Requires DCF and DOE to establish policies and procedures relating to child abuse and neglect and child abuse prevention during certain public health emergencies.

This bill (A 2180) requires New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Department of Education (DOE) to create policies for handling child abuse and neglect during public health emergencies that limit in-person contact (like the pandemic). It directly affects children, families, school staff, and child protective workers by enabling remote investigations, case management, and access to services via phone or video. Key provisions include establishing remote reporting tools, public awareness campaigns about child safety during emergencies, mandatory online training for school staff on detecting abuse remotely, and collecting data on abuse reports during such crises. DCF must also analyze this data and report findings to the legislature within one year of the bill’s effective date.