New Jersey 222nd Legislature Status: Introduced 6 D cosponsors

A 2232 — Expands responsibilities of Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Board and establishes Problematic Sexual Behavior Program.*

Last action — AA 2RA

  1. 1
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed General Assembly
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been introduced in the General Assembly. Introduced January 13, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee referral and hearing.

Odds of enactment

Low chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a low chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Advancing 38% · moderate confidence
  • Introduced

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 8 sponsors

    3 primary, 5 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (6 D).

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 1 recorded vote so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

In plain language

The bill expands the scope of a child advocacy board and creates a new program for problematic sexual behavior.

This bill expands the responsibilities of the Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Board and establishes a 'Problematic Sexual Behavior Program.' It also allocates $8.5 million for these initiatives.

Summary

Child Advocacy Ctr-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Bd-expand responsibilities

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

191 added · 180 removed

Plain-language change summary

The amendment to Bill A2232 removes a specific appropriation of $8.5 million and revises the structure of the advisory board by increasing the number of public member appointments from ten to thirteen. The changes also specify that the director of the newly established Problematic Sexual Behavior Program will be part of the advisory board. These adjustments may affect the program's funding and the composition of the advisory board, potentially impacting how the program is administered and who contributes to its oversight.

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A2232 ASSEMBLY, No.
A2232 1R [First Reprint] ASSEMBLY, No.
Assemblywoman Donlon, Assemblymen Bailey, Singh and Karabinchak         SYNOPSIS      Expands responsibilities of Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Board and establishes "Problematic Sexual Behavior Program";
Assemblywoman Donlon, Assemblymen Bailey, Singh and Karabinchak         SYNOPSIS      Expands responsibilities of Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Board and establishes Problematic Sexual Behavior Program.
appropriates $8.5 million.
  CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT      As reported by the Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee on September 17, 2026, with amendments.
  CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT      Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.
   An Act concerning child advocacy centers and multi-disciplinary teams 1[,] and1 amending and supplementing P.L.2017, c.90 1[, and making an appropriation]1.
   An Act concerning child advocacy centers and multi-disciplinary teams, amending and supplementing P.L.2017, c.90, and making an appropriation.
     "Problematic sexual behavior" means behavior, initiated by youth under the age of 18, involving the use sexual body parts in a manner that is developmentally inappropriate or potentially harmful to the person or persons impacted by the behavior.  “Problematic sexual behavior” also includes technology facilitated adverse sexualized behaviors that can be considered problematic and harmful including, but not limited to, sexting, posting sexual images, and exposure to pornography and other sexually explicit electronic communication.
     "Problematic sexual behavior" means behavior, initiated by youth under the age of 18, involving the use sexual body parts in a manner that is developmentally inappropriate or potentially harmful to 1themselves or1 the person or persons impacted by the behavior.  “Problematic sexual behavior” also includes technology facilitated adverse sexualized behaviors that can be considered problematic and harmful including, but not limited to, sexting, posting sexual images, and exposure to pornography and other sexually explicit electronic communication.
     "Program" means the "Problematic Sexual Behavior Program" established pursuant to section 7 of P.L.    , c.    (C        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).
     "Program" means the "Problematic Sexual Behavior Program" established pursuant to section 1[7] 81 of P.L.    , c.    (C        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).
     c.  The board shall consist of members as follows:
     c.  The board shall consist of 1[14] 171 members as follows:
     (1) the Commissioner of Children and Families, the Attorney General, the Chairperson of the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, and the [Chapter Coordinator] Executive Director of New Jersey Children's Alliance or their designees, who shall serve ex officio;
     (1)  the Commissioner of Children and Families, the Attorney General, the Chairperson of the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, 1the Director of the Problematic Sexual Behavior Program established pursuant to section 8 of P.L.    , c.   (C.      ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill),1 and the [Chapter Coordinator] Executive Director of New Jersey Children's Alliance or their designees, who shall serve ex officio;
and      (2) [ten] 13 public members, with at least 10 years' experience, background, or specialized knowledge in child welfare, child advocacy centers, and multidisciplinary teams, to be appointed by the Governor, including a representative of the New Jersey Prosecutors' Association, a law guardian, a multidisciplinary team coordinator, a pediatrician with expertise in child abuse and neglect, a psychologist with expertise in child abuse and neglect and problematic sexual behaviors in children, a representative of a child advocacy center, a representative of a victim or family advocacy group, a law enforcement officer with experience in child abuse and neglect investigations, an academician with experience and expertise in child abuse and neglect research or a related field[;] , a representative of the leadership of a care management organization contracted with the Division of Children’s System of Care, a specialized care coordinator or a specialized care coordinator supervisor, a representative of the State Central Registry[;] , and one member with general expertise in child welfare and multidisciplinary teams.
and      (2)  [ten] 1[13] 121 public members, with at least 10 years' experience, background, or specialized knowledge in child welfare, child advocacy centers, and multidisciplinary teams, to be appointed by the Governor, including a representative of the New Jersey Prosecutors' Association, a law guardian, a multidisciplinary team coordinator, a pediatrician with expertise in child abuse and neglect, a psychologist with expertise in child abuse and neglect and problematic sexual behaviors in children, a representative of a child advocacy center, a representative of a victim or family advocacy group 1with expertise in child abuse and neglect and problematic sexual behaviors in children1, a law enforcement officer with experience in child abuse and neglect investigations, an academician with experience and expertise in child abuse and neglect research or a related field[;] , a representative of the leadership of a care management organization contracted with the Division of Children’s System of Care, 1[a specialized care coordinator or a specialized care coordinator supervisor]1 , a representative of the State Central Registry[;], and one member with general expertise in child welfare and multidisciplinary teams.
     g.  The Department of Children and Families shall provide professional and clerical staff to the board as necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act.
     g.  The Department of Children and Families shall provide professional and clerical staff to the board as necessary to effectuate the purposes of 1[this act] P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.107 et seq.)1.
     h.  (1) The board shall establish a Problematic Sexual Behavior Subcommittee to:
     h.  (1)  The board shall establish a Problematic Sexual Behavior Subcommittee to:
     (a) provide oversight of the Statewide response to reports of problematic sexual behavior;
     (a)  provide oversight of the Statewide response to reports of problematic sexual behavior;
     (b) review the Problematic Sexual Behavior Program established in section 7 of P.L.    , c.   (C.       ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill);
     (b)  review the Problematic Sexual Behavior Program established in section 1[7] 81 of P.L.    , c.   (C.       ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill);
     (c) make recommendations to the department that will enable the program to improve the effectiveness of the services provided to youth who engage in or have been impacted by problematic sexual behavior and their families;
     (c)  make recommendations to the department that will enable the program to improve the effectiveness of the services provided to youth who engage in or have been impacted by problematic sexual behavior and their families;
and      (d) evaluate the need for new or expanded services or programs to enhance the Statewide response to reports of problematic sexual behavior.
and      (d)  evaluate the need for new or expanded services or programs to enhance the Statewide response to reports of problematic sexual behavior.
     (2) The board shall appoint at least nine members to the subcommittee consisting of:
     (2)  The board shall appoint at least 1[nine] 111 members to the subcommittee consisting of:
     (a) the Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency;
     (a)  the Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency;
and      (b) at least six public members, including:
and      (b)  at least 1[six] eight1 public members, including:
a county prosecutor with at experience, background, or specialized knowledge in child welfare cases and problematic sexual behavior;
1a representative of a child advocacy center;
a representative of the State Central Registry;1 a county prosecutor with at experience, background, or specialized knowledge in child welfare cases and problematic sexual behavior;
     (c) A minimum of one public member shall serve on both the subcommittee and the board.
     (c)  A minimum of one public member shall serve on both the subcommittee and the board.
     (d) The members of the subcommittee shall serve for a term of three years or until the appointment of a successor.
     (d)  The members of the subcommittee shall serve for a term of three years or until the appointment of a successor.
     (e) Members of the subcommittee shall be appointed and hold their initial organizational meeting within 45 days after the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.       ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).
     (e)  Members of the subcommittee shall be appointed and hold their initial organizational meeting within 45 days after the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.       ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).
     (f) The subcommittee shall designate a chairperson and vice chairperson from among its members, except that the assistant commissioner of the Division of Children’s System of Care and the assistant commissioner of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, or their designees, shall not serve as the chairperson or vice chairperson of the subcommittee.
     (f)  The subcommittee shall designate a chairperson and vice chairperson from among its members, except that the assistant commissioner of the Division of Children’s System of Care and the assistant commissioner of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, or their designees, shall not serve as the chairperson or vice chairperson of the subcommittee.
     (g) The subcommittee shall be entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of employees of the Department of Children and Families and seek the advice of experts as required and as may be available for the purposes of conducting the reviews required by this subsection.
     (g)  The subcommittee shall be entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of employees of the Department of Children and Families and seek the advice of experts as required and as may be available for the purposes of conducting the reviews required by this subsection.
[and]      c.  apply for and accept any grant of money from the State or federal government or other sources, which may be available to establish, expand, or improve child advocacy centers or multidisciplinary teams pursuant to section 7 of [this act] P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.113).  Any monies received by the board shall be deposited in the "Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Fund" established pursuant to section 6 of [this act] P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.112) or the "Child Treatment Assistance Fund" established pursuant to section 9 of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), as appropriate;
[and]      c.  apply for and accept any grant of money from the State or federal government or other sources, which may be available to establish, expand, or improve child advocacy centers or multidisciplinary teams pursuant to section 7 of [this act] P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.113).  Any monies received by the board shall be deposited in the "Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Fund" established pursuant to section 6 of [this act] P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.112) or the "Child Treatment Assistance Fund" established pursuant to section 1[9] 101 of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), as appropriate;
and      d.  administer, in coordination with the Department of Children and Families, the "Child Treatment Assistance Fund.
and      d.  administer, in coordination with the Department of Children and Families, the 1["Child Treatment Assistance Fund] "Child Treatment Assistance Fund"1.
     (1) every child advocacy center or multidisciplinary team in the State applying for [certification] an annual progress review pursuant to subsection b.
     (1)  every child advocacy center or multidisciplinary team in the State applying for [certification] an annual progress review pursuant to subsection b.
and      (2) the State's child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams incorporate best practices and standards in providing child abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment services to survivors of child abuse and neglect.
and      (2)  the State's child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams incorporate best practices and standards in providing child abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment services to survivors of child abuse and neglect.
     (1) a multidisciplinary team response in an investigation of child abuse and neglect by representatives of the following core disciplines:
     (1)  a multidisciplinary team response in an investigation of child abuse and neglect by representatives of the following core disciplines:
     (2) the designation of a private, child-friendly interview and family meeting room which provides an environment that is physically and psychologically safe for, and provides comfort to, a survivor of child abuse and neglect and the survivor's family during the course of an investigation of child abuse and neglect;       (3) protocols governing the forensic interview of a survivor of child abuse and neglect that comply with the 2010 Guidelines of Practice for Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Teams in New Jersey and current best practice standards and nationally recognized methods for forensic interviews, New Jersey Court Rules, relevant case law, and internal or external peer review;
     (2)  the designation of a private, child-friendly interview and family meeting room which provides an environment that is physically and psychologically safe for, and provides comfort to, a survivor of child abuse and neglect and the survivor's family during the course of an investigation of child abuse and neglect;       (3)  protocols governing the forensic interview of a survivor of child abuse and neglect that comply with the 2010 Guidelines of Practice for Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Teams in New Jersey and current best practice standards and nationally recognized methods for forensic interviews, New Jersey Court Rules, relevant case law, and internal or external peer review;
     (4) an interdisciplinary case review process that describes the responsibilities of each team member in an investigation of child abuse and neglect and the provisions of the services to a survivor of child abuse and neglect and the survivor's family;
     (4)  an interdisciplinary case review process that describes the responsibilities of each team member in an investigation of child abuse and neglect and the provisions of the services to a survivor of child abuse and neglect and the survivor's family;
     (5) a uniform system to identify, track, collect, and coordinate information obtained during an investigation of child abuse and neglect, and to monitor the progress and outcomes of the investigation;
     (5)  a uniform system to identify, track, collect, and coordinate information obtained during an investigation of child abuse and neglect, and to monitor the progress and outcomes of the investigation;
     (6) procedures to facilitate communication, collaboration, coordination, information sharing, problem solving, and decision making between team members during and immediately after a multidisciplinary team meeting, and during an investigation of child abuse and neglect;
     (6)  procedures to facilitate communication, collaboration, coordination, information sharing, problem solving, and decision making between team members during and immediately after a multidisciplinary team meeting, and during an investigation of child abuse and neglect;
     (7) a dispute resolution process to resolve interdisciplinary conflicts that may arise between team members during the course of an investigation of child abuse and neglect;
     (7)  a dispute resolution process to resolve interdisciplinary conflicts that may arise between team members during the course of an investigation of child abuse and neglect;
     (8) the provision of services, supports, and other assistance in a culturally competent manner to a survivor of child abuse and neglect and the survivor's family during an investigation of child abuse and neglect;
     (8)  the provision of services, supports, and other assistance in a culturally competent manner to a survivor of child abuse and neglect and the survivor's family during an investigation of child abuse and neglect;
     (9) on-going, specialized interdisciplinary training for team members, based on the multidisciplinary team’s most recent progress review, to enhance their basic skills and expertise in the investigation and prevention of child abuse and neglect;
     (9)  on-going, specialized interdisciplinary training for team members, based on the 1[multidisciplinary team’s]1 most recent progress review 1or training requirements outlined in the standard developed by the National Children’s Alliance1 , to enhance their basic skills and expertise in the investigation and prevention of child abuse and neglect;
     (10) mechanisms and processes to allow the center to self-evaluate the effectiveness of its operations and its success in investigating child abuse and neglect;
     (10)  mechanisms and processes to allow the center to self-evaluate the effectiveness of its operations and its success in investigating child abuse and neglect;
     (11) the establishment of county based child advocacy center-multidisciplinary team advisory boards, consistent with standards developed by the National Children’s Alliance and all other applicable standards relating to child advocacy center-multidisciplinary team advisory boards, to oversee the operations and administration of the child advocacy center or multidisciplinary team;
     (11)  the establishment of county based child advocacy center-multidisciplinary team advisory boards, consistent with standards developed by the National Children’s Alliance and all other applicable standards relating to child advocacy center-multidisciplinary team advisory boards, to oversee the operations and administration of the child advocacy center or multidisciplinary team;
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     (12) the creation of an education and outreach program to train professionals from State and local governmental and community-based social services agencies in providing multidisciplinary services to survivors of child abuse and neglect and their families, and to educate the community on child maltreatment and child abuse prevention techniques;
     (12)  the creation of an education and outreach program to train professionals from State and local governmental and community-based social services agencies in providing multidisciplinary services to survivors of child abuse and neglect and their families, and to educate the community on child maltreatment and child abuse prevention techniques;
      (13) procedures to apply for and accept any grant of money from the State or federal government or other sources, which may be available to child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams;
     (13)  procedures to apply for and accept any grant of money from the State or federal government or other sources, which may be available to child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams;
and       (14) reporting requirements on the use of grant funds received by a child advocacy center or multidisciplinary team pursuant to section 7 of [this act] P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.113).
and      (14)  reporting requirements on the use of grant funds received by a child advocacy center or multidisciplinary team pursuant to section 7 of [this act] P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.113).
of this section, the board shall certify that a child advocacy center or multidisciplinary team is in compliance with the provisions of this act.
of this section, the board shall certify that a child advocacy center or multidisciplinary team is in compliance with the provisions of 1[this act] P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.113)1.
P.L.2017, c.90, s.5)      6.  Section 7 of P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.113) is amended to read as follows:
P.L.2017, c.90, s.5)        6.  Section 7 of P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.113) is amended to read as follows:
creating a screening and referral process by which cases involving youth who engage in or have been impacted by problematic sexual behavior and their families;
creating a screening and referral process 1[by which] for1 cases involving youth who 1[engage] have been engaged1 in or have been impacted by problematic sexual behavior and their families;
establishing a specialized assessment team within the State Central Registry to refer youth who engage in or have been impacted by problematic sexual behavior and their families to treatment and other appropriate services;
establishing 1[a specialized assessment team within the State Central Registry] specialized positions within care management organizations1 to refer youth who 1[engage] have been engaged1 in or have been impacted by problematic sexual behavior and their families to treatment and other appropriate services;
Since the publication of the Workgroup’s report, the Department of Children and Families and the Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Board established pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2107, c.90 (C.9:6-8.19) have worked to implement its recommendations and institute a sustainable referral and treatment process for youth who engage in or have been impacted by problematic sexual behaviors and their families.
Since the publication of the Workgroup’s report, the Department of Children and Families and the Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Board established pursuant to section 3 of 1[P.L.2107] P.L.20171, c.90 (C.9:6-8.19) have worked to implement its recommendations and institute a sustainable referral and treatment process for youth who engage in or have been impacted by problematic sexual behaviors and their families.
     (1) institute a Statewide, coordinated response to reports of problematic sexual behavior referred to the program by the Sexual Contact Between Youth Screening and Referral Team established pursuant to section 8 of P.L.    , c.   (C.       ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill);
     (1) institute a Statewide, coordinated response to reports of problematic sexual behavior referred to the program by the Sexual Contact Between Youth Screening and Referral Team established pursuant to section 1[8] 91 of P.L.    , c.   (C.       ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill);
     c.  (1) The program shall select specialized care coordinators to ensure coverage of the northern, central, and southern regions of the State and provide care coordination services, upon request, to youth who engage in or are impacted by problematic sexual behavior and their families.  The number of specialized care coordinators selected by the program shall be based on the determined needs of residents for services relating to, and the number of reports of, problematic sexual behavior in each of the regions.
     c.  (1) The program shall 1coordinate with care management organizations to1 select specialized care coordinators to ensure coverage of the northern, central, and southern regions of the State and provide care coordination services, upon request, to youth who engage in or are impacted by problematic sexual behavior and their families.  The number of specialized care coordinators selected by the program shall be based on the determined needs of residents for services relating to, and the number of reports of, problematic sexual behavior in each of the regions.
     (3)  A specialized care coordinator shall be assigned to provide care coordination services to a youth who engages in or is impacted by problematic sexual behavior and the youth’s family until such time all requested services have been arranged for and engaged in by the youth and the youth’s family.
     (3)  A specialized care coordinator shall be assigned to provide care coordination services 1, at no cost,1 to a youth who engages in or is impacted by problematic sexual behavior and the youth’s family until such time all requested services have been arranged for and engaged in by the youth and the youth’s family 1or efforts to contact the youth’s family have been unsuccessful, or the youth’s family declines to accept care coordination service1.
       9.  (New section)  a.  The program shall form a Sexual Contact Between Youth Screening and Referral Team, consisting of State Central Registry representatives, to conduct a telephone assessment of and determine whether a report of child abuse or neglect received by the State Central Registry involves problematic sexual behavior, and whether the report warrants a referral to the Problematic Sexual Behavior Program established pursuant to section 7 of P.L.    , c.      (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).
       9.  (New section)  a.  The program shall form a Sexual Contact Between Youth Screening and Referral Team, consisting of State Central Registry representatives, to conduct a telephone assessment of and determine whether a report of child abuse or neglect received by the State Central Registry involves problematic sexual behavior, and whether the report warrants a referral to the Problematic Sexual Behavior Program established pursuant to section 1[7] 81 of P.L.    , c.      (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).
of section 7 of P.L.    , c.    (C.     ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill);
of section 1[7] 81 of P.L.    , c.    (C.     ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill);
and      (4) develop standards to facilitate the payment of medical and mental health care services provided to youth who engage in or have been impacted by problematic sexual behaviors pursuant to section 7 of P.L.    , c.    (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) and their families who may not otherwise have access to such services.
and      (4) develop standards to facilitate the payment of medical and mental health care services provided to youth who engage in or have been impacted by problematic sexual behaviors pursuant to section 1[7] 81 of P.L.    , c.    (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) and their families who may not otherwise have access to such services.
       10.  (New section)  There is established in the Department of Children and Families a fund to be known as the "Child Treatment Assistance Fund."  The fund, administered by the board and in coordination with the department, shall be the repository of monies appropriated to cover the cost of the medical and mental health services provided through the program established pursuant to section 7 of P.L.    , c.   (C.       ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) to youth who engage in or have been impacted by problematic sexual behavior and their families.
       10.  (New section)  There is established in the Department of Children and Families a fund to be known as the "Child Treatment Assistance Fund."  The fund, administered by the board and in coordination with the department, shall be the repository of monies appropriated to cover the cost of the medical and mental health services provided through the program established pursuant to section 1[7] 81 of P.L.    , c.   (C.       ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) to youth who engage in or have been impacted by problematic sexual behavior and their families.
       11.  (New section)  The board and the Department of Children and Families shall promulgate rules and regulations, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), as may necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act.
       111.  (New section)  The program shall develop a system of data collection, analysis, and reporting of information concerning the effectiveness of the services provided by the program to youth who engage in or have been impacted by problematic sexual behavior and their families, to be forwarded to the Problematic Sexual Behavior Subcommittee established pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection h.
       12.  (New section)  There is appropriated $8,500,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Children and Families to effectuate the purposes of this act as follows:
of section 3 of P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.109), including any recommendations to improve the functioning of the program.1        1[12.  (New section)  There is appropriated $8,500,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Children and Families to effectuate the purposes of this act as follows:
     (1) Statewide coordinated response to reports of problematic sexual behavior;
     (1)   Statewide coordinated response to reports of problematic sexual behavior;
     (2) positions of specialized care coordinators selected by the program pursuant to subsection c.
     (2)  positions of specialized care coordinators selected by the program pursuant to subsection c.
     (3) training of mental health providers, in evidence-based treatment and prevention modalities pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection b.
     (3)  training of mental health providers, in evidence-based treatment and prevention modalities pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection b.
     (4) provision of support, technical assistance, and training on evidence–based prevention, intervention, and response relating to problematic sexual behavior to specialized care coordinators, community leaders, stakeholders, and social services professionals pursuant to paragraph (3) of subsection b.
     (4)  provision of support, technical assistance, and training on evidence–based prevention, intervention, and response relating to problematic sexual behavior to specialized care coordinators, community leaders, stakeholders, and social services professionals pursuant to paragraph (3) of subsection b.
and      (5) data collection, analysis, and reporting of information concerning problematic sexual behavior in the State.
and      (5)  data collection, analysis, and reporting of information concerning problematic sexual behavior in the State.]1        1[11.] 12.1  (New section)  The board and the Department of Children and Families shall promulgate rules and regulations, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), as may necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act.
    STATEMENT        This bill expands the responsibilities of the Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Board (the board) established in P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.107 et seq.) and establishes the Problematic Sexual Behavior Program (the program).
     Specifically, the bill amends various sections of P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.108 et seq.) to:  (1) include definitions relating to the establishment of the program;
(2) stipulate that the board is to establish an annual progress review, instead of a certification process, as originally required by law, for the State's child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams;
(3) establish a Problematic Sexual Behavior Subcommittee;
and (4) administer, in coordination with the DCF, the "Child Treatment Assistance Fund" established in the bill.
     The bill also amends P.L.2017, c.90 to increase the number of members of the board from 10, as originally provide by the law, to 13, update the guidelines of practice for child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams must adopt to receive satisfactory annual progress reviews, and clarify how the grants distributed by the DCF to centers and teams, through the Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Fund, are to be spent.
     The bill establishes the Problematic Sexual Behavior Program administered by the New Jersey Children’s Alliance and funded by the DCF.  The purpose of the program is to institute a Statewide, coordinated response to, and address the medical and mental health care services needs of those impacted by, problematic sexual behavior.
       The bill also establishes the "Child Treatment Assistance Fund" in the DCF.
 The fund is to be the repository of monies appropriated to cover the cost of the medical and mental health care services provided through the program.
     As defined in the bill, "problematic sexual behavior" means behavior, initiated by youth under the age of 18, involving the use sexual body parts in a manner that is developmentally inappropriate or potentially harmful to the person or persons impacted by the behavior, and also includes technology facilitated adverse sexualized behaviors that can be considered problematic and harmful.
     The bill appropriates $8,500,000 from the General Fund to the DCF to effectuate the purposes of the bill.
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  • Introduced View text html January 02, 2026

How this bill changes current law

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AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

This bill amends 6 section(s) of the New Jersey statutes: N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.107; N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.108; N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.109; N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.110; N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.111; N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.113.

  • N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.107

    770 a certification certification → 900 and 21 centers in New Jersey an annual progress review to qualify for available funding through the provisions of P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.107 et seq.) an annual progress review

    amended

  • N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.108

    ⟦INS⟧7⟦/INS⟧ → and in P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) Board" means the Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Board established in section 3 of P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.109). "Problematic sexual behavior" means behavior, initiated by youth under the age of 18, involving the use sexual body parts in a manner that is developmentally inappropriate or potentially harmful to themselves or the person or persons impacted by the behavior. "Problematic sexual behavior" also includes technology facilitated adverse sexualized behaviors that can be considered problematic and harmful including, but not limited to, sexting, posting sexual images, and exposure to pornography and other sexually explicit electronic communication. "Program" means the "Problematic Sexual Behavior Program" established pursuant to section 7 8 of P.L. , c. (C ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill). "Specialized care coordinator" means a care coordinator employed by a care management organization contracted with the Division of Children's System of Care in the Department of Children and Families to provide case coordination services to youth and families impacted by problematic sexual behaviors, including, but not limited to, determining service needs and making referrals to appropriate medical and mental health providers and community-based resources available for youth who engage in or have been impacted by problematic sexual behavior and their families. "State Central Registry" means the emergency telephone service for the receipt of calls involving a report, complaint, or allegation of child abuse or neglect established pursuant to section 25 of P.L.2012, c.16 (C.9:8-8.12)

    amended

  • N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.109

    a certification 14 Chapter Coordinator ten ⟦INS⟧13⟦/INS⟧ ; ⟦INS⟧a specialized care coordinator or a specialized care coordinator supervisor⟦/INS⟧ ; this act ⟦INS⟧7⟦/INS⟧ ⟦INS⟧nine⟦/INS⟧ ⟦INS⟧six⟦/INS⟧ → an annual progress review 17 the Director of the Problematic Sexual Behavior Program established pursuant to section 8 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), Executive Director 13 12 and problematic sexual behaviors in children with expertise in child abuse and neglect and problematic sexual behaviors in children , a representative of the leadership of a care management organization contracted with the Division of Children's System of Care, a specialized care coordinator or a specialized care coordinator supervisor , a representative of the State Central Registry , P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.107 et seq.) h. (1) The board shall establish a Problematic Sexual Behavior Subcommittee to: (a) provide oversight of the Statewide response to reports of problematic sexual behavior; (b) review the Problematic Sexual Behavior Program established in section 7 8 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill); (c) make recommendations to the department that will enable the program to improve the effectiveness of the services provided to youth who engage in or have been impacted by problematic sexual behavior and their families; and (d) evaluate the need for new or expanded services or programs to enhance the Statewide response to reports of problematic sexual behavior. (2) The board shall appoint at least nine 11 members to the subcommittee consisting of: (a) the Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency; the Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Children's System of Care; and the Executive Director of the New Jersey Children's Alliance, or their designees, who shall serve ex-officio; and (b) at least six eight public members, including: a representative of the program; a representative of a care management organization contracted with the Division of Children's System of Care; a representative of a child advocacy center; a representative of the State Central Registry; a county prosecutor with at experience, background, or specialized knowledge in child welfare cases and problematic sexual behavior; a law enforcement officer with experience in child abuse and neglect investigations; a pediatrician employed by a regional diagnostic and treatment center for child abuse and neglect; and a mental health provider with expertise in child abuse and neglect and problematic sexual behavior. (c) A minimum of one public member shall serve on both the subcommittee and the board. (d) The members of the subcommittee shall serve for a term of three years or until the appointment of a successor. (e) Members of the subcommittee shall be appointed and hold their initial organizational meeting within 45 days after the effective date of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill). (f) The subcommittee shall designate a chairperson and vice chairperson from among its members, except that the assistant commissioner of the Division of Children's System of Care and the assistant commissioner of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, or their designees, shall not serve as the chairperson or vice chairperson of the subcommittee. (g) The subcommittee shall be entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of employees of the Department of Children and Families and seek the advice of experts as required and as may be available for the purposes of conducting the reviews required by this subsection.

    amended

  • N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.110

    a certification this act and this act this act ⟦INS⟧9⟦/INS⟧ ⟦INS⟧"Child Treatment Assistance Fund⟦/INS⟧ → an annual progress review P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.111) P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.113) P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.112) or the "Child Treatment Assistance Fund" established pursuant to section 9 10 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), as appropriate; and d. administer, in coordination with the Department of Children and Families, the "Child Treatment Assistance Fund "Child Treatment Assistance Fund"

    amended

  • N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.111

    a certification certification certification qualify for certification with ⟦INS⟧multidisciplinary team's⟦/INS⟧ this act this act compliance this act → an annual progress review an annual progress review an annual progress review receive a satisfactory progress review from during and immediately after a multidisciplinary team meeting, and , based on the multidisciplinary team's most recent progress review or training requirements outlined in the standard developed by the National Children's Alliance , , consistent with standards developed by the National Children's Alliance and all other applicable standards relating to child advocacy center-multidisciplinary team advisory boards, P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.113) P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.113) progress has received a satisfactory annual progress review P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.107 et seq.)

    amended

  • N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.113

    this act this act → P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.111) , with government and community-based support P.L.2017, c.90 (C.9:6-8.111)

    amended

Action History

  1. AA 2RA

  2. REP/ACA 2RA

  3. INT 1RA REF ACF

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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3 sponsors · 5 co-sponsors · 112 not signed on

Sponsors (3)

Co-sponsors (5)

Not signed on (112)

112 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Frequently asked questions

What does A 2232 do?
Child Advocacy Ctr-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Bd-expand responsibilities
Who sponsors A 2232?
A 2232 is sponsored by Haider, Shama A., Speight, Shanique (Democrat), Morales, Carmen Theresa (Democrat), Peterpaul Esq., Luanne M. (Democrat), Donlon, Margie, Bailey Jr., David (Democrat), Singh, Balvir (Democrat), and Karabinchak, Robert J. (Democrat).
What is the current status of A 2232?
This bill has been introduced in the General Assembly. Introduced January 13, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track A 2232?
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