This bill establishes new standards for domestic violence counseling and creates the Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee within the Department of Children and Families (DCF). It amends existing law to require that any court-mandated domestic violence counseling program includes specific components such as risk assessments, collaboration with the courts for offender accountability, education on power dynamics in domestic violence, and protocols for tracking attendance and compliance. The bill also mandates regular reviews of these programs by the New Jersey Advisory Council on Domestic Violence or DCF, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of domestic violence interventions and improve accountability for offenders.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the composition and responsibilities of the newly formed Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee, which will include various stakeholders such as court representatives, mental health professionals, domestic violence advocates, and community leaders. The committee will assist DCF in selecting and funding effective Batterers Intervention Program models, ensuring they are evidence-based and adequately supported. DCF is tasked with selecting existing evidence-based programs, funding them based on strategic priorities, and providing periodic progress updates to the committee. This initiative aligns with recommendation 18 from the Report of the Supreme Court Ad Hoc Committee on Domestic Violence, reinforcing the commitment to structured intervention programs and ongoing support.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:25-29