ASSEMBLY COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE

 

STATEMENT TO

 

ASSEMBLY, No. 386

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

DATED: DECEMBER 16, 1996

 

 

      The Assembly Community Services Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 386.

      This bill establishes the Office of Child Advocacy in, but not of, the Department of the Treasury. The office would:

      (1) Serve as the Governor's chief advocate for child development and education;

      (2) Assist the Governor in identifying child development and education funding priorities, including preventive services for children and youth;

      (3) Aid the Governor in proposing methods of achieving increased coordination and collaboration among State agencies to ensure maximum effectiveness and efficiency in the provision of services to children and youth; and

      (4) Report to the Governor and the Legislature on recommendations that will further the State's ability to secure, preserve and promote the health, safety and welfare of New Jersey's children and youth.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 1996-1997 session pending technical review. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review which was been performed.