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 the dynamics of 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, aiming to enhance 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 representatives from the courts, mental health professionals, domestic violence advocates, and community leaders. The committee will assist the DCF in selecting and funding evidence-based Batterers Intervention Programs, ensuring effective implementation and evaluation. The DCF is tasked with selecting and funding an existing evidence-based program model, providing consultation and technical assistance, and maintaining the necessary infrastructure for the program. This initiative aligns with recommendation 18 from the Report of the Supreme Court Ad Hoc Committee on Domestic Violence, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices in addressing domestic violence.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 2C:25-29