This bill amends the existing law concerning the child abuse reporting hotline maintained by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) in New Jersey. The key provision of the bill requires that the hotline not only receive reports, complaints, or allegations of child abuse or neglect but also provide information on resources available to victims of such abuse and their families. This addition aims to ensure that families are informed about the various services offered by community-based agencies, which include counseling, parenting skills classes, substance abuse treatment, and more.
The intent behind this legislation is to empower families and help them access the necessary support to break the cycle of abuse, thereby protecting vulnerable children in the state. By enhancing the hotline's role, the bill seeks to improve the overall response to child abuse cases and facilitate access to critical resources for those affected. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 9:6-8.12