(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Gabriela Mosquera, Patricia Jones, Jamel Holley and Angela McKnight to require school districts to display the state’s child abuse hotline in schools was approved Thursday by the Assembly.
“Having this information prominently displayed in schools can help children who are experiencing abuse, but don’t know where to turn to for help,” said Mosquera (D-Camden/Gloucester).
“A child who is being abused may be too scared or ashamed to ask for help,” said Jones (D-Camden/Gloucester). “This is a simple and discreet way to get them the information they need so they can report the abuse.”
“This is a simple and common sense step that could save lives,” said Holley (D-Union).
“Anything we can do protect children is the right thing to do,” said McKnight (D-Hudson).
The bill (A-3655) would require a board of education to prominently display information about the Department of Children and Families’ State Central Registry, a toll free hotline for reporting child abuse, in every school in the district.
The bill would take effect on the 30th day after the date of enactment.
The bill will now be referred to the Senate.
