This bill amends New Jersey laws concerning child abuse and neglect by expanding the definition of "child" to include individuals aged 18 to 21 in specific care settings. The updated definition states that a "child" can be any person under 18 years of age or any person under 21 years of age who is alleged to have been abused or neglected, particularly in contexts involving teachers, employees, or volunteers of institutions responsible for their care. The term "abused or neglected child" has also been revised to reflect this broader age range, ensuring that individuals in this age group receive the same legal protections as minors.

Additionally, the bill transfers full investigatory responsibility for incidents involving this age group from the Office of Program Integrity and Accountability in the Department of Human Services to the Department of Children and Families. It emphasizes the obligation of individuals working in licensed or funded programs to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of individuals with developmental disabilities, and outlines the procedures for investigating such reports. The bill mandates timely reviews and reports from the Office of Investigations, ensures communication related to incidents is safeguarded, and allows licensed providers from other states access to the central registry, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability in the oversight of vulnerable populations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9:6-8.21, 30:6D-74, 30:6D-75, 30:6D-76