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Bill > S4603
NJ S4603
NJ S4603Establishes requirements to develop protocols and training for reunification therapy; makes appropriation.
summary
Introduced
06/12/2025
06/12/2025
In Committee
06/12/2025
06/12/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the development of curriculum and training in reunification therapy services for mental health professionals licensed in the State. "Reunification therapy services" is defined as a form of therapy to rebuild or reestablish a connection between a parent and child after a distinct period of separation caused by various circumstances, including, but not limited to, incarceration, addiction and subsequent treatment, or as a result of a divorce. The mental health professionals authorized in the bill to provide these services include, among other professionals, physicians with board certifications as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. The development and provision of education and training in reunification therapy services is to be provided by: (1) a teaching hospital or health system that includes a children's hospital licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health; (2) a freestanding psychiatric hospital licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health with pediatric acute psychiatric beds; or (3) a residential facility licensed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families. Parties who meet these qualifications are to apply to the Department of Children and Families, who will make the final decision on which applicant is approved to develop the curriculum and training in reunification therapy services. The approved applicant will receive an appropriation of $3 million, with a possible additional sum of $2 million, to assist in the development of the curriculum and training. The bill delineates how the approved applicant is to develop the curriculum and training. In part, it includes consultation with the requisite mental health professional boards and judges presiding over family courts in New Jersey. Data is to be sent by the licensed mental health professionals who provide reunification therapy services to the Department of Children and Families to demonstrate the success rate, or lack thereof, in the use of reunification therapy services. The data is to be made publicly available.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for developing specialized training and protocols for reunification therapy in New Jersey, addressing situations where children have become estranged from parents due to circumstances like divorce, substance abuse, incarceration, or abuse. The bill requires the Department of Children and Families to select a qualified organization (such as a teaching hospital, psychiatric hospital, or residential facility) to develop a standardized curriculum and training program for mental health professionals specializing in reunification therapy. The selected organization must create a research-backed curriculum that includes consultation with professional boards, family court judges, and reunification advocates, and will receive an initial $3 million appropriation with a potential additional $2 million for program development. Only mental health professionals who complete this specialized training will be authorized to provide reunification therapy services, including court-mandated reunification. The program will include a period of supervised training and requires collecting and publicly sharing data on the success and failure rates of reunification efforts. The bill aims to ensure that therapists have the necessary skills and understanding to sensitively and effectively help rebuild parent-child relationships while prioritizing the child's mental health and well-being.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 06/12/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4603 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4603_I1.HTM |
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