“Justice for Vulnerable Residents Act” Would Protect Individuals with Disabilities, Sauickie Says
Bipartisan proposal establishes independent agency to investigate abuse and safeguard New Jersey’s most vulnerable residents
Trenton, NJ – A landmark initiative to greatly expand protections for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) across New Jersey must be promptly moved through both houses of the state Legislature, according to Assemblyman Alex Sauickie.
Sauickie wrote the bill (A4008) in the Assembly, and it quickly picked up bipartisan support in the state Senate, where it has been introduced as S3638. It has strong support from advocates for those with IDD, Sauickie says. Sauickie, who along with his 12th District Assembly colleague Deputy Minority Leader Rob Clifton (R-Monmouth), helps lead a bipartisan coalition that recently hosted a statewide roundtable which heard emotional testimonies from families and advocates about abuse and neglect in group homes for disabled adults, CJN previously reported.
The legislation, the “Justice for Vulnerable Residents Act,” establishes an independent Justice Center for the Protection of Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities, designed to strengthen oversight, centralize investigations, and ensure accountability in cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
“This proposal is about protecting those who cannot always protect themselves,” Sauickie (R-Ocean) said. “For too long, families and advocates have raised concerns about fragmented oversight and inconsistent investigations. This bill brings real accountability, independence, and urgency to safeguarding some of our most vulnerable residents.”
The bill, introduced earlier this year, creates a Justice Center that will operate independently within, but not under the control of, the Department of Law and Public Safety which is headed by the state’s Attorney General. The Center will be responsible for investigating allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation involving individuals with IDD in state-licensed or operated residential and day programs.
The legislation is modeled in part on a proven framework used in New York and incorporates recommendations from advocates and the Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families, who have long called for a more centralized and independent investigative structure. Former ombudsman Paul Aronsohn — the first, and so far the only, state-appointed advocate for people with IDD — suggested looking at the New York model as a means of improving New Jersey’s system.
Sauickie emphasized the broad bipartisan support behind the bill, noting collaboration with colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the Assembly and Senate.
“I want to thank all of the sponsors of this legislation, including my Democratic colleagues, for recognizing the urgency and importance of this issue,” Sauickie said. “Protecting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities should never be a partisan issue. The strong bipartisan support behind the bills sends a clear message: New Jersey is committed to doing better. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the isle to join as co-sponsors in support of this important legislation.”
Under the legislation, the Justice Center will:
Centralize and standardize investigations into abuse, neglect, and exploitation
Establish dedicated criminal and civil investigation units
Maintain and oversee the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Provide enhanced transparency, reporting, and accountability
Develop uniform training, policies, and oversight mechanisms across care settings
The bill also includes the creation of a specialized Medical Review Board to examine deaths from non-natural causes and identify systemic improvements to prevent future harm.
“This is about building a system that not only responds to incidents, but prevents them,” Sauickie added. “Families deserve peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are protected by a system that is independent, thorough, and accountable.”
The legislation has already garnered strong support from members of the IDD community, including families, advocates, and care providers.
“For families like mine, this bill creating an independent Justice Center represents hope — hope that our loved ones will be safer, and that if something does happen, we will have answers and there will finally be real accountability. This legislation reflects years of advocacy, and will certainly offer families peace of mind and make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with disabilities.” — Joanne Curcio, member of the NJ State Policy Committee, New Jersey Chapter of National Council of Severe Autism, and the parent of a young adult with a developmental disability.
“The establishment of an independent Justice Center represents a critical step forward. This legislation creates a framework for enhanced oversight, investigation, and enforcement, ensuring that bad actors are held accountable for their actions, while strengthening protections for individuals with disabilities across New Jersey.” — Steve Setteducati, CEO of New Concepts for Living
Sauickie reiterated that this legislation represents a meaningful step toward long-overdue reform.
“Government has a fundamental responsibility to protect its people, especially those who are most vulnerable,” Sauickie said. “With this legislation, we are taking that responsibility seriously and delivering real reform that will save lives, improve care, and restore trust.”
The Assemblyman expressed confidence that the bipartisan momentum behind the legislation will help drive it to passage in the current legislative session.
_________________________________
Want more CJN? Make sure to follow us on our respective social media platforms. If you’re interested in joining the team, have questions about advertising, or want to send us a note, message us here on Substack.