A bill sponsored by Assemblyman Alex Sauickie has been signed into law strengthening protections for youth ages 18 to 21 under the care of an institution or day school regulated by the state Department of Children and Families. 

“Today marks a significant step forward in how the state addresses the persistent claims of abuse and neglect in state-funded homes, especially for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities,” Sauickie (R-Ocean) said. “This law extends critical protections for New Jersey’s vulnerable young people who are at a higher risk of abuse and neglect in a system that families must trust to provide quality care for their loved ones. I celebrate the progress and peace of mind that this law brings and pledge to continue to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.”

The law (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 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. 

New Jersey now joins more than a quarter of U.S. states that include conditions for youth over 18 in their definitions of child maltreatment, and the handful that extend protections to youth up to age 21 if they remain in the child welfare system.