reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.32 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.32 - Hearing to determine if child to be returned.

9:6-8.32 Hearing to determine if child to be returned.  12. Upon the application of the parent or guardian of a child temporarily removed under this act, the court shall hold a hearing, whereby the safety of the child shall be of paramount concern, to determine whether the child should be returned; a. if there has not been a hearing on the removal of the child at which the parent or guardian was present or had an adequate opportunity to be present; or b. upon good cause shown. Except for good cause shown, such hearing shall be held within three court days of the application. Upon such hearing, the court shall grant the application, unless it finds that such return presents an imminent risk to the child's life, safety or health. L.1974,c.119,s.12; amended 1977, c.209, s.11; 1999, c.53, s.11.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.33 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.33 - Originating proceeding to determine abuse or neglect

9:6-8.33. Originating proceeding to determine abuse or neglect  a. A proceeding under this act is originated by the filing of a complaint in which facts sufficient to establish that a child is an abused or neglected child under this act are alleged. b. Where more than one child is the responsibility of the parent or guardian it may be alleged in the same complaint that one or more children are abused or neglected children. c. In cases of emergency, in addition to the removal of one child, any other child residing in the home may also be removed if his immediate removal is necessary to avoid imminent danger to his life or health. L.1974, c. 119, s. 13, eff. Oct. 10, 1974. Amended by L.1977, c. 209, s. 12, eff. Sept. 7, 1977.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.34 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.34 - Persons who may originate proceedings

9:6-8.34. Persons who may originate proceedings  The following persons may originate a proceeding under this act: a. A parent or other person interested in the child. b. A duly authorized agency, association, society, institution or the division. c. A police officer. d. Any person having knowledge or information of a nature which convinces him that a child is abused or neglected. e. A person on the court's direction. f. The county prosecutor. g. In cases where a private individual is unwilling or reluctant to file a complaint, he may request the division to initiate a complaint in his stead. L.1974, c. 119, s. 14, eff. Oct. 10, 1974. Amended by L.1977, c. 209, s. 13, eff. Sept. 7, 1977.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.35 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.35 - Preliminary procedure.

9:6-8.35 Preliminary procedure.  15. Preliminary procedure. The division may, with the safety of the child of paramount concern: a. Confer with any person seeking to file a complaint, the potential respondent, and other interested persons concerning the advisability of filing a complaint under this act; and b. Attempt to adjust suitable cases before a complaint is filed over which the court apparently would have jurisdiction. c. The division shall not prevent any person or agency who wishes to file a complaint under this act from having access to the court for that purpose. d. Efforts at adjustment under this section may not extend for a period of more than 30 days without an order of a judge of the court, who may extend the period for an additional 30 days. e. Such adjustment may include a preliminary conference held by the division at its discretion upon written notice to the parent or guardian and the potential complainant for the purpose of attempting such adjustment, provided however that the division shall not be authorized under this section to compel any person to appear at any conference, produce any papers, or visit any place. f. The Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part and the division shall deal with cases involving imminent physical harm or actual physical harm on a priority basis. L.1974,c.119,s.15; amended 1977, c.209, s.14; 1991, c.91, s.205; 1999, c.53, s.12.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.36 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.36 - Admissibility of statements made during a preliminary conference

9:6-8.36. Admissibility of statements made during a preliminary conference  No statement made by the potential respondent during a preliminary conference held pursuant to section 15 hereof may be admitted into evidence at a fact-finding hearing under this act or in a court of criminal jurisdiction at any time prior to conviction. L.1974, c. 119, s. 16, eff. Oct. 10, 1974. Amended by L.1977, c. 209, s. 15, eff. Sept. 7, 1977.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.36a (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.36a - Report to prosecutor of all instances of suspected child abuse, neglect.

9:6-8.36a Report to prosecutor of all instances of suspected child abuse, neglect.  1. The Department of Children and Families shall immediately report all instances of suspected child abuse and neglect, as defined by regulations, to the county prosecutor of the county in which the child resides. The regulations shall be developed jointly by the department and the county prosecutors, approved by the Attorney General, and promulgated by the Commissioner of Children and Families. L.1977, c.210, s.1; amended 2004, c.130, s.30; 2006, c.47, s.50.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.37 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.37 - Issuance of summons

9:6-8.37. Issuance of summons  On the filing of a complaint involving abuse or neglect under this act, unless a warrant is issued pursuant to section 19 hereof, the court shall cause a copy of the complaint and a summons to be issued forthwith, requiring the parent or guardian with whom the child is residing to appear at the court within 3 court days regarding the complaint. The court shall also, unless dispensed with for good cause shown, require the person thus summoned to produce the child at the time and place named. L.1974, c. 119, s. 17, eff. Oct. 10, 1974. Amended by L.1977, c. 209, s. 16, eff. Sept. 7, 1977.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.38 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.38 - Service of summons

9:6-8.38. Service of summons  a. In cases involving abuse, or neglect the complaint and summons shall be served within 2 court days after their issuance. If they cannot be served within that time, such fact shall be reported to the court with the reasons therefor within 3 court days after their issuance and the court shall thereafter issue a warrant in accordance with the provisions of section 19 of this act. The court shall also, unless dispensed with for good cause shown, direct that the child be brought before the court. b. Service of a summons and complaint shall be made by delivery of a true copy thereof to the person summoned at least 24 hours before the time stated therein for appearance. c. If after reasonable effort, personal service is not made, the court may at any stage in the proceedings make an order providing for substituted service in the manner provided for substituted service in accordance with the Rules of Court. L.1974, c. 119, s. 18, eff. Oct. 10, 1974. Amended by L.1977, c. 209, s. 17, eff. Sept. 7, 1977.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.39 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.39 - Issuance of warrant and reports

9:6-8.39. Issuance of warrant and reports  a. The court may issue a warrant directing the parent or guardian with whom the child is residing to be brought before the court, when a complaint is filed with the court under this act and it appears that (1) the summons cannot be served; or (2) the summoned person has refused to obey the summons; or (3) the parent or guardian is likely to leave the jurisdiction; or (4) a summons, in the court's opinion, would be ineffectual; or (5) the safety of the child is endangered. b. When issuing a warrant under this section, the court may also direct that the child be brought before the court. c. If a warrant is not executed within 2 court days of its issuance such fact shall be reported to the court within 3 court days of its issuance. L.1974, c. 119, s. 19, eff. Oct. 10, 1974. Amended by L.1977, c. 209, s. 18, eff. Sept. 7, 1977.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.40 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.40 - Records involving abuse or neglect.

9:6-8.40 Records involving abuse or neglect.  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 Juvenile 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.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.40a (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.40a - Expungement of unfounded allegations.

9:6-8.40a Expungement of unfounded allegations.  1. a. The Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families shall expunge from its records all information relating to a report, complaint, or allegation of an incident of child abuse or neglect with respect to which the division or other entity designated by the Commissioner of Children and Families to investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect has determined, based upon its investigation thereof, that the report, complaint, or allegation of the incident was unfounded. b. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2004, c.130). The definition of, and process for, making a determination of an unfounded report, complaint, or allegation of an incident of child abuse or neglect shall be defined in regulations promulgated by the department pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.). L.1997, c.62, s.1; amended 2004, c.130, s.32; 2006, c.47, s.52; 2012, c.16, s.34.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.41 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.41 - Required findings concerning notice

9:6-8.41. Required findings concerning notice  No hearing may commence under this act unless the court enters a finding: a. That the parent or guardian is present at the hearing or has been served with a copy of the complaint; or b. If the parent or guardian is not present, that every reasonable effort has been made to effect service under sections 18 and 19 hereof. L.1974, c. 119, s. 21, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.42 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.42 - Effect of absence of parent or guardian

9:6-8.42. Effect of absence of parent or guardian  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.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.43 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.43 - Notice of rights.

9:6-8.43 Notice of rights.  23. Notice of rights. a. The court shall advise the parent or guardian of his right to have an adjournment to retain counsel and consult with him. The court shall advise the respondent that if he is indigent, he may apply for an attorney through the Office of the Public Defender. In cases where the parent or guardian applies for an attorney through the Office of the Public Defender, the court may adjourn the case for a reasonable period of time for the parent or guardian to secure counsel; however, the adjournment shall not preclude the court from granting temporary relief as appropriate under the law. The court shall appoint a law guardian for the child as provided by this act.  b. The general public may be excluded from any hearing under this act, and only such persons and the representatives of authorized agencies may be admitted thereto as have an interest in the case.  L.1974,c.119,s.23; amended 1977, c.209, s.21; 1994, c.58, s.40; 2004, c.130, s.33.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.44 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.44 - Definition of "fact-finding hearing"

9:6-8.44. Definition of "fact-finding hearing"  When used in this act the term "fact-finding hearing" means a hearing to determine whether the child is an abused or neglected child as defined herein. L.1974, c. 119, s. 24, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.45 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.45 - Definition of "dispositional hearing"

9:6-8.45. Definition of "dispositional hearing"  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.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.46 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.46 - Evidence.

9:6-8.46 Evidence.  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.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.47 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.47 - Sequence of hearings

9:6-8.47. Sequence of hearings  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.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.48 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.48 - Adjournments

9:6-8.48. Adjournments  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.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.49 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.49 - Priority to certain proceedings.

9:6-8.49 Priority to certain proceedings.  29. To ensure that the safety of children is of paramount concern, when scheduling hearings and investigations, the court shall give priority to proceedings under this act involving imminent or actual physical harm, or in which a child has been removed from home before a final order of disposition. Any adjournment granted in the course of such a proceeding should be for as short a time as possible. L.1974,c.119,s.29; amended 1999, c.53, s.14.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.50 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.50 - Sustaining or dismissing complaint

9:6-8.50. Sustaining or dismissing complaint  a. If facts sufficient to sustain the complaint are established, the court shall enter an order finding that the child is an abused or neglected child and shall state the grounds for said findings.  b. If the proof does not conform to the specific allegations of the complaint, the court may amend the allegations to conform to the proof; provided, however, that in such case the respondent shall be given reasonable time to prepare to answer the amended allegations.  c. If facts sufficient to sustain the complaint under this act are not established, or the court concludes that its assistance is not required on the record before it, the court shall dismiss the complaint and shall state the grounds for the dismissal.  d. If the court makes a finding of abuse or neglect, it shall determine, based upon the facts adduced during the fact-finding hearing, and upon any other facts presented to it, whether a preliminary order pursuant to section 11 hereof is required to protect the child's interests pending a final order of disposition. The court shall state the grounds for its determination. In addition, a child found to be abused or neglected may be removed and remanded to a place designated by the court or be placed in the custody of a suitable person, pending a final order of disposition, if the court finds that there is a substantial probability that the final order of disposition will be an order of placement under the section 34 hereof.  e. If the court finds that the child is an abused or neglected child as defined in this act, it may refer any aspect of the matter, including anything related to the child and the parent or guardian, to the division, ordering that the division provide such services as are deemed appropriate to the ends of protecting the child and rehabilitating and improving family life, wherever possible. In the event of such referral, the court may suspend any dispositional hearing indefinitely. The division shall report the status of the case so referred to the court annually in writing, a copy to be served upon the parent or guardian and the law guardian. The division shall also report its intent to terminate services in a case so referred to the court in writing.  L.1974,c.119,s.30; amended 1977,c.209,s.24.
NJ Rev Stat § 9:6-8.51 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts|Section 9:6-8.51 - Disposition of adjudication

9:6-8.51. Disposition of adjudication  a. At the conclusion of a dispositional hearing under this act, the court shall enter an order of disposition: (1) suspending judgment in accord with section 32 hereof; (2) releasing the child to the custody of his parents or guardian in accord with section 33 hereof; (3) placing the child in accord with section 34 hereof; (4) making an order of protection in accord with section 35 hereof; (5) placing the respondent on probation in accord with section 36 hereof; (6) requiring that an individual found to have abused or neglected a child accept therapeutic services, and this order may be carried out in conjunction with any other order of disposition. b. The court shall state the grounds for any disposition made under this section. L.1974, c. 119, s. 31, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.