SENATE HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND SENIOR CITIZENS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 720

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 14, 2024

      The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 720.

      Under current law, if the court finds that a person who has abused or neglected a child appears to be in need of therapeutic services, the court may order the person to accept such services or an evaluation for services. The services ordered by the court may include, but are not limited to, homemaker services, functional education, and professional therapy.

      As amended by the committee, this bill would provide that in cases where the person has a developmental disability and is eligible for services provided by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) in the Department of Human Services, the Division of Child Protection and Permanency would be required to make reasonable efforts to consult with DDD to create a plan for services for the person.  DDD would also be required to determine an appropriate method to offer the services based on the person’s disability.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amendments revise the bill to more broadly reference the services provided by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) in the Department of Human Services.  As introduced, the bill specifically referenced therapeutic services provided by DDD.

      The committee amendments make a technical change to correct formatting.