Requires Division of Developmental Disabilities to develop guidelines for tiered group home placements and transfers.
If enacted, S432 would significantly modify how individuals with developmental disabilities are placed and transitioned between different levels of group homes. The bill focuses on ensuring safety and appropriateness of care for residents, aiming to prevent incidents like those that inspired the bill, particularly a case concerning a young man named Aidan Burke who faced violence in a group home. It intends to enable smoother transitions from higher to lower dependency placements, thus supporting the reintegration of individuals into less restrictive environments when they no longer require intensive care.
Senate Bill S432 seeks to establish standardized guidelines for the placement and transfer of individuals with developmental disabilities in New Jersey's Level 1 and Level 2 group homes. It mandates that the Assistant Commissioner for the Division of Developmental Disabilities within the Department of Human Services develop these guidelines. Level 1 group homes cater to individuals with minimal to challenging behavioral issues, while Level 2 group homes accommodate those with persistent behaviors that pose risks of serious harm. The law emphasizes the importance of a less-restrictive living environment for individuals with developmental disabilities and outlines specific criteria for determining appropriate placements.
Supporters of S432 may argue that it is a protective measure aiming to ensure the well-being and safety of individuals with developmental disabilities, catering to their needs more effectively. However, potential points of contention could arise concerning the adequacy of support within these homes, the assessment criteria for moving individuals between homes, and whether the guidelines might unintentionally limit choice or stigmatize those in higher care environments. Critics may voice concerns regarding potential overreach in how care and support services are provided and the implications of standardizing care across varying individual needs.