Increases the frequency of permanency hearing from every 12 months to every six months.

This New Jersey bill shortens the timeline for the first permanency hearing for children in foster care from 12 months to six months after placement, specifically when the court is working to reunite the child with their parents. The hearing reviews the child's permanency plan, including goals for returning home or achieving a permanent placement, and evaluates services provided by the child welfare agency. The change applies only to cases where reunification efforts are required; for cases where reunification is not pursued (e.g., due to safety concerns), hearings must still occur within 30 days as previously mandated. This adjustment aims to accelerate decisions about children's long-term stability without altering existing requirements for periodic plan reviews.