall determine, after a hearing, whether sufficient cause exists to hold the person subject to the order of the court for such a time, not exceeding 90 days, as will enable his detention under a detention order issued on a requisition pursuant to this article. If, at the time when a State seeks the return of a delinquent juvenile who has either absconded while on probation or parole or escaped from an institution or agency vested with his legal custody or supervision, there is pending in the State wherein he is detained any criminal charge or any proceeding to have him adjudicated a delinquent juvenile for an act committed in such State, or if he is suspected of having committed within such State a criminal offense or an act of juvenile delinquency, he shall not be returned without the consent of such State until discharged from prosecution or other form of proceeding, imprisonment, detention or supervision for such offense or juvenile delinquency. The duly accredited officers of any State party to this compact, upon the establishment of their authority and the identity of the delinquent juvenile being returned, shall be permitted to transport such delinquent juvenile through any and all States party to this compact, without interference. Upon his return to the State from which he escaped or absconded, the delinquent juvenile shall be subject to such further proceedings as may be appropriate under the laws of that State. (b) That the State to which a delinquent juvenile is returned under this article shall be responsible for payment of the transportation costs of such return. ARTICLE VI--VOLUNTARY RETURN PROCEDURE That any delinquent juvenile who has absconded while on probation or parole, or escaped from an institution or agency vested with his legal custody or supervision in any State party to this compact, and any juvenile who has run away from any State party to this compact, who is taken into custody without a requisition in another State party to this compact under the provisions of article IV(a) or of article V(a), may consent to his immediate return to the State from which he absconded, escaped or ran away. Such consent shall be given by the juvenile or delinquent juvenile and his counsel or guardian ad litem if any, by executing or subscribing a writing, in the presence of a judge of the appropriate court, which states that the juvenile or delinquent juvenile and his counsel or guardian ad litem, if any, consent to his return to the demanding State. Before such consent shall be executed or subscribed, however, the judge, in the presence of counsel or guardian ad litem, if any, shall inform the juvenile or delinquent juvenile of his rights under this compact. When the consent has been duly executed, it shall be forwarded to and filed with the compact administrator of the State in which the court is located and the judge shall direct the officer having the juvenile or delinquent juvenile in custody to deliver him to the duly accredited officer or officers of the State demanding his return, and shall cause to be delivered to such officer or officers a copy of the consent. The court may, however, upon the request of the State to which the juvenile or delinquent juvenile is being returned, order him to return unaccompanied to such State and shall provide him with a copy of such court order; in such event a copy of the consent shall be forwarded to the compact administrator of the State to which said juvenile or delinquent juvenile is ordered to return. ARTICLE VII--CO-OPERATIVE SUPERVISION OF PROBATIONERS AND PAROLEES (a) That the duly constituted judicial and administrative authorities of a State party to this compact (herein called "sending State" ) may permit any delinquent juvenile within such State, placed on probation or parole, to reside in any other State party to this compact (herein called "receiving State" ) while on probation or parole, and the receiving State shall accept such delinquent juvenile, if the parent, guardian or person entitled to the legal custody of such delinquent juvenile is residing or undertakes to reside within the receiving State. Before granting such permission, opportunity shall be given to the receiving State to make such investigations as it deems necessary. The authorities of the sending State shall send to the authorities of the receiving State copies of pertinent court orders, social case studies and all other available information which may be of value to and assist the receiving State in supervising a probationer or parolee under this compact. A receiving State, in its discretion, may agree to accept supervision of a probationer or parolee in cases where the parent, guardian or person entitled to the legal custody of the delinquent juvenile is not a resident of the receiving State, and if so accepted the sending State may transfer supervision accordingly. (b) That each receiving State will assume the duties of visitation and of supervision over any such delinquent juvenile and in the exercise of those duties will be governed by the same standards of visitation and supervision that prevail for its own delinquent juveniles released on probation or parole. (c) That, after consultation between the appropriate authorities of the sending State and of the receiving State as to the desirability and necessity of returning such a delinquent juvenile, the duly accredited officers of a sending State may enter a receiving State and there apprehend and retake any such delinquent juvenile on probation or parole. For that purpose, no formalities will be required, other than establishing the authority of the officer and the identity of the delinquent juvenile to be retaken and returned. The decision of the sending State to retake a delinquent juvenile on probation or parole shall be conclusive upon and not reviewable within the receiving State, but if, at the time the sending State seeks to retake a delinquent juvenile on probation or parole, there is pending against him within the receiving State any criminal charge or any proceeding to have him adjudicated a delinquent juvenile for any act committed in such State, or if he is suspected of having committed within such State a criminal offense or an act of juvenile delinquency, he shall not be returned without the consent of the receiving State until discharged from prosecution or other form of proceeding, imprisonment, detention or supervision for such offense or juvenile delinquency. The duly accredited officers of the sending State shall be permitted to transport delinquent juveniles being so returned through any and all States party to this compact, without interference. (d) That the sending State shall be responsible under this article for paying the costs of transporting any delinquent juvenile to the receiving State or of returning any delinquent juvenile to the sending State. ARTICLE VIII--RESPONSIBILITY FOR COSTS (a) That the provisions of articles IV(b), V(b) and VII(d) of this compact shall not be construed to alter or affect any internal relationship among the departments, agencies and officers of and in the government of a party State, or between a party State and its subdivisions, as to the payment of costs, or responsibilities therefor. (b) That nothing in this compact shall be construed to prevent any party State or subdivision thereof from asserting any right against any person, agency or other entity in regard to costs for which such party State or subdivision thereof may be responsible pursuant to articles IV(b), V(b), or VII(d) of this compact. ARTICLE IX--DETENTION PRACTICES That, to every extent possible, it shall be the policy of States party to this compact that no juvenile or delinquent juvenile shall be placed or detained in any prison, jail or lockup nor be detained or transported in association with criminal, vicious or dissolute persons. ARTICLE X--SUPPLEMENTARY AGREEMENTS That the duly constituted administrative authorities of a State party to this compact may enter into supplementary agreements with any other State or States party hereto for the co-operative care, treatment and rehabilitation of delinquent juveniles whenever they shall find that such agreements will improve the facilities or programs available for such care, treatment and rehabilitation. Such care, treatment and rehabilitation may be provided in an institution located within any State entering into such supplementary agreement. Such supplementary agreements shall (1) provide the rates to be paid for the care, treatment and custody of such delinquent juveniles, taking into consideration the character of facilities, services and subsistence furnished; (2) provide that the delinquent juvenile shall be given a court hearing prior to his being sent to another State for care, treatment and custody; (3) provide that the State receiving such a delinquent juvenile in 1 of its institutions shall act solely as agent for the State sending such delinquent juvenile; (4) provide that the sending State shall at all times retain jurisdiction over delinquent juveniles sent to an institution in another State; (5) provide for reasonable inspection of such institutions by the sending State; (6) provide that the consent of the parent, guardian, person or agency entitled to the legal custody of said delinquent juvenile shall be secured prior to his being sent to another State; and (7) make provision for such other matters and details as shall be necessary to protect the rights and equities of such delinquent juveniles and of the co-operating States. ARTICLE XI--ACCEPTANCE OF FEDERAL AND OTHER AID That any State party to this compact may accept any and all donations, gifts and grants of money, equipment and services from the Federal or any local government, or any agency thereof and from any person, firm or corporation, for any of the purposes and functions of this compact, and may receive and utilize the same subject to the terms, conditions and regulations governing such donations, gifts and grants. ARTICLE XII--COMPACT ADMINISTRATORS That the Governor of each State party to this compact shall designate an officer who, acting jointly with like officers of other party States, shall promulgate rules and regulations to carry out more effectively the terms and provisions of this compact. ARTICLE XIII--EXECUTION OF COMPACT That this compact shall become operative immediately upon its execution by any State as between it and any other State or States so executing. When executed it shall have the full force and effect of law within such State, the form of execution to be in accordance with the laws of the executing State. ARTICLE XIV--RENUNCIATION That this compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon each executing State until renounced by it. Renunciation of this compact shall be by the same authority which executed it, by sending 6 months' notice in writing of its intention to withdraw from the compact to the other States party hereto. The duties and obligations of a renouncing State under article VII hereof shall continue as to parolees and probationers residing therein at the time of withdrawal until retaken or finally discharged. Supplementary agreements entered into under article X hereof shall be subject to renunciation as provided by such supplementary agreements, and shall not be subject to the 6 months' renunciation notice of the present article. ARTICLE XV--SEVERABILITY That 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 participating 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 government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the Constitution of any State participating therein, 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.1955, c. 55, p. 181, s. 1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:24-2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 24 / Section 24-2
Legislative findings and declarations
Status: in_force

The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the ranks of the youthful unemployed swell manyfold during summer recess of public schools; that many of the young people who constitute the youthful unemployed are, by reason of family income and social condition, disadvantaged youth; that many of those disadvantaged youth are desirous and capable of successfully discharging summer employment if such employment opportunities were available to them; that throughout this State numerous public and private, nonprofit agencies and organizations have need of the services of such disadvantaged youth; that affirmative action by the State of New Jersey is required to make the services of such disadvantaged youth available to such agencies and organizations; and that the expenditure of public funds for these purposes is in the public interest and is for a public purpose. L.1968, c. 125, s. 2, eff. June 26, 1968.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17A-2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17A / Section 17A-2
Written obligations by minor to repay loan received for higher education; enforcement
Status: in_force

Any contract, promissory note or other written obligation made, entered into or executed by any minor to repay or secure payment of any loan or loans made on account of any aid and assistance received by such minor from any person for the purpose of furthering his education at an institution of higher education, shall, notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, be as valid, binding and enforceable against the said minor with the same force and effect as if said minor were, at the time of making and executing the same, of the age of 21 years, and such obligation may be enforced in any action or proceeding by or against such minor in his or her own name, and shall be valid without the consent thereto of the parent or guardian of such minor and such minor shall not disaffirm such instrument because of his or her age, nor shall any person hereafter interpose the defense that he or she is or was at the time of making and executing the same, a minor in any action or proceeding arising out of any such loan or obligation, provided that the person making the loan shall have in his records prior to making any such loan a written certification from the institution of higher education that such minor is regularly enrolled in and attending the institution of higher education or has been accepted for regular enrollment in and plans to attend the institution of higher education. L.1968, c. 178, s. 1, eff. July 19, 1968.
N.J. Stat. § 9:11-7 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 11 / Section 11-7
Moneys for county youth house; bonds
Status: in_force

The moneys for the acquisition of lands and the erection of buildings for a county youth house shall be approved as to the amount of the expenditure by the board of chosen freeholders and shall then be provided by the board of chosen freeholders upon the requisition of the board of trustees herein provided for. If the board of chosen freeholders shall deem the amount required for such purpose to be too great to be placed in the annual appropriation for the then fiscal year, such moneys may be raised by an issue of bonds. Amended by L.1953, c. 149, p. 1363, s. 2; L.1957, c. 46, p. 83, s. 7.
N.J. Stat. § 9:7-7 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-7
Effective date
Status: in_force

This act shall take effect July first, one thousand nine hundred and forty-nine. L.1949, c. 161, p. 548, s. 7.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17A-4.3 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17A / Section 17A-4.3
Construction.
Status: in_force

3. Nothing in section 1 of P.L.1968, c.230 (C.9:17A-4) shall be construed to: a. require a provider to continue to provide behavioral or mental health treatment to a minor if, in the provider's professional judgment, the consent or participation of the minor's parents is necessary for the proper care of the minor; or b. allow a minor to refuse consent to mental or behavioral health treatment, except as may be otherwise authorized by law, when both the minor's provider and the minor's parents deem such treatment to be necessary. L.2015, c.287, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 9:10-6 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 10 / Section 10-6
Bonds
Status: in_force

For the purpose of obtaining means for the purchase of lands and buildings or the erection of buildings as authorized by section 9:10-1 of this title a county may issue bonds to an amount not exceeding one-half of one per cent of the ratables of the county for the purpose of establishing a detention school.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17A-4.4 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17A / Section 17A-4.4
Rules, regulations.
Status: in_force

4. The Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety, in consultation with the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), may adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this act. L.2015, c.287, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.64 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.64
Successive petitions
Status: in_force

If a petition under section 40 hereof is denied, it may not again be filed with the court for a period of 90 days after the denial, unless the order of denial permits refiling at an earlier time. L.1974, c. 119, s. 44, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8
Warrants to enter place of supposed violation, arrest.
Status: in_force

9:6-8. Whenever any person shall, before the Superior Court, or municipal court, make oath that the affiant believes that this chapter has been or is being violated in any place or house, such court shall forthwith issue a warrant to another authorized officer to enter such place or house and investigate the same, and such person may arrest or cause to be arrested all offenders and bring them before any court for a hearing of the case; and all policemen shall aid in bringing all such offenders before such authorities for a hearing. Amended 1953, c.9, s.17; 1991,c.91,s.197; 2023, c.250, s.18.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.42 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.42
Effect of absence of parent or guardian
Status: in_force

If the parent or guardian is not present, the court may proceed to hear a complaint under this act only if the child is represented by a law guardian. If the parent or guardian thereafter makes a motion to the court that a resulting disposition be vacated and asks for a rehearing, the court shall grant the motion on an affidavit showing such relationship or responsibility unless the court finds that the parent or guardian willfully refused to appear at the hearing in which case the court may deny the motion. L.1974, c. 119, s. 22, eff. Oct. 10, 1974. Amended by L.1977, c. 209, s. 20, eff. Sept. 7, 1977.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.11 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.11
Actions to ensure safety of child; investigation; report.
Status: in_force

4. Upon receipt of any such report, the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, or such another entity in the Department of Children and Families as may be designated by the Commissioner of Children and Families to investigate child abuse or neglect, shall immediately take such action as shall be necessary to insure the safety of the child and to that end may request and shall receive appropriate assistance from local and State law enforcement officials. A representative of the division or other designated entity shall initiate an investigation within 24 hours of receipt of the report, unless the division or other entity authorizes a delay based upon the request of a law enforcement official. The division or other entity shall also, within 72 hours, forward a report of such matter to the child abuse registry operated by the division in Trenton. The child abuse registry shall be the repository of all information regarding child abuse or neglect that is accessible to the public pursuant to State and federal law. No information received in the child abuse registry shall be considered as a public record within the meaning of P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.) or P.L.2001, c.404 (C.47:1A-5 et al.). L.1971, c.437, s.4; amended 2004, c.130, s.23; 2006, c.47, s.46; 2012, c.16, s.24.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.40 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.40
Records involving abuse or neglect.
Status: in_force

20. Records involving abuse or neglect. When the Department of Children and Families receives a report or complaint that a child may be abused or neglected; when the department provides services to a child; or when the department receives a request from the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part to investigate an allegation of abuse or neglect, the department may request of any and all public or private institutions, or agencies including law enforcement agencies, or any private practitioners, their records past and present pertaining to that child and other children under the same care, custody and control. The department shall not be charged a fee for the copying of the records. Records kept pursuant to the "New Jersey Code of Youth Justice," P.L.1982, c.77 (C.2A:4A-20 et seq.) may be obtained by the department, upon issuance by a court of an order on good cause shown directing these records to be released to the department for the purpose of aiding in evaluation to determine if the child is abused or neglected. In the release of the aforementioned records, the source shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal. L.1974, c.119, s.20; amended 1977, c.209, s.19; 1991, c.91, s.206; 1999, c.53, s.13; 2004, c.130, s.31; 2006, c.47, s.51; 2025, c.35, s.25.
N.J. Stat. § 9:14B-1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 14B / Section 14B-1
County assistance
Status: in_force

The board of chosen freeholders of a county which has no county home and hospital for children afflicted with sickle cell anemia may appropriate not more than $10,000.00 each year for the necessary expense incident to the diagnosis and treatment of such children resident in the county under the age of 21 years, including the cost of surgical appliances, support and maintenance of such children, investigation of cases, and necessary traveling expenses incidental to the investigation and transportation of patients to a suitable home or hospital within the State supported by public funds or private charity; provided, however, that the board of chosen freeholders in a county of the first class having a population in excess of 800,000 may appropriate not more than $25,000.00 each year. Before spending money for such purposes the board shall adopt such rules and regulations as it deems desirable concerning the requirements of residence and eligibility for such relief. Disbursements shall be made through officers designated by the board for that purpose on verified bills presented and approved as in the case of other county expenditures. L.1972, c. 171, s. 1, eff. Nov. 13, 1972. Amended by L.1975, c. 241, s. 1, eff. Oct. 24, 1975.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-52 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-52
Evidence relating to paternity.
Status: in_force

15. Evidence relating to paternity may include: a. Evidence of sexual intercourse between the mother and alleged father at any possible time of conception; b. An expert's opinion concerning the statistical probability of the alleged father's paternity, based upon the duration of the mother's pregnancy; c. Genetic or blood tests, weighted in accordance with evidence, if available, of the statistical probability of the alleged father's paternity; d. Medical or anthropological evidence relating to the alleged father's paternity of the child, based on tests performed by experts. If a man has been identified as a possible father of the child, the court may, and upon request of a party shall, require the child, the mother, and the man to submit to appropriate tests; e. All other evidence on behalf of any party, relevant to the issue of paternity of the child; and f. A gestational carrier agreement executed in accordance with the provisions of P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-60 et al.). L.1983, c.17, s.15; amended 2018, c.18, s.14.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.78 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.78
Providing staff.
Status: in_force

5. The Department of Children and Families shall provide professional and clerical staff to the task force as necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act. L.1994, c.119, s.5; amended 2006, c.47, s.57.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23-1.2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23 / Section 23-1.2
Return of nonresident juveniles charged with crime
Status: in_force

All provisions and procedures of Article V and VI of the Interstate Compact on Juveniles shall be construed to apply to any juvenile charged with being a delinquent by reason of a violation of any criminal law. Any juvenile, charged with being a delinquent by reason of violating any criminal law shall be returned to the requesting state upon a requisition to the state where the juvenile may be found, provided that the underlying offense is designated a crime in this State. A petition in such case shall be filed in a court of competent jurisdiction in the requesting state where the violation of criminal law is alleged to have been committed. The petition may be filed regardless of whether the juvenile has left the state before or after the filing of the petition. The requisition described in Article V of the compact shall be forwarded by the judge of the court in which the petition has been filed. L.1975, c. 13, s. 2, eff. Feb. 13, 1975.
N.J. Stat. § 9:22-3 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 22 / Section 22-3
Terms of members
Status: in_force

Members of the municipal youth guidance council shall be appointed to serve for a term of three years or until their successors be appointed with the exception that the terms of the original membership of the council should be so constituted as to provide that three of the members shall serve for one year, two for two years, and two for three years. L.1947, c. 179, p. 819, s. 3.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.55 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.55
Order of protection
Status: in_force

The court may make an order of protection in assistance or as a condition of any other order made under this act. The order of protection may set forth reasonable conditions of behavior to be observed for a specified time by a person who is before the court and is a parent or guardian responsible for the child's care or the spouse of the parent or guardian, or both. Such an order may require any such person: a. To stay away from the home, the other spouse or the child; b. To permit a parent to visit the child at stated periods; c. To abstain from offensive conduct against the child or against the other parent or against any person to whom custody of the child is awarded; d. To give proper attention to the care of the home; and e. To refrain from acts of commission or omission that tend to make the home not a proper place for the child. The court may also award custody of the child, during the term of the order of protection to either parent or to an appropriate relative; however, nothing in this section shall be construed to give the court power to place or board out any child or to commit a child to the custody of an institution or agency. In making orders of protection, the court shall so act as to insure that in the care, protection, discipline and guardianship of the child, his religious faith shall be preserved and protected. L.1974, c. 119, s. 35, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23-10 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23 / Section 23-10
Provisions not applicable
Status: in_force

The provisions of chapter 7 of Title 9 of the Revised Statutes shall not apply to children brought into the State in accordance with the terms of the compact. L.1989, c.284, s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-52.1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-52.1
Default order, effect
Status: in_force

6. A default order shall be entered in a contested paternity action upon a showing that proper notice has been served upon the party and the party has failed to appear at a hearing or trial; or has failed to respond to a notice or order that required a response within a specific period of time. A default order entered pursuant to this section shall be determinative for purposes of establishing the existence of paternity when proper notice has been served and a sworn statement by the mother indicating the parentage of the child has been executed. L.1994,c.164,s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6B-8 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6B / Section 6B-8
Federal waivers to implement provisions, federal reimbursement, child welfare services.
Status: in_force

2. The Commissioner of Children and Families shall apply for any federal waivers as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this act and ensure continued federal reimbursement for State expenditures for child welfare services under Part E of Title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. s.670 et seq.), except that if a child is or may be eligible for federal Supplemental Security Income Program benefits, the department shall, if necessary for benefits eligibility, forego claiming that child for purposes of any federal Title IV-E maintenance payments under section 475(4) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. s.675(4)). L.2025, c.162, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6A-12 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6A / Section 6A-12
$2,500 grants
Status: in_force

The department shall pay $2,500.00 to any county that establishes or has established a special county commission on child abuse and missing children for the costs of establishing or operating the commission. L. 1986, c. 27, s. 3, eff. June 17, 1986.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3A-12 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3A / Section 3A-12
Act subject to C.52:14D-1 et seq.
Status: in_force

12. This act shall be subject to the provisions of the "State Agency Transfer Act," P.L.1971, c.375 (C.52:14D-1 et seq.), except as may otherwise be provided under this act. L.2006, c.47, s.12.
N.J. Stat. § 9:12A-8 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 12A / Section 12A-8
Transitional living program.
Status: in_force

7. A transitional living program shall provide residential care and treatment services for up to 18 months to a homeless youth 16 to 21 years of age who demonstrates the maturity to function with minimal adult supervision. The program shall assist in the maintenance of a homeless youth in a living arrangement that will prepare the youth for independence and self-sufficiency through the direct provision of, or through referrals to, other organizations and agencies for services, as determined by the department's contract, which may include: (1) Educational assessment and attachment to an educational program; (2) Career planning, employment and life skills training; (3) Job placement; (4) Budgeting and money management; (5) Assistance in securing housing appropriate to a homeless youth's needs and income; and (6) Assistance in accessing other social services as may be appropriate. L.1999,c.224,s.7.
N.J. Stat. § 9:24-7 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 24 / Section 24-7
Authority of commissioner
Status: in_force

In order to carry out the provisions of this act the commissioner is authorized: (a) To apply for, accept and expend, upon the terms and conditions relating thereto, grants of funds, equipment, supplies, materials, or any other such aid from any source whatsoever; (b) To hold, use, expend, deal with, distribute and dispose of such funds, equipment, supplies and materials, and other property; (c) To enter into contracts and agreements with any department or agency of the United States, local units of government and any private organization; and (d) To engage in such activities and to do such other things and acts as may be necessary and convenient to carry out the provisions of this act. L.1968, c. 125, s. 7, eff. June 26, 1968.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3A-11 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3A / Section 3A-11
Transfer of certain DHS staff to department.
Status: in_force

11. A proportionate share of the programmatic, administrative, and support staff of the Department of Human Services supporting the functions, powers and duties transferred under this act are transferred to the Department of Children and Families. The transfer of specific facilities, resources and personnel shall be determined by agreement between the Commissioner of Children and Families and the Commissioner of Human Services, after considering the number and type of positions currently used for support for the functions, powers and duties transferred and the appropriateness of transferring personnel, positions, and funding. L.2006, c.47, s.11.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.112 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.112
"Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Fund."
Status: in_force

6. There is established in the Department of Children and Families a fund to be known as the "Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Fund." This fund shall be the repository for monies appropriated to support the grant program established pursuant to section 7 of this act and any other funds approved by the board. L.2017, c.90, s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17A-4.1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17A / Section 17A-4.1
Admission to treatment programs not affected
Status: in_force

2. This act shall not be interpreted to interfere with any parental rights to place a child in treatment on a voluntary or involuntary basis under applicable State law. Treatment programs shall not be required to admit minors. Treatment programs may establish their own admission and reimbursement criteria which may include parental notification and involvement. L.1992,c.57,s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-51 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-51
Judgments of adoption; records.
Status: in_force

15. The clerk of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part shall promptly file all judgments of adoption and shall maintain an alphabetical index of all judgments of adoption entered each year pursuant to P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-37 et seq.), all of which records shall be sealed and thereafter shall be made accessible only by court order or as otherwise provided by law. L.1977, c.367, s.15; amended 1991, c.91, s.194; 1993, c.345, s.14; 2014, c.9, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-38 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-38
Short title
Status: in_force

1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "New Jersey Parentage Act." L.1983, c. 17, s. 1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.75 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.75
"New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect."
Status: in_force

2. There is established the "New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect." For the purpose of complying with the provisions of Article V, Section IV, paragraph 1 of the New Jersey Constitution, the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect is allocated within the Department of Children and Families, but, notwithstanding this allocation, the task force shall be independent of any supervision or control by the department or by any officer or employee thereof. a. The purpose of the task force is to study and develop recommendations regarding the most effective means of improving the quality and scope of child protective and preventative services provided or supported by State government, including a review of the practices and policies utilized by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency and the Division of Family and Community Partnerships in the Department of Children and Families in order to: (1) optimize coordination of child abuse-related services and investigations; (2) promote the safety of children at risk of abuse or neglect; (3) ensure a timely determination with regard to reports of alleged child abuse; (4) educate the public about the problems of, and coordinate activities relating to, child abuse and neglect; (5) develop a Statewide plan to prevent child abuse and neglect and mechanisms to facilitate child abuse and neglect prevention strategies in coordination with the Division of Family and Community Partnerships; (6) mobilize citizens and community agencies in a proactive effort to prevent and treat child abuse and neglect; and (7) foster cooperative working relationships between State and local agencies responsible for providing services to victims of child abuse and neglect and their families. b. The task force shall receive, evaluate, and approve applications of public and private agencies and organizations for grants from moneys annually appropriated from the "Children's Trust Fund" established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1985, c.197 (C.54A:9-25.4). Any portion of the moneys actually appropriated which are remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall lapse to the "Children's Trust Fund." Grants shall be awarded to public and private agencies for the purposes of planning and establishing or improving programs and services for the prevention of child abuse and neglect, including activities which: (1) Provide Statewide educational and public informational seminars for the purpose of developing appropriate public awareness regarding the problems of child abuse and neglect; (2) Encourage professional persons and groups to recognize and deal with problems of child abuse and neglect; (3) Make information about the problems of child abuse and neglect available to the public and organizations and agencies which deal with problems of child abuse and neglect including by continuing to publish such information through a publicly accessible online portal; and (4) Encourage the development of community prevention programs, including: (a) community-based educational programs on parenting, prenatal care, prenatal bonding, child development, basic child care, care of children with special needs, coping with family stress, personal safety and sexual abuse prevention training for children, and self-care training for latchkey children; and (b) community-based programs relating to crisis care, aid to parents, child abuse counseling, peer support groups for abusive or potentially abusive parents and their children, lay health visitors, respite for crisis child care, and early identification of families where the potential for child abuse and neglect exists. The task force shall, in awarding grants, establish such priorities respecting the programs or services to be funded and the amounts of funding to be provided as it deems appropriate, except that the task force shall place particular emphasis on community-based programs and services which are designed to develop and demonstrate strategies for the early identification, intervention, and assistance of families and children at risk in order to prevent child abuse and neglect. The task force shall adopt such rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) to govern the awarding of grants pursuant to this subsection as may be necessary to establish adequate reporting requirements on the use of grant funds by recipient agencies and organizations and to permit the task force to evaluate the programs and services for which grants are awarded. c. (1) The task force shall establish a Staffing and Oversight Review Subcommittee to review the performance and staffing levels of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in order to develop recommendations regarding the department's performance, staffing levels, and the most effective methods of recruiting, hiring, and retaining staff within the division. The subcommittee shall also review, analyze, and make recommendations regarding the department's performance in: (a) maintaining a case management information and data collection system that allows for the assessment, tracking, posting or web-based publishing, and utilization of key data indicators with consistent definitions and methodology, along with ensuring the accuracy of published data; (b) implementing and sustaining a case practice model comprising a continuous set of activities that emphasizes quality investigation and assessment, which model shall include: performing safety and risk assessments; engaging with youth and families; working with family teams; providing individualized planning and relevant services; performing continuous review and adaptation; and ensuring safe and sustained transition from the department; (c) guaranteeing that the operation of the department's State Central Registry ensures that allegations of child abuse and neglect are received by the department's field offices in a timely manner and investigations are commenced within the required response time identified by the State Central Registry; (d) providing the most appropriate and least restrictive placements when out-of-home placement is necessary, and in so doing allowing: children to remain in their own communities, be placed with or maintain contact with siblings and relatives, and have their educational needs met; precluding children under age 13 from being placed in shelters; precluding children from being placed in out-of-State behavioral health facilities without written approval from the Assistant Commissioner for the Children's System of Care; and maintaining an adequate number and array of family-based placements to appropriately place children in family settings; (e) providing comprehensive, culturally responsive services to address the identified needs of the children, youth, and families the department serves, including but not limited to: services for youth age 18 to 21; services for LGBTQI+ youth; mental health, and domestic violence services for birth parents whose families are involved with the child welfare system; preventive home visitation programs; trauma-informed care; and an adequate Statewide network of Family Success Centers; (f) providing medical care to children and youth residing in resource family care, including: appropriate medical assessment and treatment, pre-placement, and entry medical assessments under Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT); guidelines, dental examinations; up-to-date immunizations; follow-up care and treatment and mental health assessment and treatment, where appropriate; behavioral health treatment provided in the least restrictive setting for children and youth; and evaluating the sufficiency of funding for these medical services; (g) maintaining a comprehensive training program for child welfare staff and supervisors, including specialized training for investigators which training shall include pre-service training covering the case practice model and permanency planning, adoption training, and training on case management systems, and mechanisms for staff completing training to demonstrate competency on required areas of training; (h) making flexible funds available for use by caseworkers in crafting individualized service plans for children, youth, and families to: meet the needs of children and families; facilitate family preservation and reunification where appropriate; ensure that families are able to provide appropriate care for children; and avoid the disruption of otherwise stable and appropriate placements; (i) adjusting support rates for resource family care, adoption assistance, and independent living to ensure alignment with the United States Department of Agriculture estimates for the cost of raising a child or adolescent in the urban Northeast, the U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development Fair Market Value for average rent in New Jersey, the Internal Revenue Service estimates for monthly food and household expenses, and other appropriate State and national benchmarks identified by the subcommittee; (j) strengthening and sustaining appropriate permanency and adoption practices for the children and youth the department serves, recognizing that the department's permanency work begins at intake and encompasses the elements of the case practice model; and (k) generally beginning the process of preparing a child for adoption and seeking and securing an adoptive placement as soon as the child's permanency goal becomes adoption, but in no case later than as required by federal law; conducting five-month and 10-month placement reviews for children in custody; commencing the adoption process as soon as a diligent search process has been completed and has failed to identify the location of both parents or a suitable family placement; and developing a child-specific recruitment plan for all children with a permanency goal of adoption needing the recruitment of an adoptive family, as well as evaluating the sufficiency of funding for such processes. (2) No later than the first day of the 12th month next following the date of enactment of P.L.2022, c.130 (C.30:4C-3a et al.), and annually thereafter, the subcommittee shall review the department's performance in the areas identified in this paragraph (1) of subsection c. of this section, and shall issue a report with its findings and recommendations to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), to the Legislature. (3) The Department of Children and Families shall annually allocate to the task force sufficient funding to permit the subcommittee to hire independent contracted staff or obtain other resources needed to carry out the responsibilities set forth in this paragraph. (4) (a) The task force shall appoint at least 15 members to the subcommittee consisting of: (i) the Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency and the Commissioner of Children and Families, or their designees, who shall serve ex-officio; and (ii) at least 13 public members, including: one representative of a State-based child advocacy organization; one attorney regularly engaged in the representation of parents in child protection matters; at least one attorney regularly engaged in the representation of the indigent; one attorney regularly engaged in the representation of children in out of home placement; one county human services director; one parent who has previously had involvement with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency; one alumni of the State's resource family care system; one resource family parent who is currently licensed by the State; and one representative of a State-based child abuse prevention focused organization. (b) The members of the subcommittee shall serve for a term of three years or until the appointment of a successor, with the exception that the terms of the original membership of the subcommittee shall be constituted as to provide that seven of the public members shall serve for a term of one year, four of the public members shall serve for two years, and two of the public members shall serve for a term of three years. (c) Members of the subcommittee shall be appointed and hold their initial organizational meeting within 45 days after the effective date of P.L.2022, c.130 (C.30:4C-3a et al.). (d) The subcommittee shall designate a chairperson and vice chairperson from among its members, except that the commissioner's designee and the assistant commissioner of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency shall not serve as the chairperson or vice chairperson of the subcommittee. (e) The subcommittee shall be entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of employees of the department and seek the advice of experts as required and as may be available for the purposes of conducting the reviews required by this subsection. (5) The Commissioner of Children and Families shall ensure the subcommittee is provided with information necessary for the subcommittee to fulfill its obligations under this subsection, including information obtained through the Division of Child Protection and Permanency's continuous quality review process, and the subcommittee shall be entitled to review such information as part of the subcommittee's examination of the department's performance and the development of recommendations. (6) The task force may adopt rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) necessary to effectuate the purposes of this subsection. L.1994, c.119, s.2; amended 2006, c.47, s.55; 2007, c.130; 2012, c.16, s.36; 2022, c.130, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-4 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-4
Jurisdiction of complaints
Status: in_force

9:6-4. Complaints for violation of the provisions of this chapter may be made to the Superior Court or any municipal court. Whenever any person, who shall be charged with any such offense upon oath before any court or by indictment, shall, in writing signed by him and addressed to the county prosecutor of the county wherein the offense was committed, waive indictment and trial by jury, or trial by jury, as the case may be, and request to be tried immediately before the Superior Court without a jury, the county prosecutor shall report such fact to such court, which, unless it shall deem the public interest will be benefited by denying such request, shall with all due and reasonable speed, proceed to try the person so charged and determine and adjudge his guilt or innocence. Amended 1944, c.196, s.2; 1953, c.9, s.15; 1991,c.91,s.195.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3A-10 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3A / Section 3A-10
"Office of Children's Services" refers to Department of Children and Families.
Status: in_force

10. a. Whenever the term "Office of Children's Services" occurs or any reference is made thereto in any law, regulation, contract, or document, the same shall be deemed to mean or refer to the Department of Children and Families. b. Whenever the terms "Division of Youth and Family Services," "Division of Child Behavioral Health Services," "Division of Prevention and Community Partnerships" and "New Jersey Child Welfare Training Academy" occur or any reference is made thereto in any law, regulation, contract, or document, the same shall be deemed to mean or refer to, respectively, the "Division of Child Protection and Permanency," "Division of Children's System of Care," "Division of Family and Community Partnerships," and "New Jersey Child Welfare Training Academy" in the Department of Children and Families established herein. L.2006, c.47, s.10; amended 2012, c.16, s.20.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-41.1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-41.1
Provision of available information on child's development to prospective parent.
Status: in_force

1. a. An approved agency making an investigation of the facts and circumstances surrounding the surrender of a child shall provide a prospective parent with all available information, other than information which would identify or permit the identification of the birth parent of the child, relevant to the child's development, including his developmental and medical history, personality and temperament, the parent's complete medical histories, including conditions or diseases which are believed to be hereditary, any drugs or medications taken during pregnancy and any other conditions of the parent's health which may be a factor influencing the child's present or future health. This information shall be made available to the prospective parent prior to the actual adoptive placement to the extent available and supplemented upon the completion of an investigation conducted by an approved agency pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-48). b. The available information required of an approved agency by subsection a. of this section shall be presented to the adoptive parents on standardized forms prepared by the Commissioner of Children and Families. L.1979, c.292, s.1; amended 1993, c.345, s.4; 2006, c.47, s.37.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.106 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.106
Rules, regulations.
Status: in_force

8. 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.) necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act. L.1998, c.19, s.8; amended 2006, c.47, s.66.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-43.2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-43.2
Force of final judgment of adoption in a foreign jurisdiction, certain circumstances.
Status: in_force

2. A final judgment of adoption granted by a judicial, administrative or executive body of a jurisdiction or country other than the United States shall have the same force and effect in this State as that given to a judgment of adoption entered by another state, without additional proceedings or documentation if: a. the adopting parent is a resident of this State; and b. the validity of the foreign adoption has been verified by the granting of an IR-3 immigrant visa, or a successor immigrant visa, for the child by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. L.2005,c.81,s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.19a — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.19a
Resource family parent, notice, opportunity to be heard.
Status: in_force

5. In any case in which the Division of Child Protection and Permanency accepts a child in its care or custody, the child's resource family parent or relative providing care for the child, as applicable, shall receive written notice of and an opportunity to be heard at any review or hearing held with respect to the child, but the resource family parent or relative shall not be made a party to the review or hearing solely on the basis of the notice and opportunity to be heard. L.1999, c.53, s.5; amended 2004, c.130, s.26; 2012, c.16, s.30.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6A-11 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6A / Section 6A-11
County commissions encouraged.
Status: in_force

2. The Department of Children and Families shall establish a program, using county human services advisory councils, to encourage each county in this State to establish a special county commission on child abuse and missing children. The special county commission shall address the problems of child abuse and missing children in the county and its activities may include, but shall not be limited to, arranging for educational programs for parents and children, providing information concerning the available services in the county and in the State for abused children and their parents and the parents of missing children, and coordinating the provision of services and programs concerning child abuse and missing children that are offered in the county and neighboring counties. L.1986, c.27, s.2; amended 2006, c.47, s.69.
N.J. Stat. § 9:2-1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-1
Custody of children of parents divorced in another state or country; action in Superior Court; notice to persons interested; judgment; exclusion from hearing; records not open to public inspection
Status: in_force

After a divorce adjudged in any other State or country, if minor children of the marriage are inhabitants of this State, the Superior Court, in an action brought by either parent or by a guardian ad litem in behalf of the children, such notice being given to parents as the court shall direct, may make such judgment concerning their care, custody, education and maintenance as if the divorce had been obtained in this State. If the minor child or minor children have not, at the commencement of the action, reached the age of sixteen years, and if it is represented to the court by affidavit or under oath that evidence will be adduced involving the moral turpitude of either parent, or of such minor child or children, or that evidence will be adduced which may reflect upon the good reputation or social standing of the child or children, then the court shall admit to the hearing of such case only such persons as are directly interested in the matter being then heard. The records of such proceedings, including all papers filed with the court, shall be withheld from indiscriminate public inspection, but shall be open to inspection by the parents, or their attorneys, and to no other person or persons except by order of the court made for that purpose. Amended by L.1948, c. 321, p. 1294, s. 1; L.1953, c. 9, p. 69, s. 2.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.48 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.48
Adjournments
Status: in_force

a. The court may adjourn a fact-finding hearing or a dispositional hearing for good cause shown on its own motion or on the motion of the county prosecutor, the law guardian, or the respondent's attorney. If so requested, the court shall not proceed with a fact-finding hearing earlier than 3 days after service of summons and complaint, unless emergency medical or surgical procedures are necessary to safeguard the life and health of the child. Adjournment may not exceed 30 court days, without additional court appearance. b. At the conclusion of a fact-finding hearing and after it has made findings required before a dispositional hearing may commence, the court may adjourn the proceedings to enable it to make inquiry into the surroundings, conditions, and capacities of the persons involved in the proceedings. L.1974, c. 119, s. 28, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-40.4 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-40.4
Request for criminal history record background check by agency.
Status: in_force

3. a. In the case of an adoption agency established after the effective date of this act, the administrator of the agency, prior to the agency's opening, shall ensure that a request for a criminal history record background check on each staff member is sent to the department for processing by the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A staff member shall not be left alone as the only adult accompanying a child until the staff member's criminal history record background check has been reviewed by the department pursuant to this act. b. In the case of an adoption agency approved prior to the effective date of this act, the administrator of the agency shall ensure that a request for a criminal history record background check on each staff member is submitted to the department within 60 days of the effective date of this act for processing by the Division of State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. c. Within two weeks after a new staff member begins employment at an approved agency, the administrator of the agency shall ensure that a request for a criminal history record background check on the new staff member is submitted to the department for processing by the Division of State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A new staff member shall not be left alone as the only adult accompanying a child until the staff member's criminal history record background check has been reviewed by the department pursuant to this act. L.2008, c.114, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6A-10 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6A / Section 6A-10
Definitions
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this act: a. "Child" means a person under 18 years of age. b. "Child abuse" means abuse, abandonment, cruelty or neglect of a child as defined in R.S. 9:6-1, endangering the welfare of a child as defined in N.J.S. 2C:24-4 or any sexual offense as defined in chapter 14 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes which is committed against a child. L. 1986, c. 27, s. 1, eff. June 17, 1986.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-69 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-69
Findings, declarations relative to establishing legal parentage.
Status: in_force

1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. Modern medical advances have made parenthood possible for many couples that would not otherwise be able to have their own child, thanks to the availability of assisted reproduction procedures. b. These procedures have enabled same-sex couples, opposite-sex couples dealing with infertility, and transgender and non-binary individuals, to become parents. c. Societal recognition of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and non-binary individuals, in combination with advances in assisted reproduction, has outpaced changes in the law concerning processes for establishing legal parentage. d. A spouse or partner in civil union who may not be genetically related to the child or who may not have gestated the child born to the couple through assisted reproduction is required to go through the lengthy and expensive process of adopting the child in order to confirm legal parentage. e. By streamlining the process by which couples in this situation can legally confirm that both spouses in a marriage or both partners in civil union are parents of the child, this act reflects the current reality of many families in New Jersey, while ensuring that the rights of any other individuals who may have parental rights to the child are addressed. f. In order to ensure that couples who have used assisted reproduction may have a non-genetic parent's rights afforded full faith and credit in all states, as guaranteed by the United States Constitution, this bill establishes a process to obtain a judgement of adoption from the court that optimizes judicial efficiency and use of court personnel. L.2019, c.323, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 9:25-3 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 25 / Section 25-3
Definitions
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this act: a. "Corps" means the New Jersey Youth Corps created by section 4 of this act. b. "Administrator" means the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs or any community service project sponsor under an agreement pursuant to section 5 of this act. c. "Community Service Project" means any undertaking designed to provide, or assist in providing, services to promote public health, education and welfare among the general population or segments thereof having identifiable needs or deficiencies in those areas. The term includes, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, projects for the rehabilitation of substandard housing; the repair, restoration and maintenance of public facilities and amenities; assisting in the organization and delivery of educational and health services and other social services required by various segments of urban populations. d. "Eligible youth" means any person who (1) is between such ages as may be specified by rule or regulation adopted pursuant to section 9 of this act, but in any event is not less than 16 nor more than 25 years of age, (2) is in compliance with section 6 of this act, and who (3) is unable, through lack of employable skills or unavailability of job opportunities appropriate to the nature or level of his skills, to obtain socially worthwhile and reasonably remunerative employment in or near the municipality of his residence; or (4) possesses skills and interests peculiarly appropriate to a particular community service project or projects in which he is recruited to serve. e. "Community Service Project Sponsor" means any county, municipality or school district, or public or private non-profit corporations. L.1984, c. 198, s. 3, eff. Nov. 27, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23B-8 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-8
Finance.
Status: in_force

8. Article VIII. Finance. a. The Interstate Commission shall pay or provide for the payment of the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization and ongoing activities. b. The Interstate Commission shall levy on and collect an annual assessment from each compacting state to cover the cost of the internal operations and activities of the Interstate Commission and its staff which must be in a total amount sufficient to cover the Interstate Commission's annual budget as approved each year. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the Interstate Commission, taking into consideration the population of each compacting state and the volume of interstate movement of juveniles in each compacting state and shall promulgate a rule binding upon all compacting states which governs said assessment. c. The Interstate Commission shall not incur any obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the Interstate Commission pledge the credit of any of the compacting states, except by and with the authority of the compacting state. d. The Interstate Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Interstate Commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its by-laws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Interstate Commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the Interstate Commission. e. (1) The Interstate Compact for Juvenile Supervision Fund is established as a special fund in the State Treasury. The fund consists of moneys appropriated for the purposes of meeting financial obligations imposed on the State of New Jersey as a result of the State's participation in this compact. (2) An assessment levied or any other financial obligation imposed under this compact is effective against the State of New Jersey only to the extent that moneys to pay the assessment or meet the financial obligation have been appropriated and deposited in the fund established pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection. L.2004,c.142,s.8.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6A-5 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6A / Section 6A-5
Additional moneys.
Status: in_force

7. In addition to moneys deposited into the "Children's Trust Fund" pursuant to P.L.1985, c.197 (C.9:6A-1 et al.), the Commissioner of Children and Families may designate moneys to be deposited into the fund which have been appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Children and Families as he deems necessary to effect the establishment of the "Children's Trust Fund." L.1985, c.197, s.7; amended 2006, c.47, s.67.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23-8 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23 / Section 23-8
State officers, agencies, entering into agreements with party states; permitted
Status: in_force

The officers and agencies of this State and its subdivisions having authority to place children are empowered to enter into agreements with appropriate officers or agencies of or in other party states pursuant to subsection b. of paragraph 1. of Article V of the compact. Any agreement which contains a financial commitment or imposes a financial obligation on this State or any subdivision or agency thereof shall not be binding unless it has the approval in writing of the State Treasurer. L.1989, c.284, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3-39.1 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-39.1
Offering, assisting in the placement of child for adoption, conditions.
Status: in_force

18. a. A person, firm, partnership, corporation, association, or agency shall not place, offer to place, or materially assist in the placement of any child for adoption in New Jersey unless: (1) the person is the parent or guardian of the child, or (2) the firm, partnership, corporation, association, or agency is an approved agency to act as agent, finder, or to otherwise materially assist in the placement of any child for adoption in this State, or (3) the placement for adoption is with a brother, sister, aunt, uncle, grandparent, birth father, or stepparent of the child, or (4) the placement is through an intermediary and (a) the person with whom the child is to be placed has been approved for placement for adoption by an approved agency home study which consists of the agency's formal written assessment of the capacity and readiness of the prospective adoptive parents to adopt a child, conducted in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the Director of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency; (b) The birth parent, except one who cannot be identified or located prior to the placement of the child for adoption, shall be offered counseling as to the birth parent's options other than placement of the child for adoption. Such counseling shall be made available by or through an approved licensed agency in New Jersey or in the birth parent's state or country of residence. The fact that counseling has been made available, and the name, address, and telephone number of the agency through which the counseling is available, shall be confirmed in a written document signed by the birth parent and acknowledged in this State pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1991, c.308 (R.S.46:14-2.1) or acknowledged in another state or country pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1991, c.308 (R.S.46:14-6.1) a copy of which shall be provided to the birth parent and the agency conducting the adoption complaint investigation pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-48) and shall be filed with the court prior to termination of parental rights; and (c) Written notice shall be given to the birth parent, except one who cannot be identified or located prior to the placement of the child for adoption, and the adoptive parent that the decision not to place the child for adoption or the return of the child to the birth parent cannot be conditioned upon reimbursement of expenses by the birth parent to the adoptive parent, and that payments by the adoptive parent are non-refundable. Provision of such notice shall be confirmed in a written document signed by the birth parent and adoptive parent in separate documents which shall be acknowledged in this State pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1991, c.308 (R.S.46:14-2.1) or acknowledged in another state or country pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1991, c.308 (R.S.46:14-6.1), a copy of which shall be provided to the birth parent, and the agency conducting the adoption complaint investigation pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1977, c.367 (C.9:3-48), and shall be filed with the court prior to termination of parental rights. b. The Superior Court in an action by the Commissioner of Children and Families may enjoin any party found by the court to have violated this section from any further violation of this section. c. A person, firm, partnership, corporation, association, or agency violating subsection a. of this section shall be guilty of a crime of the third degree. d. A person, firm, partnership, corporation, association, intermediary, or agency other than an approved agency which pays, seeks to pay, receives, or seeks to receive money or other valuable consideration in connection with the placement of a child for adoption shall be guilty of a crime of the second degree. e. It shall not be a violation of subsection d. of this section: (1) to pay, provide, or reimburse to a parent of the child, or for a parent of the child to receive payment, provision, or reimbursement for medical, hospital, counseling, or other similar expenses incurred in connection with the birth or any illness of the child, or the reasonable living expenses of the mother of the child during her pregnancy including payments for reasonable food, clothing, medical expenses, shelter, and religious, psychological, vocational, or similar counseling services during the period of the pregnancy and for a period not to exceed four weeks after the termination of the pregnancy by birth or otherwise. These payments may be made directly to the birth mother or on the mother's behalf to the supplier of the goods or services, or (2) where the child is from a foreign country, reasonable and customary fees and expenses of a foreign agency or attorney for the care or representation of the child during any period of foster or institutional care in the child's country of origin, or (3) reasonable attorney fees and costs for legal services. L.1993, c.345, s.18; amended 2006, c.47, s.34; 2012, c.16, s.15.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-7 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-7
Agents of societies commissioned as police officers and constables
Status: in_force

9:6-7. Any duly organized or incorporated humane society, having for one of its objects the protection of children from cruelty, may offer any agents or officers employed by such society to the mayor or other executive officer having authority to commission police officers of any municipality having a regularly organized police department, for the purpose of being commissioned to act as police officers through the limits of such municipality for the purpose of arresting all the offenders against this chapter or any of the provisions thereof, whereupon the mayor in such city shall, if such persons are proper and discreet persons, commission them to act as such police officers, with all the rights and powers appertaining thereto; but no such municipality shall be liable in any way for the salary or wages of such officers, or for any expense whatever in relation thereto, except for the detention of prisoners. In any municipality not having a regularly organized police department, such humane society may offer similarly qualified persons to the Assignment Judge of the Superior Court for the county, whereupon such court shall, if they be fit persons, commission such persons to act as constables, with power to arrest all offenders against this chapter or any provisions thereof; but no municipality or county shall be in anywise liable for the salary or wages of any such officer, or for any expense in relation thereto, except for the detention of prisoners. All persons thus qualified under this section shall be deemed to be constables and police officers, and the keepers of jails or lockups or station houses in any of such counties are required to receive all persons arrested by such policemen or constables. Amended 1953, c.9, s.16; 1991,c.91,s.196.
N.J. Stat. § 9:2-10 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-10
Order for proper care of child
Status: in_force

9:2-10. In an action brought pursuant to R.S.9:2-9, the Superior Court, after an investigation shall have been made by the chief probation officer of the county in which the child may reside, concerning the reputation, character and ability of the plaintiff, or such other person as the court may direct, to properly care for such child, shall make an order or judgment committing the child to the care and custody of such person, who will accept the same, as the court shall for that purpose designate and appoint, until such child shall attain the age of eighteen years, or the further direction of the court; provided, however, that in proper cases such care and custody may be exercised by supervision of the child in his own home, unless the court shall otherwise order. Such order or judgment may require the giving of a bond by the person to whose care or custody the said child may be committed, with such security and on such conditions as the court shall deem proper. Amended 1948,c.321,s.8; 1949,c.245,s.2; 1953,c.9,s.7; 1991,c.91,s.191.
N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.45 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-8.45
Definition of "dispositional hearing"
Status: in_force

When used in this act the term "dispositional hearing" means a hearing to determine what order should be made. L.1974, c. 119, s. 25, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-57 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-57
Parties
Status: in_force

20. The child, the mother or personal representative of the child, the Division of Public Welfare in the Department of Human Services or the county welfare agency, the personal representative or a parent, if the mother has died or is a minor, a man alleged or alleging himself to be the father, the personal representative or a parent of the alleged father, if the alleged father has died or is a minor, or any person with an interest recognized as justiciable by the court may bring an action to determine the existence or nonexistence of a mother and child relationship. Insofar as practicable, the provisions of this act applicable to the father and child relationship apply. L.1983, c. 17, s. 20.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17-68 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-68
Certain provisions of law not applicable to gestational carrier agreements.
Status: in_force

9. Certain Provisions of Law not Applicable to Gestational Carrier Agreements. a. A gestational carrier agreement shall not be considered: (1) An adoption pursuant to Title 9 of the Revised Statutes; or (2) A surrender of custody or termination of parental rights to the child by the gestational carrier in violation of the requirements of Title 9 of the Revised Statutes. b. The payment of reasonable expenses in connection with a valid gestational carrier agreement shall not constitute a violation of section 18 of P.L.1993, c.345 (C.9:3-39.1). L.2018, c.18, s.9.
N.J. Stat. § 9:17B-2 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 17B / Section 17B-2
Status of 18 to 21-year-olds
Status: in_force

The Legislature by this act does not intend to: a. Effect the release from confinement or transfer from one institution to another of a person attaining age 18 rather than 21 years; b. Affect the right of a court to exercise its discretion in not sentencing a person between 18 and 21 years of age to a State prison; c. Alter the right of persons under 20 years of age to be eligible for enrollment in public schools; d. Alter the provisions of the uniform laws relative to gifts or transfers to minors; e. Alter the provisions of N.J.S. 2A:14-21 with respect to the time within which a person under 21 years of age on January 1, 1973 may commence an action or make an entry under a cause or right accrued prior to said date; f. Alter 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. P.L. 1972, c. 81, s.2; amended 1972, c.206, s.1; 1987,c.18,s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 9:3A-6 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 3A / Section 3A-6
Designation of final decision maker for contested cases.
Status: in_force

6. Notwithstanding any provision of P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) to the contrary, the commissioner may designate an appropriate officer of the department to serve as the final decision maker in any contested case or group of contested cases filed with the Office of Administrative Law. The designation shall be in writing and shall be filed with the Office of Administrative Law. The designation shall remain in effect until amended by the commissioner. L.2006, c.47, s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 9:25-10 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 25 / Section 25-10
Expenditure of existing funds by commissioner
Status: in_force

The Commissioner of Community Affairs is authorized to expend such sums from the existing administrative and discretionary grant or aid accounts of the department and related agencies as he may deem required to establish and maintain the Volunteer Youth Corps. L.1984, c. 198, s. 10, eff. Nov. 27, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 9:23B-13 — NJ Code / Title 9 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-13
Binding effect of compact and other laws.
Status: in_force

13. Article XIII. Binding Effect of Compact and Other Laws. a. Other Laws. Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a compacting state that is not inconsistent with this compact. All compacting states' laws other than state constitutions and other interstate compacts conflicting with this compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict. b. Binding Effect of the Compact. All lawful actions of the Interstate Commission, including all rules and by-laws promulgated by the Interstate Commission, are binding upon the compacting states. All agreements between the Interstate Commission and the compacting states are binding in accordance with their terms. Upon the request of a party to a conflict over meaning or interpretation of Interstate Commission actions, and upon a majority vote of the compacting states, the Interstate Commission may issue advisory opinions regarding such meaning or interpretation. In the event any provision of this compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any compacting state, the obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction sought to be conferred by such provision upon the Interstate Commission shall be ineffective and such obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction shall remain in the compacting state and shall be exercised by the agency thereof to which such obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction are delegated by law in effect at the time this compact becomes effective. L.2004,c.142,s.13.