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Bill > S3175
NJ S3175
NJ S3175Establishes requirements to develop protocols and training for reunification therapy; makes appropriation.
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 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 mandates the creation of standardized curriculum and training programs for reunification therapy, a process designed to help rebuild the relationship between a parent and child after a period of separation due to reasons like incarceration, addiction, or divorce. Licensed mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, will be required to complete this training to provide these services, which may be ordered by family courts or initiated through the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The DCF will select an approved applicant, such as a teaching hospital with a children's hospital, a psychiatric hospital with pediatric beds, or a licensed residential facility, to develop this curriculum and training. This approved applicant will receive $3 million, with a potential additional $2 million, to fund the development, which will involve consulting with professional boards and family court judges. The bill also requires that data on the success rates of reunification therapy be collected by licensed professionals and made publicly available on the DCF website.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce 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/S3175 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3500/3175_I1.HTM |
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