Cruz-Perez, Turner Bill to Require School Postings of Child Abuse Hotline Information Signed Into Law

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez and Senator Shirley K. Turner, which will require each local board of education to post information about the Department of Children and Families’ State Central Registry hotline for reporting child abuse in each school of the district, was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy.

“We must do whatever we can to ensure our children are protected from abuse at home and school. This change will bring awareness to our children regarding abuse that may be happening to them or to their friends and classmates,” said Senator Cruz-Perez (D-Camden/Gloucester). “Providing the hotline information will give children the tools they need to report any type of abuse they suffer at home or elsewhere without fear of further punishment.”

“Some children may be afraid to turn to an adult to report abuse, but may feel for more comfortable calling the hotline number,” said Senator Turner (D-Hunterdon/Mercer).  “Our goal is to reduce barriers to students seeking assistance when they need it, so that we can take action to get them out of harm’s way.  By empowering students with the knowledge that they have somewhere to turn, we can stop further abuse, or help save a child’s life.”

The new law requires the board of education to prominently display information about the Department of Children and Families’ State Central Registry in each school of the district. The information will be required to give instructions to call 911 for emergencies and include directions for accessing the department’s website or social media platforms for more information on reporting abuse, neglect and exploitation.

In New Jersey, any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or acts of abuse is required to immediately report this information to the Department of Children and Families’ State Central Registry.

In 2012, almost a quarter of all reports of abuse and neglect came from schools, according to data from DCF. People who report abuse and neglect in good faith are protected from civil and criminal liability.