Assembly Human Services Committee Chair Valerie Vainieri Huttle today applauded the State Department of Human Services for the timely implementation of a new registry to protect developmentally disabled individuals from abusive caregivers, a measure that was born out of legislation Vainieri Huttle sponsored.
“This registry will help root out abusive caregivers who may currently be flying under the radar,” said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). “It also sends a clear, strong message that abuse of these individuals will not be tolerated in New Jersey. This law lends a voice to those that might otherwise have none and will help ensure that known abusers are kept away from those who cannot protect themselves. This is a humane and much needed measure.”
Under Vainieri Huttle’s legislation (A-2038), signed into law in April, the state Department of Human Services (DHS) was directed to create a Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, which is designed to help employers during the hiring process identify caregivers who have wrongfully caused injury to a developmentally disabled individual.