This bill establishes new standards for domestic violence counseling and creates the Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee within the Department of Children and Families. 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 Department of Children and Families, enhancing the accountability and effectiveness of domestic violence interventions in New Jersey.

Additionally, 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 the Department of Children and Families in selecting and funding evidence-based Batterers Intervention Programs, ensuring their effectiveness and support. The Department is tasked with selecting an existing evidence-based program model, funding these programs based on strategic priorities, and providing periodic progress updates to the committee. The domestic violence counseling provisions align with recommendation 18 from the Report of the Supreme Court Ad Hoc Committee on Domestic Violence, reinforcing the bill's commitment to structured intervention and ongoing support.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:25-29