ASSEMBLY COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 866

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: SEPTEMBER 16, 1996

      The Assembly Community Services Committee favorably reports Assembly Bill No. 866 with committee amendments.

      As amended by the committee, this bill provides that when the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part makes a finding of abuse or neglect, pursuant to section 30 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.50), and the child is placed in the custody of a relative or other suitable person or the Division of Youth and Family Services, the court shall require the parent to undergo substance abuse assessment, when necessary. If there is positive evidence of substance abuse, the parent shall demonstrate to the court that he is receiving treatment and complying with the treatment plan for the substance abuse problem before the child is returned to the parental home.

      The committee amendments change the language requiring the parent to undergo substance abuse testing to substance abuse assessment, and add "when necessary" to that requirement. The amendments also require the parent to demonstrate that he is receiving treatment and complying with the treatment program. In addition, the amendments add a section to the bill requiring the Commissioner of Human Services to promulgate regulations in regard to the implementation of the bill.

      The Assembly Community Services Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 866.

      These amendments make this bill identical to Assembly Bill No. 1893 (1R) which was released by the Assembly Appropriations Committee on June 3, 1996.

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