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 and their families. This addition aims to ensure that families are informed about various services offered by community-based agencies, such as counseling, parenting skills classes, and substance abuse treatment, which can help them address and overcome the challenges associated with child abuse.

The bill emphasizes the importance of empowering families with knowledge about available support services to help break the cycle of abuse and protect vulnerable children. By enhancing the hotline's role, the legislation seeks to improve the overall response to child abuse cases in New Jersey and facilitate access to necessary resources for affected families. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9:6-8.12