SENATE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

SENATE, Nos. 996 and 1355

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

ADOPTED OCTOBER 7, 1996

Sponsored by Senators SINGER, SINAGRA

and KYRILLOS

An Act concerning abused or neglected children and supplementing Title 9 of the Revised Statutes.

      Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

      1. When a child is placed in the custody of a relative or other suitable person or the Division of Youth and Family Services pursuant to section 34 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.54), because of a finding of abuse or neglect, the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part shall order the parent to undergo substance abuse assessment, when necessary. If the assessment reveals positive evidence of substance abuse, the court shall require the parent to demonstrate that he is receiving treatment and complying with the treatment program for the substance abuse problem before the child is returned to the parental home.

      2. The Commissioner of Human Services, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt regulations to effectuate the purposes of this act.

      3. This act shall take effect on the 60th day following enactment.

Requires certain parents to demonstrate evidence of substance abuse treatment when their child has been removed from the home for child abuse or neglect.