NJ A5636

Expands the definition of "child" under New Jersey's child abuse and neglect laws to include persons aged 18-21 who are alleged to have been abused, neglected, or exploited by teachers, employees, contractors, or volunteers at institutions regulated by the Department of Children and Families, including day schools

Transfers investigatory responsibility for abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases involving individuals aged 18-21 in DCF-regulated facilities from the Department of Human Services' Office of Program Integrity and Accountability to the Department of Children and Families

Removes references to the "Children's System of Care" (a division within DCF) from the statute governing abuse investigations of individuals with developmental disabilities, as these provisions apply to Department of Human Services populations

Requires both the Department of Children and Families and Department of Human Services to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the changes

Takes effect on the first day of the twelfth month following enactment