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NJ A4659
Bill
Status
3/10/2026
Primary Sponsor
Aura Dunn
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AI Summary
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Resource family parents, relatives, preadoptive parents, and temporary caretakers caring for children in Division of Child Protection and Permanency custody would be granted automatic party status in all reviews and hearings concerning the child
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Current law only allows these caregivers to receive written notice and the right to be heard at proceedings, but explicitly prohibits them from being made parties to the case
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The bill amends multiple statutes (P.L.1999, c.53 and P.L.1977, c.424) to remove the language barring party status and replace it with mandatory party status for qualifying caregivers
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Party status would apply to initial placement hearings, Child Placement Review Board reviews, court hearings following board reports, and permanency hearings held within 12 months of placement
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The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment
Legislative Description
Requires resource family parent, relative, preadoptive parent, or caretaker to be party to reviews or hearings involving a child under the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families' care.
Children, Families and Food Security
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee
3/10/2026