SENATE, No. 1355

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCED JUNE 20, 1996

By Senators SINGER 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.

STATEMENT

    This bill provides that if the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part makes a finding of child 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 the Division of Youth and Family Services, a relative or other suitable person, the court shall require the parent to undergo substance abuse assessment, when necessary. If there is positive evidence of substance abuse, the parent must 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.

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