NJ S1411

Amends New Jersey child custody law (R.S.9:2-4) to prioritize child safety and welfare as paramount considerations, requiring courts to treat safety as a threshold issue in custody and access decisions.

Requires courts to consider children's expressed preferences in contested custody cases and document on the record justifications for any custody arrangement that disregards those preferences.

Prohibits courts from ordering therapy unless there is scientifically valid proof of safety, effectiveness, and therapeutic value, with specific factors the court must consider before ordering any treatment.

Mandates that court-appointed therapists report periodically on therapy progress and allows children of sufficient age to speak privately with judges and submit supporting documentation from treating mental health professionals.

Appropriates $1 million total ($500,000 each to the Administrative Office of the Courts and Rutgers Institute for Families) to study and report on the bill's impact on family reunification and custody case resolution within three years.