This bill amends current law regarding the provision of therapeutic services for individuals found to have abused or neglected a child. It allows the court to order such individuals to accept therapeutic services or evaluations, which may include homemaker services, functional education, and professional therapy. Importantly, the bill introduces a requirement for the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) to consult with the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) when the individual in question has a developmental disability and is eligible for DDD services.

The bill specifies that DCPP must make reasonable efforts to collaborate with DDD to create an appropriate service plan that considers the individual's disability. Additionally, DDD is tasked with determining the best method to provide these services based on the individual's specific needs. This legislative change aims to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities receive tailored support in the context of child abuse or neglect cases. The act will take effect 90 days after its enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9:6-8.58