NJ S4625

Establishes a 25-member Youth Detention Task Force to assess the current state of youth detention in New Jersey and recommend whether county facilities, Youth Justice Commission facilities, or an alternative system would best serve detained youth

Task force membership includes 4 legislators, 10 ex-officio members (Attorney General, Public Defender, Commissioners of Education, Children and Families, and Human Services, among others), and 11 public members appointed by legislative leaders and the Governor

Factors to be examined include available resources, logistical considerations, safety protocols, staff training, rehabilitation opportunities, security requirements, and overall facility conditions

Appointments must be made within 90 days of enactment, with the Youth Justice Commission providing administrative support and the task force required to submit findings and legislative recommendations within 18 months

Task force created in response to a December 2024 Superior Court ruling that the Youth Justice Commission is responsible for placement of detained youth in the state