Group home operators serving people with autism and other developmental disabilities would face fines for the first time in state history for abuse and neglect, under landmark legislation Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law on Sunday.
New Jersey’s top appointed disability advocate has described abuse and neglect in state licensed group homes as “rampant,” with some providers “doing all they can to prevent abuse and neglect” and others “not doing enough to prevent or stop” it.
The law, S3750, which takes effect in six months, imposes $10,000 fines for the second and subsequent health and safety violations. It also creates the offense of “administrative neglect,” should operators fail to train staff and supervise them to ensure the safety of their residents.
Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex, sponsored this bill and others after NJ Advance Media published “Alone, Autistic and Afraid
Why group homes in N.J. are finally facing consequences for abuse, neglect
