Ongoing reports of abuse and neglect in state-funded homes for New Jersey children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities require immediate legislative intervention, says Assemblyman Alex Sauickie. The GOP lawmaker from Ocean County recently introduced a bill package strengthening protections for these vulnerable populations in the care of providers receiving taxpayer dollars.
Sauickie is advancing legislation that creates an independent agency to investigate claims of abuse, neglect or exploitation (A6137), establishes a direct care funding ratio for certain residential programs (A6138), and requires cameras in common areas of group homes under certain conditions.
“New Jersey has an obligation to protect residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities from the ongoing problems plaguing state-funded group homes. It is imperative that the Legislature act now to put in commonsense and expert-recommended safeguards that will provide for more accountability from providers, greater oversight, and better care,” Sauickie said.
A report from New Jersey’s disability ombudsman cites 112 unexpected deaths in 2024 among people living in state-licensed residences. Many of those cases were not investigated by the state, with provider agencies conducting the reviews instead.
Sauickie wants to create a New Jersey Justice Center for the Protection of Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities, based on New York’s model, that would house a central registry of offenders and oversee more transparent investigations.
“The loved ones of the vulnerable individuals in these homes deserve to be heard without fear of retribution. They should also be able to access the results of an unbiased investigation. New Jersey needs to deliver justice for families and individuals and that starts by holding providers accountable,” Sauickie added.
Cameras in common areas are also effective at holding providers accountable for their actions, Sauickie noted. Given that certain disabilities severely limit residents’ ability to understand and communicate, cameras give them a much-needed voice, he added.
Under a bill introduced by Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips, of which Sauickie is also a sponsor, certain group homes must install electronic monitoring devices in the common areas upon the consent of all residents.
“The licensed providers that offer individuals behavioral and residential support, respite services and more can receive upwards of a half million dollars per resident, but there is very little incentive to put it towards the people who need it the most. These group homes that receive public funds should have direct care funding ratios like nursing homes, so there is a minimum that must be used to support the individuals living there,” Sauickie said.
His bill mandates that at least 70% of a provider’s revenue from state and federal sources in a given fiscal year is to be expended on the direct care of residents. It would apply to state-licensed operators of community-based residential programs for adults or children with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
“Families living in New Jersey are often forced to place their trust in these providers. This is an essential service to these families, and while there are examples of great providers, there are also those who have historically violated the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It’s time to give these families the peace of mind they deserve, and ensure that all people, especially the most vulnerable, are given quality care. I will continue to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves,” Sauickie concluded.
