Bill
Bill > S1341
NJ S1341
NJ S1341Requires Division of Developmental Disabilities to develop guidelines for tiered group home placements and transfers.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the Assistant Commissioner for the Division of Developmental Disabilities in the Department of Human Services to establish guidelines for placing individuals with developmental disabilities in Level 1 and Level 2 group homes, as well as guidelines for transferring individuals with developmental disabilities between Level 1 and Level 2 group homes. Level 1 group homes are group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities who may have some minimal or challenging behavioral issues, but who are generally able to be safely placed with other individuals with developmental disabilities in a less-restrictive setting. Level 2 group homes are group homes designed for individuals with developmental disabilities who present with persistent challenging behaviors that risk serious harm to self or others. Under the bill, Level 2 group homes will be required to provide services designed to support the reintegration of residents into a less-restrictive treatment setting, such as a Level 1 group home. The bill outlines certain criteria to be included in the guidelines developed by the assistant commissioner, and additionally directs the assistant commissioner, to the extent appropriate, to seek to align the guidelines developed under the bill with existing guidelines for group home placements and transfers for individuals with developmental disabilities that have been developed by the Division of the Children's System of Care in the Department of Children and Families. This bill was inspired by Aidan Burke, a young man with developmental disabilities who resides in a group home in New Jersey. Aidan was assaulted by another resident with a history of challenging behaviors. It is the sponsor's intent to protect Aidan and all group home residents so they can be safe in their own homes.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that the Assistant Commissioner for the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) within the Department of Human Services (DHS) create specific guidelines for placing individuals with developmental disabilities into two tiers of group homes: Level 1, for those with manageable behavioral issues in a less restrictive setting, and Level 2, for individuals with persistent challenging behaviors that pose a risk of serious harm. The guidelines will also cover transfers between these levels, considering the individual's needs, behavior frequency, and safety risks to others. Level 2 homes will be required to offer services aimed at helping residents reintegrate into less restrictive settings like Level 1 homes. The bill also directs the Assistant Commissioner to align these new guidelines with existing ones from the Division of the Children's System of Care, and this initiative was inspired by a young man named Aidan Burke who experienced an assault in his group home, with the intent to ensure the safety of all residents.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S1341 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1341_I1.HTM |
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