New Jersey would require child welfare plans for immigration detention emergencies

DCF would develop and oversee a child welfare emergency response plan for DCPP caseworkers and other child welfare service providers. The plan would guide DCPP caseworkers and other child welfare service providers responding to the circumstances behind the emergency involving children in federal immigration detention. The Governor would declare an emergency in response to children being detained in federal immigration detention and issue an order describing its causes and the federal actions needed to end it. The plan must include standards for unannounced visits and interviews, facility inspections, timely handling of abuse reports, and protective custody when serious injuries are most likely inflicted by another person rather than accidental means. The plan must provide for a guardian ad litem when a child is detained. Coordination among agencies, courts, and community groups is required to the extent feasible. DCF would prepare the plan within 60 days after enactment, review and revise it each year, and post the initial and revised plans on its website.