reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.61 - Service of petition; answer

9:6-8.61. Service of petition; answer
A copy of a petition under section 40 hereof shall promptly be served pursuant to the Rules of Court upon the division or the individual having custody of the child under section 34 whose duty it shall be to file an answer to the petition within 5 days.
L.1974, c. 119, s. 41, eff. Oct. 10, 1974. Amended by L.1977, c. 209, s. 29, eff. Sept. 7, 1977.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.62 - Examination of petition and answer; hearing

9:6-8.62. Examination of petition and answer; hearing
The court shall promptly examine the petition and answer. If the court concludes that a hearing should be held, it may proceed upon due notice to all concerned parties to hear the facts and determine whether continued placement serves the purposes of this act. If the court concludes that a hearing is not necessary, it shall enter an order granting or denying the petition.
L.1974, c. 119, s. 42, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.63 - Orders on hearing

9:6-8.63. Orders on hearing
a. If the court determines after hearing that continued placement serves the purposes of this act, it shall deny the petition. The court may, on its own motion, reduce the duration of the placement, change the agency or institution in which the child is placed, or direct the division to make such other arrangements for the child's care and welfare as the facts of the case may require.
b. If the court determines, after hearing, that continued placement does not serve the purposes of this act, the court shall discharge the child from the custody of the division or person given custody under section 34 hereof.
L.1974, c. 119, s. 43, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.64 - Successive petitions

9:6-8.64. Successive petitions
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.65 - Substitution for original placement

9:6-8.65. Substitution for original placement
If under section 34, custody of the child is given to a party other than the division, and that party is no longer able to continue custody of the child, the court may authorize the division to arrange for the child's care by another person or assume custody of the child.
L.1974, c. 119, s. 45, eff. Oct. 10, 1974. Amended by L.1977, c. 209, s. 30, eff. Sept. 7, 1977.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.66 - Failure to comply with terms and conditions of suspended judgment

9:6-8.66. Failure to comply with terms and conditions of suspended judgment
If a parent or guardian responsible for a child's care is brought before the court for failing to comply with the terms and conditions of a suspended judgment issued under section 32 hereof, and if, after hearing, the court is satisfied by competent proof that the parent or guardian did so, the court may revoke the suspension of judgment and enter any order that might have been made at the time judgment was suspended.
L.1974, c. 119, s. 46, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.67 - Failure to comply with terms and conditions of probation

9:6-8.67. Failure to comply with terms and conditions of probation
If a parent or guardian is brought before the court for failing to comply with the terms and conditions of an order of probation issued under section 36 hereof, or of an order of protection issued under section 35 or section 11 hereof, and if, after hearing, the court is satisfied by competent proof that the parent or guardian did so willfully and without just cause, the court may revoke the order of probation or of protection and enter any order that might have been made at the time the order of probation was made.
L.1974, c. 119, s. 47, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.68 - Effect of running away from place of placement

9:6-8.68. Effect of running away from place of placement
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.69 - Release from responsibility under order of placement

9:6-8.69. Release from responsibility under order of placement
Those responsible for the operation of a place where a child has been placed under section 34 hereof may petition the court for leave to return the child to the court and, for good cause shown, to be released from responsibility under the order of placement. After hearing the court may grant the petition and make any order, including an order of placement, that might have been made at the time the order of placement was made.
L.1974, c. 119, s. 49, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.70 - Appealable orders

9:6-8.70. Appealable orders
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.71 - Appropriations

9:6-8.71. Appropriations
There shall be appropriated from the general fund such funds as are necessary to implement the provisions and to effectuate the purposes of this act as shall be included in any general or supplemental appropriation act.
L.1974, c. 119, s. 51, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.72a - Rules, regulations.

9:6-8.72a Rules, regulations.
8. The Commissioner of Education shall, in cooperation and consultation with the Commissioner of Children and Families, adopt rules and regulations, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), concerning the relationship, rights and responsibilities of the Department of Children and Families and local school districts regarding the reporting and investigation of allegations of child abuse.
L.1987, c.341, s.8; amended 2004, c.130, s.34; 2006, c.47, s.54.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.73 - Severability

9:6-8.73. Severability
If any provision of this act or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held to be invalid, the remainder of the act and application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
L.1974, c. 119, s. 55, eff. Oct. 10, 1974.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.76 - Task force membership.

9:6-8.76 Task force membership.
3. The task force shall consist of 30 members as follows: the Commissioners of Human Services, Children and Families, Education, Community Affairs, Corrections, and Health, the Attorney General, two judges of the Superior Court involved in both civil and criminal court proceedings related to child abuse and neglect as appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Public Defender, and the Superintendent of State Police, or their designees, as ex officio members; two members of the Senate and the General Assembly, respectively, no more than one of whom in each case shall be of the same political party; and a county prosecutor appointed by the Attorney General. The 14 public members shall be appointed by the Governor as follows: one member who is a director of a regional diagnostic and treatment center for child abuse and neglect; one member who represents the Advocates for Children of New Jersey; one member who represents Foster and Adoptive Family Services; one member who represents the Child Placement Advisory Council; one member who represents a faith-based organization; one member who is a director of a county department of human services; one member who is a youth 21 years of age or younger who is or has been placed under the care and custody of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency because of an allegation of child abuse or neglect; two members who represent service providers under contract with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency; and five members of the public who have an interest or expertise in issues concerning child welfare. The public members shall reflect the diversity of the residents of the State and the children and families served by the State's child welfare system.
The task force membership shall comply with the multidisciplinary requirements set forth in the "Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act," Pub.L.93-247 (42 U.S.C. s.5101 et seq.).
The task force shall be co-chaired, one co-chair shall be the Commissioner of Children and Families and the other shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The second co-chair shall be selected from among the public members and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The public members shall serve for a term of three years.
L.1994, c.119, s.3; amended 2005, c.155, s.107; 2006, c.47, s.56; 2009, c.29; 2012, c.16, s.37; 2019, c.395.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.77 - Vacancies; compensation

9:6-8.77. Vacancies; compensation
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.78 - Providing staff.

9:6-8.78. Providing staff.
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.79 - Task force's use of services and consultants

9:6-8.79. Task force's use of services and consultants
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.81 - Funds, solicitation, use

9:6-8.81. Funds, solicitation, use
8. The task force may solicit, receive, disburse and monitor grants and other funds made available from any governmental, public, private, not-for-profit or for-profit agency, including funds made available under any federal or State law, regulation or program.
L.1994,c.119,s.8.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.84 - Definitions relative to child abuse, neglect.

9:6-8.84 Definitions relative to child abuse, neglect.
2. As used in this act:
"Board" means the Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board established under P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.83 et al.).
"Child" means any person under the age of 18.
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Children and Families.
"Division" means the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families.
"Near fatality" means a case in which a child is in serious or critical condition, as certified by a physician.
"Panel" means a citizen review panel as established under P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.83 et al.).
"Parent or guardian" means a person defined pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.21) who has the responsibility for the care, custody, or control of a child or upon whom there is a legal duty for such care.
"Reasonable efforts" means attempts by an agency authorized by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency to assist the parents in remedying the circumstances and conditions that led to the placement of the child and in reinforcing the family structure, as defined in section 7 of P.L.1991, c.275 (C.30:4C-15.1).
"Sexual abuse" means contacts or actions between a child and a parent or caretaker for the purpose of sexual stimulation of either that person or another person. Sexual abuse includes:
a. the employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of any child to engage in, or assist any other person to engage in, any sexually explicit conduct or simulation of such conduct;
b. sexual conduct including molestation, prostitution, other forms of sexual exploitation of children, or incest; or
c. sexual penetration and sexual contact as defined in N.J.S.2C:14-1 and a prohibited sexual act as defined in N.J.S.2C:24-4.
"Significant bodily injury" means a temporary loss of the functioning of any bodily member or organ or temporary loss of any one of the five senses.
"Withholding of medically indicated treatment" means the failure to respond to a child's life-threatening conditions by providing treatment, including appropriate nutrition, hydration, and medication which, in the treating physician's reasonable judgment, will most likely be effective in ameliorating or correcting all such conditions. The term does not include the failure to provide treatment, other than appropriate nutrition, hydration, or medication to a child when, in the treating physician's reasonable medical judgment:
a. the child is chronically and irreversibly comatose;
b. the provision of such treatment would merely prolong dying, not be effective in ameliorating or correcting all of the child's life-threatening conditions, or otherwise be futile in terms of the survival of the child; or
c. the provision of such treatment would be virtually futile in terms of the survival of the child and the treatment itself under such circumstances would be inhumane.
L.1997, c.175, s.2; amended 1999, c.53, s.16; 2006, c.47, s.58; 2012, c.16, s.38.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.85 - Procedures for responding to reports of medical neglect.

9:6-8.85 Procedures for responding to reports of medical neglect.
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.86 - Pursuit of legal remedies for medical care.

9:6-8.86 Pursuit of legal remedies for medical care.
4. The division may pursue any legal remedies, including the initiation of legal proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction, as may be necessary to: a. prevent the withholding of medically indicated treatment from disabled children with life-threatening conditions, or b. provide medical care or treatment for a child when such care or treatment is necessary to prevent or remedy serious harm to the child or to prevent the withholding of medically indicated treatment from disabled children with life-threatening conditions.
L.1997,c.175,s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.87 - Exception to requirement to provide reasonable efforts to reunify child with parent.

9:6-8.87 Exception to requirement to provide reasonable efforts to reunify child with parent.
5. In any case in which the division accepts a child in care or custody, including placement, the division shall not be required to provide reasonable efforts to reunify the child with a parent if an exception to the requirement to provide reasonable efforts has been established in accordance with section 25 of P.L.1999, c.53 (C.30:4C-11.3).
L.1997, c.175, s.5; amended L.1999,c.53,s.17.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.88 - Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board.

9:6-8.88 Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board.
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.89 - Membership, terms of board members.

9:6-8.89 Membership, terms of board members.
7. a. The board shall consist of 13 members as follows: the Commissioner of Children and Families, the Commissioner of Health, the Director of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families, the Attorney General, and the Superintendent of State Police, or their designees, the State Medical Examiner, and the Chairperson or Executive Director of the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, who shall serve ex officio; and six public members appointed by the Governor, one of whom shall be a representative of the New Jersey Prosecutors' Association, one of whom shall be a Law Guardian, one of whom shall be a pediatrician with expertise in child abuse and neglect, one of whom shall be a psychologist with expertise in child abuse and neglect, one of whom shall be a social work educator with experience and expertise in the area of child abuse or a related field and one of whom shall have expertise in substance use disorder.
b. The public members of the board shall serve for three-year terms. Of the public members first appointed, three shall serve for a term of two years, and three shall serve for a term of three years. The members of the board shall serve without compensation but shall be eligible for reimbursement for necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties and within the limits of funds appropriated for this purpose. Vacancies in the membership of the board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were made.
c. The Governor shall appoint a public member to serve as chairperson of the board who shall be responsible for the coordination of all activities of the board and who shall provide the technical assistance needed to execute the duties of the board.
d. The board is entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of employees of any State, county, or municipal department, board, bureau, commission, or agency as it may require and as may be available for the purposes of reviewing a case pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.83 et al.). The board may also seek the advice of experts, such as persons specializing in the fields of pediatric, radiological, neurological, psychiatric, orthopedic, and forensic medicine; nursing; psychology; social work; education; law enforcement; family law; substance use disorder; child advocacy; or other related fields, if the facts of a case warrant additional expertise.
L.1997, c.175, s.7; amended 2005, c.155, s.108; 2006, c.47, s.60; 2012, c.16, s.39; 2023, c.177, s.20.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.90 - Duties of board.

9:6-8.90 Duties of board.
8. The board shall:
a. Identify the fatalities of children due to unusual circumstances according to the following criteria:
(1) The cause of death is undetermined;
(2) Death where substance use disorder may have been a contributing factor;
(3) Homicide, child abuse or neglect;
(4) Death where child abuse or neglect may have been a contributing factor;
(5) Malnutrition, dehydration, or medical neglect or failure to thrive;
(6) Sexual abuse;
(7) Head trauma, fractures or blunt force trauma without obvious innocent reason such as auto accidents;
(8) Suffocation or asphyxia;
(9) Burns without obvious innocent reason such as auto accident or house fire; and
(10) Suicide.
b. Identify fatalities and near fatalities among children whose family, currently or within the last 12 months, were receiving services from the division.
L.1997,c.175,s.8; amended 2023, c.177, s.21.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.91 - Determinations of board; composition of team; report.

9:6-8.91 Determinations of board; composition of team; report.
9. a. The board shall determine which fatalities shall receive full review. The board may establish local or regional community-based teams to review information regarding children identified by the board. At least one team shall be designated to review information regarding child fatalities due to unusual circumstances. At least one team shall be designated to review child fatalities and near fatalities identified pursuant to subsection b. of section 8 of P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.90) as well as child fatalities where information available to the board indicates that child abuse or neglect may have been a contributing factor.
b. Each team shall include, at a minimum, a person experienced in prosecution, a person experienced in local law enforcement investigation, a medical examiner, a public health advocate, a physician, preferably a pediatrician, and a casework supervisor from a division field office. As necessary to perform its functions, each team may add additional members or seek the advice of experts in other fields if the facts of a case warrant additional expertise.
c. Each team shall submit to the board chairperson a report of its findings and recommendations based upon its review of information regarding each child fatality or near fatality.
L.1997,c.175,s.9.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.92 - Confidential master file.

9:6-8.92 Confidential master file.
10. a. The board shall record the name, age, date of birth, place of death or pronouncement of death, date and time of death, and circumstances surrounding the death in a confidential master file. Similar information shall be recorded for each near fatality reviewed by the board. The file shall serve as the minimum record of the case and shall be the only file that contains the name of the child and shall not be subject to discovery, but may be used by the chairperson of the board to refer an individual case, including the board's deliberations and conclusions, to the extent necessary for an appropriate agency to investigate or to provide services.
b. Except as provided in subsection a. of this section, the deliberations and conclusions of the board and of its teams, related to a specific case, shall be confidential. Summary records that are prepared by the board and the teams on each reported case shall be free of information that would identify the child.
c. The summary reports, deliberations and conclusions of the board or its teams shall not supersede or replace the conclusions or opinions of the agencies that contribute information from their own records.
d. The board shall review the reports submitted by each team and issue an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature which includes the number of cases reviewed and specific non-identifying information regarding cases of particular significance. The board shall also include in the report recommendations for achieving better coordination and collaboration among State and local agencies and recommendations for system-wide improvements in services to prevent fatalities and near fatalities among children.
L.1997,c.175,s.10.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.93 - Subpoena, review of records.

9:6-8.93 Subpoena, review of records.
11. a. The board may subpoena and review records that pertain to the child, except as provided in any statute, regulation or Executive Order relating to the confidentiality of criminal investigations and criminal investigative files. The records subject to subpoena and review shall include, but are not limited to, private medical and hospital records, school records, mental health records, and other records which may be deemed pertinent to the review process and necessary for the formulation of a conclusion by the board.
b. Records obtained by the board pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall not be subject to subpoena.
c. If, at the time of initial notification or during the subsequent review, the board has reasonable cause to believe that the death is the result of child abuse or neglect, or has reasonable cause to believe that the death is the result of an on-going hazard to other members of the household, then the board shall notify or shall verify that notification has been made to the county prosecutor of the county wherein the death occurred or was pronounced, and to the division.
L.1997,c.175,s.11.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.94 - Immunity from liability for civil damages.

9:6-8.94 Immunity from liability for civil damages.
12. A member of the board shall not be liable for any civil damages as a result of providing in good faith any reports, records, opinions or recommendations pursuant to P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.83 et al.).
L.1997,c.175,s.12.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.95 - Solicitation of grants, other funds.

9:6-8.95 Solicitation of grants, other funds.
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.96 - Regulations by board.

9:6-8.96 Regulations by board.
14. The board shall adopt regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) concerning the operation of the board, procedures for conducting reviews of cases involving child fatalities and near fatalities, and other matters necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act.
L.1997,c.175,s.14.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.97 - Citizen review panels.

9:6-8.97 Citizen review panels.
15. a. The commissioner shall designate three citizen review panels for the purpose of examining the policies and procedures of State and local agencies and, as appropriate, specific cases, and evaluating the extent to which the agencies are effectively discharging their child protection responsibilities.
b. The commissioner may designate as panels for the purposes of P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.83 et al.), one or more existing entities established under federal or State law, if such entities have the capacity to satisfy the requirements of this act.
c. Each panel shall be composed of volunteer members who are broadly representative of the community in which the panel is established, including members who have expertise in the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect.
d. Each panel shall meet not less than once every three months.
e. The members of the panels:
(1) shall not disclose to any person or government official any identifying information about a specific child protection case with respect to which the panel is provided information; and
(2) shall not make public other information unless authorized by State statute.
f. Each panel shall have access to information as necessary to carry out its functions. Each panel is entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of employees of any State, county or municipal department, board, bureau, commission or agency as it may require and as may be available for the purposes of effectuating the provisions of P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.83 et al.). This subsection shall not be construed to permit access to information which may compromise the integrity of a division investigation or a civil or criminal investigation or judicial proceeding.
g. Each panel shall prepare and make available to the public on an annual basis, a report containing a summary of its activities.
h. A member of the panel shall not be liable for any civil damages as a result of providing, in good faith, a report, record, opinion or recommendation pursuant to P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.83 et al..
i. A panel may receive grants and other funds made available from any 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.15.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.98 - Rules, regulations by department.

9:6-8.98 Rules, regulations by department.
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.98.1 - Study of effects of racial, ethnic disparities on infant mortality.

9:6-8.98.1 Study of effects of racial, ethnic disparities on infant mortality.
1. a. The Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board shall study the effects of racial and ethnic disparities on infant mortality.
The purpose of the study shall be to:
(1) identify Statewide and regional infant death rates, trends, patterns, and racial and ethnic disparities in adverse birth outcomes, and medical, non-medical, and system-related factors that may have contributed to infant deaths and treatment disparities;
(2) review the extent to which racial and ethnic disparities in infant mortality in a geographic area indicate the need to increase access to health care services among racial and ethnic populations in that area;
(3) identify ways to reduce or eliminate racial and ethnic disparities that contribute to infant mortality; and
(4) review the extent to which racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding initiation and duration indicate the need to increase breastfeeding supports among racial and ethnic populations throughout the State.
b. In conducting the study, the board may seek the advice of persons specializing in the fields of neonatal and post neonatal pathology, maternal and infant health, minority health advocacy, or other related fields.
c. Within one year after the date of enactment of this act, the board shall prepare and submit to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), to the Legislature, a report containing the study's findings concerning the effects of racial and ethnic disparities on infant mortality and recommendations for legislative or other actions that can be undertaken to:
(1) reduce infant mortality and improve birth outcomes in the State;
(2) reduce or eliminate racial and ethnic disparities that contribute to infant mortality;
(3) increase access to health care services among racial and ethnic populations in the State; and
(4) increase breastfeeding supports among racial and ethnic populations throughout the State.
d. The board may prepare and submit additional reports when the board deems it appropriate, and each report, with the exception of the first report prepared under this section, shall additionally identify the extent to which the board's prior recommendations have been successfully implemented in practice and the apparent impact that the implementation of such recommended changes has had on infant mortality in the preceding years.
L.2018, c.22, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.98.2 - Regulations.

9:6-8.98.2 Regulations.
2. The board shall adopt 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 act.
L.2018, c.22, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.99 - Regional diagnostic and treatment centers for child abuse and neglect established.

9:6-8.99 Regional diagnostic and treatment centers for child abuse and neglect established.
1. The Commissioner of Children and Families shall establish four regional diagnostic and treatment centers for child abuse and neglect affiliated with medical teaching institutions in the State that meet the standards adopted by the commissioner, in consultation with the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect. The regional centers shall be located in the northern, north central, south central and southern regions of the State. Each center shall have experience in addressing the medical and mental health diagnostic and treatment needs of abused and neglected children in the region in which it is located.
L.1998, c.19, s.1; amended 2006, c.47, s.62.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.100 - Function of center, staffing.

9:6-8.100 Function of center, staffing.
2. Each center shall demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach to identifying and responding to child abuse and neglect. The center staff shall include, at a minimum, a pediatrician, a consulting psychiatrist, a psychologist and a social worker who are trained to evaluate and treat children who have been abused or neglected and their families. Each center shall establish a liaison with the district office of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families and the prosecutor's office from the county in which the child who is undergoing evaluation and treatment resides. At least one member of the staff shall also have an appropriate professional credential or significant training and experience in the identification and treatment of substance use disorder.
Each center shall develop an intake, referral and case tracking process which assists the division and prosecutor's office in assuring that child victims receive appropriate and timely diagnostic and treatment services.
L.1998, c.19, s.2; amended 2006, c.47, s.63; 2023, c.177, s.22.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.101 - Purpose of center

9:6-8.101. Purpose of center
3. The regional centers shall: evaluate and treat child abuse and neglect; be resources for the region and develop additional resources within the region; provide training and consultative services; and be available for emergency phone consultation 24 hours a day. The centers shall also be a source for research and training for additional medical and mental health personnel dedicated to the identification and treatment of child abuse and neglect.
The regional center may charge a sliding scale fee for services provided under this act.
L.1998,c.19,s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.102 - Services provided by staff of center.

9:6-8.102 Services provided by staff of center.
4. Services provided by the center's staff shall include, but not be limited to:
a. Providing psychological and medical evaluation and treatment of the child, counseling for family members and substance use disorder assessment and mental health and substance use disorder counseling for the parents or guardians of the child;
b. Providing referral for appropriate social services and medical care;
c. Providing testimony regarding alleged child abuse or neglect at judicial proceedings;
d. Providing treatment recommendations for the child and mental health and substance use disorder treatment recommendations for the child's family, and providing mental health and substance use disorder treatment recommendations for persons convicted of child abuse or neglect;
e. Receiving referrals from the Department of Children and Families and the county prosecutor's office and assisting them in any investigation of child abuse or neglect;
f. Providing educational material and seminars on child abuse and neglect and the services the center provides to children, parents, teachers, law enforcement officials, the judiciary, attorneys and other citizens.
L.1998, c.19, s.4; amended 2004, c.130, s.35; 2006, c.47, s.64; 2023, c.177, s.23.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.103 - Safety of child undergoing treatment assured

9:6-8.103. Safety of child undergoing treatment assured
5. The regional center shall ensure the safety of a child undergoing treatment while the child is at the regional center to the extent permitted by law. The appropriate law enforcement officials and protective services providers shall continue to ensure the safety of the child to the extent permitted by law.
L.1998,c.19,s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.104 - Establishment, maintenance of county-based multidisciplinary teams; "child advocacy center" defined.

9:6-8.104 Establishment, maintenance of county-based multidisciplinary teams; "child advocacy center" defined.
6. Regional centers shall act as a resource in the establishment and maintenance of county-based multidisciplinary teams which work in conjunction with the county prosecutor and the Department of Children and Families in the investigation of child abuse and neglect in the county in which the child who is undergoing evaluation and treatment resides. The Commissioner of Children and Families, in consultation with the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, shall establish standards for a county team. The county team shall consist of representatives of the following disciplines: law enforcement; child protective services; mental health; substance use disorder identification and treatment; and medicine; and, in those counties where a child advocacy center has been established, shall include a staff representative of a child advocacy center, all of whom have been trained to recognize child abuse and neglect. The county team shall provide: facilitation of the investigation, management and disposition of cases of criminal child abuse and neglect; referral services to the regional diagnostic center; appropriate referrals to medical and social service agencies; information regarding the identification and treatment of child abuse and neglect; and appropriate follow-up care for abused children and their families.
As used in this section, "child advocacy center" means a county-based center which meets the standards for a county team established by the commissioner pursuant to this section and demonstrates a multidisciplinary approach in providing comprehensive, culturally competent child abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment services to children who are victims of child abuse or neglect.
L.1998, c.19, s.6; amended 2001, c.344; 2004, c.130, s.36; 2006, c.47, s.65; 2023, c.177, s.24.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.106 - Rules, regulations.

9:6-8.106 Rules, regulations.
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.107 - Findings, declarations relative to child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams.

9:6-8.107 Findings, declarations relative to child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams.
1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. Child advocacy centers are child-friendly centers where a multidisciplinary team of law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, mental health and medical professionals, and victim witness and family advocates can provide a coordinated response to the investigation, treatment, prosecution, and prevention of child abuse and neglect.
b. Child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams are designed to ease the stress experienced by survivors of child abuse and neglect, and their families, throughout the investigation process and improve methods of responding to acts of child abuse and neglect.
c. Child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams reduce the trauma suffered by children who have been abused or neglected by employing forensic interviewers specifically trained to work with survivors of child abuse and neglect.
d. The centers and teams also assist child abuse and neglect survivors and their families in obtaining judicial, medical, therapeutic, and victim advocacy services, and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement, prosecutors, and child protective services professionals when investigating child abuse and neglect.
e. The number of child advocacy centers in the United States has grown dramatically since 1986 when the first center was established. According to the National Children's Alliance, the national accrediting organization for child advocacy centers, there are now more than 770 centers nationwide, and, as of 2009, there were over 900 multidisciplinary teams throughout the United States.
f. In order to ensure the effective, efficient, and consistent delivery of services to the survivors of child abuse and neglect and their families, it is necessary to establish a certification program for the State's child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams.
g. Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature to create a certification program for the State's child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams through the adoption and implementation of guidelines of practice consistent with the accreditation standards developed by the National Children's Alliance, or its successor.
L.2017, c.90, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.108 - Definitions relative to child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams.

9:6-8.108 Definitions relative to child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams.
2. As used in this act:
"Child advocacy center" means a county-based center as defined in section 6 of P.L.1998, c.19 (C.9:6-8.104).
"Multidisciplinary team" means a county-based team as established in section 6 of P.L.1998, c.19 (C.9:6-8.104).
L.2017, c.90, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.110 - Duties of board.

9:6-8.110 Duties of board.
4. The board shall:
a. direct the development and implementation of a certification program for the State's child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams pursuant to section 5 of this act;
b. develop a comprehensive plan for evaluating the effectiveness of the State's child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams; and
c. apply for and accept any grant of money from the State or federal government or other sources, which may be available to establish, expand, or improve child advocacy centers or multidisciplinary teams pursuant to section 7 of this act. Any monies received by the board shall be deposited in the "Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Fund" established pursuant to section 6 of this act.
L.2017, c.90, s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:6-8.112 - "Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Fund."

9:6-8.112 "Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Fund."
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.