This bill amends several sections of existing New Jersey law to ensure that resource family parents, relatives, preadoptive parents, or temporary caregivers of children under the care of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families are granted party status in any reviews or hearings concerning the child. Previously, these caregivers could receive written notice and have the right to be heard at such reviews or hearings, but they were not allowed to be formally recognized as parties to the proceedings. The amendments explicitly state that these caregivers shall be made parties to any review or hearing, thereby enhancing their involvement in the decision-making processes affecting the children in their care.

In addition to the changes regarding party status, the bill also emphasizes the importance of the child's health, safety, and need for permanency in court considerations. It requires that written notice of hearings be provided to all relevant parties, including the child's resource family parent or relative, ensuring they are informed and can participate fully in the legal processes that impact the child's welfare. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the role of caregivers in the child welfare system and ensure that their voices are heard in legal matters concerning the children they care for.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9:3-45.2, 9:6-8.19, 30:4C-12.2, 30:4C-54, 30:4C-59, 30:4C-61, 30:4C-61.2