SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 33
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
INTRODUCED JANUARY 29, 1996
By Senator BASSANO
A Concurrent Resolution creating a Joint Legislative Task Force to study the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center at Avenel and treatment of sexual offenders.
Whereas, Courts are authorized to sentence certain sexual offenders to a program of specialized treatment at the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center (ADTC) at Avenel if the offender's conduct was characterized by a pattern of repetitive, compulsive behavior; and
Whereas, Many of those offenders sentenced to Avenel "max out" and are therefore released without regard to completion of the course of treatment offered; and
Whereas, Questions are raised as to the efficacy of treatment for certain of these sexual offenders and as to the likelihood of rehabilitation for the same, including questions about the level of participation in the programs and therapies offered; and
Whereas, The tragic death of Megan Kanka in Hamilton Township, New Jersey has brought the issue of treatment of repetitive, compulsive sex offenders sharply into focus; and
Whereas, The public outcry demands an inquiry into current practices and the possible development of future alternatives for addressing this immediate, pressing problem of public safety; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey (the General Assembly concurring):
1. a. There is created a Joint Legislative Task Force to study and make recommendations concerning the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center (ADTC) at Avenel and the treatment of offenders convicted of aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual contact who are sentenced there for a program of specialized treatment following a finding that the offenders' conduct is characterized by a pattern of repetitive, compulsive behavior. The task force will examine the effectiveness of the ATDC in treating and rehabilitating sexual offenders. The task force shall meet as soon as practicable after the appointment of its members.
b. The Joint Legislative Task Force shall consider the following issues during the course of its study:
(1) Whether sexual offenders, especially pedophiles, can be treated and rehabilitated;
(2) If sexual offenders can be treated, when and why is treatment not successful; and
(3) If sexual offenders cannot be treated or rehabilitated, what other alternatives are available to manage this population of criminal offenders.
2. The Joint Legislative Task Force shall consist of 18 members to be appointed as follows: Two co-chairpersons shall be appointed, one by the President of the Senate and one by the Speaker of the General Assembly. Six additional Senators shall be appointed by the President of the Senate; no more than four of the six shall be of the same political party. Six additional members of the Assembly shall be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly; no more than four of the six shall be of the same political party. Four public members shall be appointed: two by the President of the Senate and two by the Speaker of the General Assembly. The members of the task force shall appoint a secretary who need not be a member of the task force. Vacancies in the membership shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were made.
3. The task force may meet and hold hearings at any place or places it shall designate during the sessions or recesses of the Senate and General Assembly.
4. The task force shall report its findings to the Legislature upon completion of its work, but not later than three months after the passage of this resolution, accompanying the report with any legislation or recommendations for legislation which it may desire to have adopted by the Legislature.
STATEMENT
This concurrent resolution creates a joint legislative task force to study and make recommendations concerning the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center (ADTC) at Avenel and persons convicted of aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual contact who are sentenced as repetitive, compulsive offenders to a course of treatment there. The task force is charged with considering during its study the following: can sexual offenders be treated or rehabilitated; if sexual offenders can be treated, when and why is treatment not successful; if sexual offenders cannot be treated or rehabilitated, what other alternatives are available to manage this population of criminal offenders.
The task force consists of 18 legislative members: seven Senators, seven Assembly members and four public members. There will be two co-chairs of the task force, one appointed by the Senate President and one by the Speaker of the General Assembly. The task force has 90 days for its report.
Creates a task force to study the treatment of sex offenders incarcerated at ATDC and explore alternatives.