N.J.S.A. 30:1A-15 — "Senior Save Navigator Grant Program" established.

30:1A-15 "Senior Save Navigator Grant Program" established. 6. a. There is established in the Department of Human Services a "Senior Save Navigator Grant Program" to promote awareness of, and to assist applicants with the submission of, the NJSave application, as well as to support an applicant's enrollment in the programs accessible through the NJSave application, including the "Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled" program established pursuant to P.L.1975, c.194 (C.30:4D-20 et seq.) and the "Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program" established pursuant to P.L.2001, c.96 (C.30:4D-43 et seq.). b. Via a process and method determined by the Commissioner of Human Services, the Senior Save Navigator Grant Program shall fund the recruitment, training, and cost of Senior Save Navigators. Senior Save Navigators shall conduct outreach and assist residents in completing the NJSave application, and provide residents information about programs available through the NJSave application for which they may be eligible. L.2023, c.79, s.6. 30:1AA-1 State Council on Developmental Disabilities, additional powers, duties. 1. a. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities, established pursuant to Executive Order Number 20 of 1971, as amended by Executive Order Number 49 of 1973 and Executive Order Number 42 of 1976, is hereby established and continued in the Executive Branch of State Government. b. For the purpose of complying with the provisions of Article V, Section IV, paragraph 1 of the New Jersey Constitution, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities is hereby allocated within the Department of Human Services, but, notwithstanding said allocation, the council shall be independent of any supervision or control by the department or any board or officer thereof, or any other cabinet-level department, board or officer thereof. The council shall operate in a manner that shall assure compliance with State and federal administrative, fiscal, legislative, procedural and personnel requirements. c. In addition to the powers and duties herein provided, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities shall constitute the planning entity authorized in the "Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000," Pub.L.106-402, 42 U.S.C. s.15001 et seq., and shall exercise all the powers and duties as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes and provisions thereof. L.1979,c.105,s.1; amended 2003, c.54, s.3. 30:1AA-1.1 Findings, declarations relative to individuals with developmental disabilities. 1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. Disability is a natural part of the human experience that does not diminish the right of individuals with developmental disabilities to live independently, exert control and choice over their own lives, and fully participate in and contribute to their communities through full integration and inclusion in the economic, political, social, cultural and educational mainstream of United States society; b. Recent studies indicate that individuals with developmental disabilities comprise between 1.2 and 1.65% of the United States population, and individuals whose disabilities occur during their developmental period frequently have severe disabilities that are likely to continue indefinitely; c. Individuals with developmental disabilities often encounter discrimination in the provision of critical services and are at greater risk than the general population of abuse, neglect, financial and sexual exploitation, and the violation of their legal and human rights; d. A substantial portion of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families do not have access to appropriate support and services, including access to assistive technology, from generic and specialized service systems, and remain unserved or underserved; e. Individuals with developmental disabilities often require lifelong community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance that are most effective when provided in a coordinated manner; f. There is a need to ensure that services, supports and other assistance are provided in a culturally competent manner, which ensures that individuals from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds are fully included in all activities provided under P.L.2003, c.54 (C.30:1AA-1.1 et al.); g. Family members, friends and members of the community can play an important role in enhancing the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, especially when the family members, friends and community members are provided with the necessary community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance; h. Current research indicates that 88% of individuals with developmental disabilities live with their families or in their own households, and many service delivery systems and communities are not prepared to meet the impending needs of the adults with developmental disabilities who are living at home with parents who are 60 years of age or older and serve as the primary caregivers of these adults; i. Individuals with developmental disabilities are waiting for appropriate services in their communities, and the public needs increased awareness of the capabilities and competencies of individuals with developmental disabilities, particularly in cases in which the individuals are provided with necessary services, supports and other assistance; j. As increasing numbers of individuals with developmental disabilities are living, learning, working and participating in all aspects of community life, there is an increasing need for a well trained workforce that is able to provide the services, supports and other forms of direct assistance that are required to enable the individuals to carry out those activities; k. There needs to be greater effort to recruit individuals from minority backgrounds into professions serving individuals with developmental disabilities and their families; l. The goals of the State properly include providing individuals with developmental disabilities with the information, skills, opportunities and support to: make informed choices and decisions about their lives; live in homes and communities in which these individuals can exercise their full rights and responsibilities as citizens; pursue meaningful and productive lives; contribute to their families, communities, the State and the nation; have interdependent friendships and relationships with other persons; live free of abuse, neglect, financial and sexual exploitation, and violations of their legal and human rights; and achieve full integration and inclusion in society, in an individualized manner, consistent with the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities and capabilities of each individual; m. As the nation, states and communities maintain and expand community living options for individuals with developmental disabilities, there is a need to evaluate the access to those options by individuals with developmental disabilities and the effects of those options on those individuals; and n. Therefore, the purpose of this act is to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of, and have access to, needed community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance which promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life, through culturally competent advocacy, capacity-building and systemic-change activities conducted by the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, as required by the "Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000," Pub.L.106-402, 42 U.S.C. s.15001 et seq. These activities shall: (1) be consistent with the purpose described in this subsection and the public policy described in section 2 of P.L.2003, c.54 (C.30:1AA-1.2); and (2) contribute to a coordinated, consumer- and family-centered and consumer- and family-directed comprehensive system which includes needed community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. L.2003,c.54,s.1. 30:1AA-1.2 Provisions relative to programs, projects, activities declared as public policy. 2. It is the public policy of the State that all programs, projects and activities conducted by the State Council on Developmental Disabilities shall be carried out in a manner consistent with the following provisions: a. Individuals with developmental disabilities, including those with the most severe developmental disabilities, are capable of self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life, but often require the provision of community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance; b. Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have competencies, capabilities and personal goals that should be recognized, supported and encouraged, and any assistance to these individuals should be provided in an individualized manner, consistent with the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities and capabilities of these individuals; c. Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families are the primary decision-makers regarding the services and supports they receive, including services and supports for choosing, from available options, where the individuals live, and they should play decision-making roles in policies and programs that affect their lives; d. Services, supports and other assistance should be provided in a manner that demonstrates respect for individual dignity, personal preferences and cultural differences; e. Individuals with developmental disabilities from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds and their families need specific efforts to ensure that they can enjoy increased and meaningful opportunities to access and use community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance available to other individuals with developmental disabilities and their families; f. Recruitment efforts relating to pre-service training, community training, practice, administration and policymaking must focus on bringing larger numbers of racial and ethnic minorities into these disciplines in order to provide appropriate skills, knowledge, role models and sufficient personnel to address the growing needs of an increasingly diverse population with developmental disabilities; g. With education and support, communities can be accessible and responsive to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, and they are enriched by the contributions and full and active participation in community activities by individuals with developmental disabilities and their amities; h. Individuals with developmental disabilities should have access to opportunities and the necessary support to be included in community life, have interdependent relationships, live in homes and communities and make contributions to their families, communities, the State and the nation; i. Efforts undertaken to maintain or expand community-based living options for individuals with disabilities must be monitored in order to determine and report to appropriate individuals and entities the extent of access by individuals with developmental disabilities to those options, and the extent of compliance with quality assurance standards by entities providing the options; j. Families of children with developmental disabilities need to have access to, and use of, safe and appropriate child care and before- and after-school programs in the most integrated settings in order to enrich the participation of the children in community life; k. Individuals with developmental disabilities need to have access to, and use of, public transportation in order to be independent and directly contribute to, and participate in, all facets of community life; and l. Individuals with developmental disabilities need to have access to, and use of, recreational, leisure and social opportunities in the most integrated settings in order to enrich their participation in community life. L.2003,c.54,s.2. 30:1AA-2 Definition of developmental disability. 2. For the purposes of this act, a "developmental disability" means: a. A severe, chronic disability of a person which (1) Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental or physical impairments; (2) Is manifest before age 22; (3) Is likely to continue indefinitely; (4) Results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, or economic self-sufficiency; and (5) Reflects the need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic care, or other services which are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated. b. Other disabilities requiring services and treatment similar to that required by those who meet the criteria defined above. L.1979,c.105,s.2; amended 2003, c.54, s.4. 30:1AA-3 Membership of council; vacancies; compensation; terms. 3. The council shall consist of a minimum of 25 members, but shall not exceed 30 members, of whom: a. seven shall be representatives of State agencies who shall serve ex officio at the pleasure of the Governor in accordance with the qualifications established in section 4 of P.L.1979, c.105 (C.30:1AA-4); b. a minimum of 15 shall be public members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate; c. one each shall represent a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service in the State and the State's designated protection and advocacy system; and d. one shall be a representative of local and non-governmental agencies or private nonprofit groups concerned with services for individuals with developmental disabilities, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The appointed members shall serve for a term of three years and until their respective successors have been appointed and have qualified. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. Public members shall receive no compensation, but shall be entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Members serving on the council at the time of enactment of P.L.2003, c.54 (C.30:1AA-1.1 et al.) shall continue to serve until the expiration of their current terms, and until their respective successors are appointed and have qualified. L.1979,c.105,s.3; amended 2003, c.54, s.5. 30:1AA-4 Qualifications of members. 4. The public members shall be representative of the diverse social, economic and geographical interests in the State, and shall include at least 15 persons who are consumers or immediate family members of consumers of services for persons with developmental disabilities. The seven State members shall be official representatives of State agencies, as follows: five representatives, each of whom shall administer funds provided under at least one of the following federal laws related to individuals with disabilities: the "Rehabilitation Act of 1973" (29 U.S.C. s.701 et seq.), the "Individuals With Disabilities Education Act" (20 U.S.C. s.1400 et seq.), the "Older Americans Act of 1965" (42 U.S.C. s.3001 et seq.) and Titles V and XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. s.701 et seq. and 42 U.S.C. s.1396 et seq.); one representative from the Division of Developmental Disabilities in the Department of Human Services; and one representative from the Division of Disability Services in the Department of Human Services. L.1979,c.105,s.4; amended 1994, c.58, s.48; 2003, c.54, s.6. 30:1AA-5. Chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary and other officers The Governor shall appoint a chairperson from among the public members to serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the Governor. The members shall elect annually from among themselves a vice-chairperson and other such officers as may be necessary, and may appoint a secretary who need not be a member of the council. L.1979, c. 105, s. 5, eff. May 31, 1979. Amended by L.1981, c. 115, s. 15, eff. Jan. 12, 1982. 30:1AA-6 Executive director; appointment, duties. 6. The council shall employ, subject to the provisions of Title 11A, Civil Service, of the New Jersey Statutes and other applicable statutes, an executive director. The executive director shall: a. Articulate and implement policies established by the State Council on Developmental Disabilities. b. Appoint and remove, subject to the provisions of Title 11A, Civil Service, of the New Jersey Statutes and other applicable statutes, such other employees as may be necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of the council and shall promulgate fees and compensation within the limits of available appropriations and as shall be provided by law. The State shall not apply hiring freezes, reductions in force, prohibitions on travel or other policies to the staff of the council, to the extent that these policies would adversely impact the staff or functions funded with federal funds or would prevent the council from carrying out its functions. c. Select and retain the services of consultants whose advice is considered necessary to assist the council in obtaining information or developing plans or programs required for the performance of the duties and responsibilities of the council. L.1979,c.105,s.6; amended 2003, c.54, s.7. 30:1AA-7 Rules. 7. The council shall promulgate, in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), such rules as it deems necessary for the proper conduct of its work. L.1979,c.105,s.7; amended 2003, c.54, s.8. 30:1AA-8 Duties of council, staff. 8. It shall be the duty of the council and its staff to: a. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2003, c.54). b. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2003, c.54). c. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2003, c.54). d. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2003, c.54). e. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2003, c.54). f. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2003, c.54). g. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2003, c.54). h. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2003, c.54). i. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2003, c.54). j. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2003, c.54). k. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2003, c.54). l. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2003, c.54). m. Serve as an advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities and conduct or support programs, projects and activities which carry out the mandate of advocacy, capacity-building and systemic change, pursuant to the "Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000," Pub.L.106-402, 42 U.S.C. s.15001 et seq.; n. At the end of each year, examine goals to determine the extent to which each goal was achieved, the needs that would require amendment of the five-year strategic State plan and customer satisfaction with council-supported or council-conducted activities; o. Develop and implement a State plan by conducting and supporting advocacy, capacity-building and systemic-change activities, which shall contribute to the purpose set forth in section 1 of P.L.2003, c.54 (C.30:1AA-1.1) and may include: (1) outreach activities to identify individuals with developmental disabilities and their families who otherwise might not come to the attention of the council, and to assist and enable the individuals and families to obtain services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance, including access to special adaptation of generic community services or specialized services; (2) training for persons who are professionals, paraprofessionals, students, volunteers and other community members to enable these persons to obtain access to or to provide community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance, including special adaptation of generic community services or specialized services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families; (3) technical assistance activities to public and private entities; (4) assistance to, or support of, activities to assist neighborhoods and communities to respond positively to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through education, by encouraging local networks to provide informal and formal supports and by enabling neighborhoods and communities to offer the individuals and their families access to, and use of, services, resources and opportunities; (5) activities to promote interagency collaboration, coordination and planning in order to better serve, support, assist or advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families; (6) activities to enhance coordination of services with: (i) other councils, entities or committees authorized by federal or State law concerning individuals with disabilities, such as the State interagency coordinating council established under part C of the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" (20 U.S.C. s.1431 et seq.), the State Rehabilitation Council and the Statewide Independent Living Council established under the "Rehabilitation Act of 1973" (29 U.S.C. s.701 et seq.), the State mental health planning council established under part B of Title XIX of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. s.300x-1 et seq.), councils, entities or committees concerning activities authorized under section 101 or 102 of the "Assistive Technology Act of 1998" (29 U.S.C. s.3011 or 29 U.S.C. s.3012), and any councils, entities or committees carrying out similar functions; (ii) parent training and information centers under part D of the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" (20 U.S.C. s.1451 et seq.) and other entities carrying out federally funded projects that assist parents of children with disabilities; and (iii) other groups interested in advocacy, capacity-building and systemic-change activities to benefit individuals with disabilities; (7) activities to eliminate barriers to access and use of community services by individuals with developmental disabilities, and to enhance systems design and redesign as well as citizen participation to address issues identified in the State plan; (8) activities to educate the public about the capabilities, preferences and needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, and activities to develop and support coalitions that support the policy agenda of the council, including training in self-advocacy, education of policymakers and training in citizen leadership skills; (9) activities to provide information to policymakers by supporting and conducting studies and analyses, gathering information, and developing and disseminating model policies and procedures, information, approaches, strategies, findings, conclusions and recommendations. The council may provide the information directly to federal, State and local policymakers, including the United States Congress, the federal executive branch of government, the Governor and the Legislature, the governors and legislatures of other states, and State agencies, in order to increase the ability of these policymakers to offer opportunities and to enhance or adapt generic services to meet the needs of, or provide specialized services to, individuals with developmental disabilities and their families; (10) on a time-limited basis, activities to demonstrate new approaches to serving individuals with developmental disabilities, which are a part of an overall strategy for systemic change. The strategy may involve the education of policymakers and the public about how to effectively deliver services, supports and assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families; and (11) other advocacy, capacity-building and systemic-change activities to promote the development of a coordinated, consumer- and family-centered and consumer- and family-directed comprehensive system of community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance; p. Supervise and annually evaluate the executive director of the council; q. Prepare and transmit an annual report to the Department of Health and Human Services, which shall contain information about the progress made by the council in achieving the purpose set forth in section 1 of P.L.2003, c.54 (C.30:1AA-1.1). The report shall be available in accessible formats and the council shall provide a description of the method by which it shall widely disseminate the report to affected constituencies and the general public; and r. Prepare, approve and implement a budget using amounts paid to the State to fund and implement all programs, projects and activities carried out pursuant to P.L.2003, c.54 (C.30:1AA-1.1 et al.). L.1979,c.105,s.8; amended 2003, c.54, s.9. 30:1AA-9. Annual report The council shall report annually, not later than July 1, to the Governor and the Legislature as to its activities and including any recommendations for administrative and legislative action it deems appropriate. L.1979, c. 105, s. 9, eff. May 31, 1979. 30:1AA-9.1 Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and their Families. 1. a. There is established in but not of the Department of the Treasury the Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and their Families. For the purpose of complying with the provisions of Article V, Section IV, paragraph 1 of the New Jersey Constitution, the Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and their Families is hereby allocated within the Department of the Treasury, but notwithstanding this allocation, the office shall be independent of any supervision or control by the department or any board or officer thereof, or any other cabinet-level department, board, or officer thereof. The purpose of the ombudsman is to serve as a resource to provide information and support to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families. b. The Governor shall appoint an Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and their Families, who shall be qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of the office. The ombudsman shall be a person of recognized judgment, integrity, and objectivity, and shall be skilled in communication, conflict resolution, and professionalism. c. The ombudsman shall organize and direct the work of the office, including the work of such professional and clerical staff as may be necessary to carry out the ombudsman's duties. L.2017, c.269, s.1. 30:1AA-9.2 Duties of Ombudsman. 2. a. The duties of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and their Families shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) to serve as a source of information for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families and interested members of the public, to help them better understand State and federal laws and regulations governing individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities; (2) to provide, in coordination with the State Council on Developmental Disabilities: (a) information and support to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families in navigating and understanding the process for obtaining services and supports from the Division of Developmental Disabilities in the Department of Human Services and the Division of Children's System of Care in the Department of Children and Families, including information and support regarding individuals who transition from receiving services and supports from the Division of Children's System of Care to receiving services and supports from the Division of Developmental Disabilities; and (b) assistance to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in obtaining from the Division of Children's System of Care or the Division of Developmental Disabilities, as appropriate, services, supports, and opportunities that focus on personal goals and help those goals become a reality; (3) to provide information and communication strategies to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families for resolving a disagreement with the Division of Children's System of Care, the Division of Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Children and Families, or the Department of Human Services regarding the evaluation, placement, or provision of services and supports to an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability; and to educate individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families on the available options for resolving such disputes; (4) to work neutrally and objectively with all parties to help ensure that a fair process is followed in the resolution of disputes concerning the provision of services and supports to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities receiving services from the Division of Children's System of Care or the Division of Developmental Disabilities, as appropriate; (5) to identify any patterns of complaints that emerge regarding rights and services of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and to recommend strategies for improvement to the Division of Children's System of Care and the Division of Developmental Disabilities or the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Human Services; and (6) to assist the Division of Children's System of Care and the Division of Developmental Disabilities in creating public information programs designed to acquaint and educate individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, their families, and the public about the duties of the ombudsman. b. The ombudsman shall treat communications received in the course of the ombudsman's duties, including personally identifiable information regarding individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families, and others from whom information is acquired, as confidential, except when disclosure is necessary to enable the ombudsman to perform the duties of the office and consent for disclosure is obtained. Upon receipt of information that by law is confidential or privileged, the ombudsman shall maintain the confidentiality of the information and shall not disclose or disseminate the information except as provided by applicable State or federal law. L.2017, c.269, s.2. 30:1AA-9.3 Annual reports. 3. a. The Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and their Families shall issue a written report annually to the Commissioner of Human Services and the Commissioner of Children and Families. The report shall include a summary of the services the ombudsman provided during the year, and any specific recommendations the ombudsman deems appropriate and necessary concerning the State's implementation of procedures with respect to providing individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities with services and supports. b. The ombudsman also shall issue the report prepared pursuant to subsection a. of this section to the Governor, and pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1) to the Legislature. L.2017, c.269, s.3. 30:1AA-10 Findings, declarations. 1. The Legislature finds and declares that: approximately 2% of the residents of this State have developmental disabilities and more than 50,000 of these persons are developmentally disabled school age children; 30,000 to 40,000 residents have intellectual disabilities severe enough to require lifelong supervision or care; several times more have less severe intellectual disabilities and can live independent or semi-independent lives; pregnancy during adolescence increases the incidence of developmental disabilities because of the heightened risk of premature birth, low birthweight, birth complications and birth defects; in 1984 in New Jersey, there were 6,682 births to women ages 18 years and under; about one out of 10 women in New Jersey becomes pregnant during her teenage years; and there is a 40% chance that a child of a teenager will be permanently impaired. The Legislature further finds and declares that: the causes of many cases of developmental disabilities, such as inadequate prenatal care, maternal diseases, environmental contaminants, alcohol and drug ingestion, poor nutrition, lead poisoning, childhood diseases, child abuse and neglect, and accidents, are preventable; and it is in the best interests of the citizens of the State of New Jersey to establish a permanent office in the State Department of Human Services to combat the causes of developmental disabilities. L.1987, c.5, s.1; amended 2010, c.50, s.23. 30:1AA-11 Office for Prevention of Developmental Disabilities. 2. There is established in the Department of Human Services the Office for Prevention of Developmental Disabilities, hereinafter referred to as the "office." L.1987, c.5, s.2; amended 2010, c.50, s.24. 30:1AA-12 Director, appointment, powers. 3. The administrator and chief executive officer of the office shall be the director, who shall be a person qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of the office. Subsequent to consultation with the Governor's Council on the Prevention of Developmental Disabilities, the Commissioner of Human Services shall appoint the director, who shall serve at the pleasure of the commissioner during the commissioner's term of office and until the appointment and qualification of the director's successor. The director shall devote his entire time to the duties of his position and shall receive a salary commensurate with the responsibilities of the office. The director shall serve in the State unclassified service of the Civil Service. The director may appoint, retain or employ officers, experts or consultants on a contract basis or otherwise, which he deems necessary, and employ investigators or other professionally qualified personnel who shall be in the noncompetitive division of the career service of the Civil Service. L.1987, c.5, s.3; amended 2000, c.82, s.1; 2010, c.50, s.25. 30:1AA-13. Powers, duties of director The director shall: a. Administer and organize the work of the office and establish therein any administrative subdivisions he deems necessary. The director may formulate and adopt rules and regulations and prescribe duties for the efficient conduct of the office pursuant to Department of Human Services policies and procedures; b. Solicit and accept grants of funds from the federal government and from other public and any private sources for any of the purposes of this act; and c. Perform other functions which may be prescribed in this act or by any other law. L. 1987, c. 5, s. 4. 30:1AA-14 Office, responsibilities. 5. The responsibilities of the office shall include, but are not limited to: a. Developing a long-range comprehensive plan for the prevention of developmental disabilities in accordance with the priorities established by the Governor's Council on the Prevention of Developmental Disabilities; b. Encouraging cooperative programs of research among State governmental departments and agencies, universities and private agencies; c. Developing public information campaigns about the causes of developmental disabilities and the means for preventing developmental disabilities; d. Coordinating public education programs about the causes and prevention of developmental disabilities and determining professional in-service training needs in these areas; e. Stimulating expanded and new services for the prevention of developmental disabilities; and f. Making recommendations to the Commissioner of Human Services regarding any needed executive or legislative action. L.1987, c.5, s.5; amended 2000, c.82, s.2; 2010, c.50, s.26. 30:1AA-15 Governor's council, executive committee. 6. a. The Governor's Council on the Prevention of Developmental Disabilities, originally created by Executive Order No. 72 (signed May 24, 1984), shall serve as an advisory council to the Commissioner of Human Services and to the Office for Prevention of Developmental Disabilities. The State Departments of Human Services, Education, Health and Senior Services, Environmental Protection and Community Affairs are authorized and directed, to the extent consistent with the law, to cooperate with the Governor's Council on the Prevention of Developmental Disabilities and to furnish it with resources necessary to carry out its purposes under this act. The Governor shall appoint 25 public members to the Governor's Council on the Prevention of Developmental Disabilities to serve three-year terms, except that, of the members first appointed, nine shall be appointed to serve for three years, eight shall be appointed to serve for two years, and eight shall be appointed to serve for one year. At least one of the public members appointed to the Governor's council shall be an advocate for persons with developmental disabilities. b. The Governor's Council on the Prevention of Developmental Disabilities shall establish from its members the Executive Committee of the Governor's Council on the Prevention of Developmental Disabilities. This committee shall have full power to act in lieu of the full council. The executive committee shall consist of 12 members, all of whom are members of the Governor's council. The Commissioners of the Departments of Health and Senior Services, Human Services, Education, Community Affairs and Environmental Protection shall serve as ex officio members. The Secretary of State and the Chairperson of the Governor's council shall serve as nonvoting, ex officio members of the executive committee. The Governor's council shall elect from its membership the remaining five members of the executive committee. These persons, as members of the Governor's council, shall be selected for their knowledge, competence, experience or interest in connection with the prevention of developmental disabilities. Members of the executive committee may, from time to time, designate other individuals as their representatives. The executive committee shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The Governor's council shall elect an executive committee chairperson from among the five voting cabinet members of the executive committee. The executive committee may select from among its members a vice-chairperson and other officers or subcommittees which are deemed necessary or appropriate. L.1987, c.5, s.6; amended 1994, c.58, s.26; 2000, c.82, s.3; 2010, c.50, s.27. 30:1AA-16 Annual report to Governor, Legislature. 7. The Commissioner of Human Services and the executive committee of the Governor's Council on the Prevention of Developmental Disabilities established pursuant to section 6 of this act shall report annually to the Governor and the Legislature concerning the status of prevention programs in the State. L.1987, c.5, s.7; amended 2000, c.82, s.4; 2010, c.50, s.28. 30:1AA-17. Coordination of services All departments and agencies of the State which provide relevant prevention services, maintain relevant data sets, or perform functions pertinent to relevant prevention programs shall cooperate with the office to facilitate coordination of services and effective use of funds. L. 1987, c. 5, s. 8. 30:1AA-18. Coordination of funding 9. The Commissioner of Human Services shall execute written agreements with the Departments of Health and Senior Services, Education, Community Affairs and Environmental Protection which are designed to coordinate the effective use of funds appropriated to the office. These agreements shall fulfill the intent of the comprehensive prevention plan prepared pursuant to this act and shall provide coordination of all the departments' budget requests. They shall also minimally provide the protocol for: dispersing appropriate prevention funds, programmatic and fiscal monitoring of prevention programs, ensuring against the duplication of services, and identification of gaps in prevention efforts. L.1987,c.5,s.9; amended 2000, c.82, s.5. 30:1AA-19. Rules, regulations Pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L. 1968, c. 410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), the Commissioner of Human Services shall adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this act. L. 1987, c. 5, s. 10. 30:1AA-20 "Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Violence Against Persons with Developmental Disabilities." 1. a. There is established, within the Division of Developmental Disabilities in the Department of Human Services, the "Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Violence Against Persons with Developmental Disabilities." b. The task force shall consist of 19 members, as follows: (1) The Commissioners of Human Services, Children and Families, and Health, and the State Attorney General, or their designees, who shall serve ex officio; and (2) 15 public members, including: (a) a representative of Disability Rights New Jersey; (b) a representative of the Arc of New Jersey; (c) a representative of the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network; (d) a representative of the New Jersey Statewide Independent Living Council; (e) a representative of the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault; (f) a representative of Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey; (g) a representative of the New Jersey Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers; (h) a representative of the New Jersey Children's Alliance; (i) a representative of the New Jersey Association of Pupil Services Administrators; (j) a representative of a county office of Adult Protective Services; and (k) five residents of this State who have demonstrated expertise or interest in issues related to the work of the task force, including at least one person with a developmental disability who is a survivor of sexual violence; and at least one parent or guardian of a person with a developmental disability. Of the 15 public members appointed to the task force, five shall be appointed by the Governor, five shall be appointed by the President of the Senate, and five shall be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly. c. Each public member of the task force shall serve for a term of three years, except that, of the members first appointed, five shall serve for a term of one year, five shall serve for a term of two years, and five shall serve for a term of three years. Each member shall serve for the term of appointment, and until their successor is appointed and qualified. A public member who has completed his or her term of membership may be reappointed to the task force, as deemed by the Governor to be appropriate. Vacancies in the task force membership shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were made. d. The members of the task force shall be appointed within 60 days after the effective date of this act, and the task force shall hold its initial organizational meeting as soon as practicable, but no later than 30 days, after the appointment of a majority of its members. The Commissioner of Human Services, or a designee, shall serve as chairperson of the task force, and the task force shall meet and hold hearings at such places and times as the chairperson may designate. The chairperson may appoint a secretary who need not be a member of the task force. The task force, in its discretion, may divide its membership into subcommittees in the course of carrying out its duties. The task force may conduct business, but shall not adopt recommendations, without a quorum. e. Members of the task force shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for travel and other necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, within the limits of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the task force for its purposes. f. The Department of Human Services shall provide professional, stenographic, and clerical staff to the task force, as may be necessary for the task force to carry out its duties. The task force shall also be entitled to call upon the services of any State, county, or municipal department, board, commission, or agency, as may be available to it for its purposes. g. In executing its duties under this act, the task force shall consult with the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities; the Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and their Families; employees of the Department of Children and Families who work on child protection matters; employees of the Department of Human Services who work on adult protection matters; employees of the Department of Law and Public Safety, and officers of local and State police forces, who are involved in the investigation of sexual violence perpetrated against persons with developmental disabilities; prosecutors and other attorneys in the State who have experience in representing and advocating on behalf of persons with developmental disabilities, particularly those who are victims of a crime; and any other departments, agencies, associations, organizations, or individuals who are knowledgeable about, or who have experience with, the issues that are of relevance to the work of the task force. h. The task force may solicit and receive grants or other funds that are made available for its purposes by any governmental, public, private, not-for-profit, or for-profit agency, including funds that are made available under any federal or State law, regulation, or program. L.2019, c.262, s.1. 30:1AA-21 Purpose, duties of task force. 2. a. The purpose and duties of the task force shall be to: study and monitor the prevalence of sexual violence committed against persons with developmental disabilities in the State; create informational materials and identify available resources to help persons with developmental disabilities prevent and report instances of sexual violence, and to help the parents, guardians, and caregivers of persons with developmental disabilities, as well as medical and legal personnel, better identify, prevent, and respond to instances of sexual violence being committed against persons with developmental disabilities; and recommend the undertaking of legislative, executive, and community action that may reduce the prevalence and impact of sexual violence committed against persons with developmental disabilities in the State. b. In effectuating its purposes and duties under this act, the task force shall: (1) gather and review information concerning the sexual violence committed against persons with developmental disabilities throughout the State, including, but not limited to, reports and testimony from individuals, State and local agencies, community-based organizations, and other public and private organizations; (2) review the approaches that have been used, and the programs that have been implemented, in other states to reduce instances of sexual violence committed against persons with developmental disabilities; (3) develop and publish aggregate, de-identified, statistical data on the sexual violence being committed against persons with developmental disabilities in the State. Statistics published under this paragraph shall be made available on the website of the Department of Human Services, and, to the extent practicable, shall reflect data for the State as a whole, as well as for each county in the State, and for each of the northern, central, and southern regions of the State. Significant changes in the data shall be highlighted; and (4) establish broad policy and practice goals that are designed to protect persons with developmental disabilities from sexual violence, and to otherwise redress the problematic circumstances that allow for such violence to occur. c. Recommendations adopted by the task force, pursuant to this act, shall include, but need not be limited to: (1) recommendations for legislative or executive action; (2) recommendations and guidelines for best practices to be utilized by facilities, community-based organizations, and medical and caregiving personnel engaged in the provision of services to persons with developmental disabilities, in order to better enable such facilities, organizations, and personnel to identify, prevent, investigate, and appropriately respond to sexual violence being committed against persons with developmental disabilities under their care; (3) recommendations and guidelines for best practices to be utilized by attorneys, courts, and police officers engaged in the investigation or adjudication of cases involving sexual violence committed against a person with a developmental disability; (4) recommendations and guidelines on the provision of evidence-based, age-appropriate sexual violence awareness and prevention training to persons with developmental disabilities, to the extent that such training is deemed by the task force to be appropriate. Any recommendations or guidelines developed under this paragraph shall take into account the variations in understanding and mental capacity that exist among persons with developmental disabilities; (5) recommendations and guidelines on the provision of evidence-based sexual violence awareness, prevention, and response training and information to the parents, guardians, and fiduciaries of persons with developmental disabilities, and to the medical and caregiving professionals who provide care to persons with developmental disabilities, including, but not limited to, training and information on the warning signs of sexual violence, and the resources that are available for victims thereof; and (6) recommendations to foster cooperation and collaboration among State agencies and community-based organizations, and between the State and local governments, as necessary to more efficiently or effectively address the sexual violence affecting persons with developmental disabilities. L.2019, c.262, s.2. 30:1AA-22 Reports. 3. a. Within 12 months after the task force's organizational meeting, and at least biennially thereafter, the task force shall submit a written report to the Governor, and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), to the Legislature. b. Each report shall: (1) identify the task force's findings regarding the nature and extent of sexual violence being committed against persons with developmental disabilities in the State; (2) outline the statistical data that was gathered or prepared by the task force during the reporting period; (3) describe the efforts that have been undertaken by public and private actors throughout the State to reduce the frequency or severity of sexual violence being committed against persons with developmental disabilities in the State, and indicate the known or predicted effects of such efforts; and (4) provide the task force's recommendations for legislative and other action that may be undertaken in the future to proactively address the causes and effects of sexual violence committed against persons with developmental disabilities, and to minimize the likelihood that such persons will experience sexual violence. c. A report filed pursuant to this section shall also be publicly posted on the Internet website of the Department of Human Services. L.2019, c.262, s.3. 30:1AA-23 "Sexual violence" defined. 4. As used in this act, "sexual violence" includes any nonconsensual sexual act that is committed against a person with a developmental disability. L.2019, c.262, s.4.

This is the verbatim text of N.J.S.A. 30:1A-15, retrieved from the New Jersey Legislature's public statute corpus. Statutes are amended periodically — for the most current version, check the external source link above. Kyzer is not a law firm and this page is not legal advice.