SENATE WOMEN'S ISSUES, CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 457

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JANUARY 22, 1996

      The Senate Women's Issues, Children and Family Services Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 457.

      This bill amends section 1 of P.L.1977, c.102 (C.9:6-8.10a) to allow the disclosure of records of child abuse reports to:

      1. The Office of the Administrative Law, if access to such records is necessary to make a determination of an issue before the office;

      2. An individual appealing a Division of Youth and Family Services service or status action or a substantiated finding of child abuse or neglect and his attorney or authorized lay representative, if access to the records is necessary for a determination of the issue on appeal;

      3. A person or entity required to conduct a background check or employment-related screening of an individual employed or seeking employment with an agency or organization providing services to children; and

      4. A person or entity conducting a disciplinary, administrative, or judicial proceeding to determine terms of employment or continued employment of an officer, employee, or volunteer with an agency or organization providing services for children. The information found in the records may be disclosed, if access to the information is necessary for the person or entity conducting the proceeding to make a determination.