The Assembly Appropriations Committee unanimously advanced a bill sponsored by Assemblyman Alex Sauickie on Thursday, strengthening protections for youth ages 18 to 21 receiving services in an institution or day school regulated by the state Department of Children and Families. The assemblyman has made it a legislative priority to address persistent claims of abuse and neglect in state-funded homes, especially for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

“Families living in New Jersey with young adults who need specialized care or treatment are often forced to place their trust in the providers licensed by the Department of Children and Families. While there are examples of great providers, there are also those who have historically violated the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Sauickie (R-Ocean) said. “This bill will extend critical protections for the vulnerable populations at higher risk of abuse and neglect.” 

The bill (A5636/S3751) revises the definition of child abuse or neglect to include individuals ages 18 to 21 who are abused, neglected, or exploited by staff, contractors, or volunteers of institutions and day schools responsible for their care or supervision and regulated by the state Department of Children and Families.

The bill also transfers full investigatory responsibility for abuse and neglect cases from the Office of Program Integrity and Accountability in the state Human Services Department to the Department of Children and Families. 

“Families deserve more accountability from providers, greater oversight, and a more responsive system of care. That starts by ensuring their concerns are heard and thoroughly investigated by the agency that oversees the care of their loved ones,” Sauickie said. 

A report from New Jersey’s disability ombudsman refers to abuse and neglect as “rampant” in state-licensed residential facilities. The ombudsman’s office had 2,313 unique visitors to its “How to Report Abuse & Neglect” section of its website in one year. 

The Department of Children and Families serves about 1,800 youth ages 18 to 21 each month through programs, institutions and schools designed to meet their physical, mental, behavioral, educational and residential needs. 

“It’s past time to ensure that our most vulnerable young people receive equal protections under the law. I look forward to seeing this swiftly signed into law as I continue to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves,” Sauickie said.  

More than a quarter of U.S. states include conditions for youth over 18 in their definitions of child maltreatment, and 15% extend protections to youth up to age 21 if they remain in the child welfare system.

The Assembly must vote on the bill before it can advance to the governor’s desk.