NJSBA has updated policy 5141.4, Missing, Abused and Neglected Children. This policy was updated to reflect changes to New Jersey statutes N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.10 Report of Child Abuse and N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.14 Violations Including Failure to Make Report that resulted from P.L. 2019, c. 40.
P.L. 2019, c. 40 amended N.J.S.A. 9:6‑8.10 to specifically require the reporting of sexual abuse. The law states that any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to child abuse, including sexual abuse, or acts of child abuse shall report the same immediately to the Division of Child Protection and Permanency. Additionally, P.L. 2019, c. 40 amended N.J.S.A.9:6‑8.14 to make a person who knowingly fails to report sexual abuse guilty of a crime of the fourth degree, which carries a term of imprisonment for up to 6 months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
You may directly download this policy update from the Critical Policy Reference Manual (CPRM) district or charter versions or the Policy Update List on your password protected Policy Resources webpage. You may also contact a policy consultant at (609) 278-5268 or email Jean Harkness or Steve McGettigan, Policy Manager. An updated regulation is also available upon request.