NJ A899-Establishes Task Force on the Oversight of Group Homes for Persons with Developmental Disabilities

New Jersey Bill A899, originally introduced in 2004 as A786 (the Senate counterpart is S756) was reintroduced by Assemblyman Gusciora. On January 26, 2006 the Human Services Committee passed this legislation on to the assembly. This bill establishes a 19-member task force on the oversight of group homes for persons with developmental disabilities. The task force will include the following members:

• Director of Division of Developmental Disabilities to serve ex officio

• 2 members each from the Senate and General Assembly

• 12 public members appointed by the Governor to include 6 representatives of advocacy groups for persons with developmental disabilities and 5 representatives of service provider organizations, and one public member who is a family member or guardian of a group home resident

• 2 public members appointed by the President of the Senate and Speaker of the Assembly (one each) who is a family member or guardian of a group home resident

The task force will study the conditions in group homes sponsored by the state of New Jersey that serve persons with developmental disabilities. The task force activities are to begin no later than 60 days after the members are appointed. 

The task force will develop recommendations about the most effective methods of ensuring that group home residents receive their rights assured by N.J.S.A.30:6D-17, including medical and dental care, a nutritionally adequate diet, a daily program of structured activities, and other services.