New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S740

Introduced
1/13/26  

Caption

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

Impact

S740 introduces the 'Child Treatment Assistance Fund,' which will provide necessary funding for medical and mental health services aimed at youth who exhibit problematic sexual behaviors. It also stipulates the formation of a Sexual Contact Between Youth Screening and Referral Team to evaluate and address cases efficiently. By mandating regular progress reviews instead of certification processes for child advocacy centers, the bill seeks to ensure consistent delivery of services based on current best practices and potential identification of gaps in support services.

Summary

Senate Bill S740 aims to expand the responsibilities of the Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Board and to establish the Problematic Sexual Behavior Program in New Jersey. This legislation recognizes the need for a structured state-wide response to cases involving youth who engage in or are impacted by problematic sexual behavior, addressing both treatment and preventative measures. The bill amends existing child welfare laws to enhance oversight and collaborative efforts among various service providers involved in child protection and welfare.

Contention

There has been some debate over the definition and handling of 'problematic sexual behavior,' a term introduced in the bill to classify certain actions by youth under 18. Opponents may argue that the broad categorization could lead to stigmatization or inappropriate responses to youth behavior that may require understanding and intervention rather than punitive measures. Additionally, the allocation of funds and oversight responsibilities might raise questions regarding effective implementation and accountability among the coordinated service providers.

Companion Bills

NJ A5682

Carry Over Expands responsibilities of Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Board and establishes "Problematic Sexual Behavior Program"; appropriates $8.5 million.

NJ S4512

Carry Over Expands responsibilities of Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Board and establishes Problematic Sexual Behavior Program.

NJ A2232

Same As Expands responsibilities of Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Board and establishes "Problematic Sexual Behavior Program"; appropriates $8.5 million.

Similar Bills

CA SB1143

Children’s advocacy centers: recordings.

OK HB1581

Children; Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Account; authorizing Department of Human Services to allocate monies; disbursements of funds; by Commission on Children and Youth; documentation; contract; effective date.

OK HB1581

Children; Oklahoma Children's Code; entity; council; agreement; annual membership; good standing; Oklahoma Human Services; Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Team Account; documentation; report; funds; contract; rules; Oklahoma Multidisciplinary Team Council; membership; duties; Child Abuse Training and Coordination Council; codification; effective date.

OK HB3637

Children; Oklahoma Children's Code; lead agency; child abuse multidisciplinary review team; district attorney; duties; references; joint investigations; team functions; Department of Human Services; terms; Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Team Account; funds; contract; rules; Oklahoma Multidisciplinary Team Council; membership; elect; quorum; business; Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Team Account Fund; Child Abuse Training and Coordination Council; repealer; effective date.

CO HB1142

Child Advocacy Centers

NJ A2232

Expands responsibilities of Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Board and establishes "Problematic Sexual Behavior Program"; appropriates $8.5 million.

LA HB1052

Provides relative to confidentiality policies and procedures pertaining to work product created, received, or maintained by child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary investigative teams

MA S112

Relative to Children’s Advocacy Centers