Bill > A5167

This bill clarifies the rights of parents with disabilities in child protective proceedings. It states that a parent's or guardian's disability cannot be considered a negative factor in determinations related to whether a child is abused or neglected, whether a child should be removed from the home, whether a child should be returned to the parent or guardian, or the disposition of the child. The bill also requires the Division of Child Protection and Permanency to show a clear nexus between the parent's or guardian's disability and alleged harm to the child, and that such harm cannot be prevented or alleviated by accommodations for the disability, including adaptive parenting equipment or supportive parenting services, before a parent's or guardian's disability can be considered a negative factor. The bill defines "disability" and "supportive parenting services" and applies these provisions to proceedings to terminate parental rights and to determinations of whether to appoint a guardian for a minor child.

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https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2022/A5167