Requires resource family parent, relative, preadoptive parent, or caretaker to be party to reviews or hearings involving a child under the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families' care.

This New Jersey bill (A3209) requires that resource family parents, relatives, preadoptive parents, or caretakers be made formal parties to any review or hearing involving a child under the care of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency. Currently, these caregivers can receive notice and be heard at such proceedings but are not formally made parties. The bill amends sections of P.L.1999, c.53 and P.L.1977, c.424 to ensure these individuals have formal standing in court proceedings regarding the child in their care. This change directly affects children in foster care and their non-biological caregivers who provide daily care.