New Law for Enhancing Protections
There is a new law enhancing protections for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and strengthening accountability among community-based service providers. This law begins July 1, 2026.
Commissioner Stephen Cha said, "The health, safety, and well-being of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities must always come first. This law provides important tools to strengthen accountability, address serious violations, and help ensure providers meet the high standards expected of them while reinforcing our commitment to a service system that promotes dignity, respect, and quality supports and continuously improves."
Read more about the Law by clicking this link:
Department of Human Services | New Law Strengthening Oversight and Accountability of Developmental Disabilities Service Providers Takes Effect July 1
Disability Advisory Committee
Disability Mortality and Abuse Prevention Advisory Committee was put into place in April 2026. As stated on the DHS website, the Advisory Committee will conduct in-depth reviews of selected cases involving abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mortality of adults with IDD. Through this work, the Advisory Committee will identify trends, assess systemic responses, and recommend actionable improvements to prevention strategies, reporting processes, and accountability measures. See more information by clicking the weblink below, to read more about the committee and their initiative aimed at strengthening protections and improving outcomes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Department of Human Services | New Jersey Human Services Announces Appointments to Disability Mortality and Abuse Prevention Advisory Committee