NJ A4408

Authorizes the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) to disclose child abuse and neglect records to religious institutions when conducting background checks on prospective or current employees who will provide instruction or services to children.

Amends P.L.1977, c.102 (C.9:6-8.10a) by adding religious organizations to the list of entities that may request and receive child abuse registry information from DCF.

Addresses a gap identified in a 2013 Appellate Division court case (New Jersey Div. of Youth & Family Servs. v. P.H. and J.C.) that noted religious institutions were not included among entities permitted to receive this information.

Maintains existing confidentiality protections, prohibiting disclosure of information that would endanger the life, safety, or well-being of a child or any other person, or compromise ongoing investigations or judicial proceedings.