NJ A3517

Eliminates the requirement that parents or legally responsible persons reimburse the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) for maintenance costs of children placed in resource family care

Renders all existing child support obligations, unpaid arrears, unsatisfied civil judgments, and liens owed to DCPP for child maintenance costs null and void, requiring them to be vacated and discharged

Vacates all warrants issued solely for failure to pay DCPP child support obligations or failure to appear at related court dates

Removes DCPP's authority to place liens on the property of legally responsible persons for child maintenance costs

Aligns New Jersey law with 2022 federal Children's Bureau guidance allowing states to narrow child support collection from parents whose children are in foster care, citing that 90% of parents involved with DCPP are indigent and collection efforts cost more than amounts recovered