Bill > A3600

Introduced Session

This bill increases the frequency of permanency hearings for children placed outside their homes from every 12 months to every six months. Specifically, the bill amends section 34 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.54) to require a permanency hearing for a child placed in the custody of a relative, other suitable person, or the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP), after a finding that the DCPP has made reasonable efforts to prevent placement or that reasonable efforts to prevent placement were not required, be held no later than six months after placement in cases in which the court has determined that efforts to reunify the child with the parent or guardian are required. Current law requires that permanency hearings take place no later than 12 months after placement in such cases. The bill also amends section 50 of P.L.1999, c.53 (C.30:4C-61.2) to require that a permanency hearing providing for court review and approval of a placement plan be held no later than six months after a child has been in placement. Current law requires that this hearing be held no later than 12 months after the child has been in placement.

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Carol Murphy (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee (on 02/12/2024)

Official Document