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 to ensure their effectiveness.

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 that they align with strategic priorities and available funding. The DCF will also seek consultation from model developers or field experts to support the implementation of these programs, which reflects recommendation 18 from the Report of the Supreme Court Ad Hoc Committee on Domestic Violence issued in June 2016, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices in addressing domestic violence.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:25-29