NJ A4396

Allows juveniles adjudicated delinquent who face incarceration or mandatory parole ineligibility to be admitted to New Jersey's drug court program (special probation) if they meet eligibility criteria

Requires juveniles to meet the same eligibility standards as adults, including having a diagnosed substance use disorder, committing the offense while under the influence or to support the disorder, and posing no danger to the community

Mandates a 5-year special probation term with possible commitment to a residential treatment facility licensed by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, with a minimum 6-month residential stay

Excludes juveniles convicted of first-degree crimes, certain violent second-degree offenses, and offenses involving distribution of drugs to juveniles near schools

Amends N.J.S.2C:35-14 to extend the existing adult drug court rehabilitation program framework to eligible juvenile offenders