ASSEMBLY JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

SENATE, No. 720

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: OCTOBER 21, 2024

      The Assembly Judiciary Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 720 (1R).

      As reported by the committee, Senate Bill No. 720 (1R) is identical to Assembly Bill No. 4168, which was also reported by the committee on this date.

      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.

      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.