NJ
New Jersey Assembly Bill A953

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A953

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Establishes standards for domestic violence counseling and creates "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee."

Impact

This bill significantly modifies existing statutes concerning domestic violence, specifically amending provisions related to mandatory counseling programs for defendants. By requiring evidence-based practices to be employed in these programs, the legislation aims to address not just the behaviors associated with domestic violence but also the systemic factors contributing to violence. The establishment of the Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee will provide a structured approach to developing and maintaining standards for these programs, drawing on expertise from various stakeholders in the fields of law, mental health, and community support.

Summary

Assembly Bill A953, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, establishes new standards for domestic violence counseling programs and creates the 'Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee' within the Department of Children and Families. The primary aim of the bill is to enhance the effectiveness of court-ordered counseling programs for offenders, ensuring they are held accountable for their actions while also supporting behavioral change. It outlines specific components that must be included in these counseling programs, such as risk assessments, collaboration with courts, and ongoing evaluation of compliance with established protocols.

Contention

While the bill is intended to strengthen mechanisms that address domestic violence, it may also raise discussions among law enforcement and community services regarding the adequacy of resources to implement these new standards effectively. Additionally, there may be concerns among advocacy groups about ensuring that the programs are accessible, especially for underserved populations. The involvement of diverse representatives in the advisory committee could help mitigate these concerns, but the effectiveness of implementation will remain a focal point in the ongoing discourse surrounding domestic violence intervention strategies.

Latest A953 Activity

Companion Bills

NJ S3387

Same As Establishes standards for domestic violence counseling and creates "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee."

NJ A229

Carry Over Establishes standards for domestic violence counseling and creates "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee."

NJ S2817

Carry Over Establishes standards for domestic violence counseling and creates "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee."

Previously Filed As

NJ A229

Establishes standards for domestic violence counseling and creates "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee."

NJ S2817

Establishes standards for domestic violence counseling and creates "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee."

NJ S3387

Establishes standards for domestic violence counseling and creates "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee."

NJ A567

Permits court to order counseling for children in households with domestic violence in appropriate cases; establishes presumption of award of custody to domestic violence victim in appropriate cases.

NJ A2998

Permits court to order counseling for children in households with domestic violence in appropriate cases; establishes presumption of award of custody to domestic violence victim in appropriate cases.

NJ A3730

Permits court to order counseling for children in households with domestic violence in appropriate cases; establishes presumption of award of custody to domestic violence victim in appropriate cases.

NJ A5567

Permits court to order counseling for children in households with domestic violence in appropriate cases; establishes presumption of award of custody to domestic violence victim in appropriate cases.

NJ A1496

Concerns counseling for children who were either physically present or who may have seen or heard act of domestic violence.

NJ S2861

Permits court to order counseling for children in households with domestic violence in appropriate cases; establishes presumption of award of custody to domestic violence victim in appropriate cases.

NJ A5425

Establishes three-year Integrated Domestic Violence Court pilot program in Camden, Essex, Hudson, and Middlesex counties.

Similar Bills

NJ S2817

Establishes standards for domestic violence counseling and creates "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee."

NJ S3387

Establishes standards for domestic violence counseling and creates "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee."

NJ A229

Establishes standards for domestic violence counseling and creates "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee."

NJ A950

Establishes "Monica's Law" requiring evidence-based risk assessments in certain domestic violence cases.

NJ A226

Establishes "Monica's Law" requiring evidence-based risk assessments in certain domestic violence cases.

NJ A2998

Permits court to order counseling for children in households with domestic violence in appropriate cases; establishes presumption of award of custody to domestic violence victim in appropriate cases.

NJ S1774

Concerns counseling for children who were either physically present or who may have seen or heard act of domestic violence.

NJ A1475

Requires court to consider information concerning coercive control in domestic violence proceedings.