Greater oversight becomes even more critical with the closing of the federal monitor's case.
Julio Mendez, a retired Superior Court assignment judge and an analyst for the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University, says the state's Division of Child Protection and Permanency has improved significantly. He adds that additional oversight can only ensure the safety of an at-risk childNew Jersey child protection’s focus has shifted away from the removal of children toward family preservation.
The paramount principles of the child welfare system are to ensure child safety and permanency; to stabilize families and children; and to address the root causes of the problem that triggered state involvement with the family.Family placements lessens the trauma of removal from a parent and allows for ongoing parent and family connection. In most cases, family placements come with the full array of vetting, resources, and services. This is the best approach.
Family preservation is immensely better than removal. It allows the child to remain in familiar surroundings more culturally and racially connected to the child. The approach is a positive step to begin addressing the disproportionate and excessive number of removals involving Black and Latino children.With fewer cases litigated, there is less judicial oversight, along with the checks and balances of the various components of the child welfare system.
Less litigation is generally good. However, oversight improves outcomes and provides reassurance. One way to get more court involvement is to increase care and supervision filings, which are used for families in need of services. The child remains in the custody of a parent, or with a family member, while the parent completes the necessary services. The added benefit is that it involves greater court oversight.
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