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 the DCF, ensuring that they meet established standards.

Additionally, the bill outlines the composition and responsibilities of the newly formed Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee, which will include representatives from the courts, mental health professionals, domestic violence advocates, and community leaders. This committee will assist the DCF in selecting and funding evidence-based Batterers Intervention Programs, ensuring their effectiveness and alignment with best practices. The DCF is tasked with implementing these programs, providing technical assistance, and maintaining the necessary infrastructure for model refinement, training, quality improvement, and evaluation. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the accountability and effectiveness of domestic violence interventions in New Jersey, aligning with recommendations from the Supreme Court Ad Hoc Committee on Domestic Violence.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:25-29