NJ A953

Court-ordered domestic violence counseling programs must include risk assessments identifying escalating risk factors, education on power and control tactics, attendance tracking protocols, and collaboration with courts to ensure offender accountability and behavioral change services

Programs must undergo regular reviews by the New Jersey Advisory Council on Domestic Violence or the Department of Children and Families for state-funded Batterers' Intervention Programs

Creates the "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee" within the Department of Children and Families, composed of representatives from multiple state agencies, courts, mental health professionals, domestic violence advocates, and community leaders

The Department of Children and Families must select an evidence-based or promising Batterers' Intervention Program model in consultation with the advisory committee and fund selected programs based on strategic priorities and available funds

The Department of Children and Families is responsible for accessing technical assistance from experts, supporting implementation infrastructure including training and quality improvement, and providing periodic progress updates to the advisory committee