This Thursday was a very exciting day for CAANJ! Testimony was taken by the Assembly Women and Children Committee on a bill to Establish an Office of Child Advocate (A2249). This bill closely parallels the bill CAANJ has been championing to create an Office of Ombudsman for Children (A4353).
An important amendment to A2249 was made in the committee so that the Office would be housed outside of the Department of Children and Families. The bill was also referred out to the Assembly Appropriations Committee (Chaired by Assemblywoman Lisa Swain, pictured).
Whether called the Office of the Child Advocate or Ombudsman for Children, both bills would authorize someone independent to represent New Jersey's children and stand up for their rights as needed.
Assemblywoman Carol Murphy had introduced a prior version of A2249 back in 2018. She was present at the hearing and expressed willingness to work with Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (who introduced A4535) and CAANJ to explore additional amendments and reconciliations.
While there is still a long way to go before either bill becomes law, we are SO thankful for the progress we have seen this month and for strong women on both sides of the political aside willing to stand up for New Jersey's children in the Assembly.
Being able to cite to the success of our petition (which has now amassed over 1,600 signatures) has been crucial in gaining attention to this cause. As we celebrate mothers today, would you consider taking a moment to share a link to the petition on Facebook, Instagram or other forms of social media to help keep the momentum growing?
www.change.org/Ombudsman4children
We are SO grateful for your help and support. Happy Mother's Day!
Sincerely,
Jessica J. Sauer, Esq.
on behalf of the Child Advocacy Association of New Jersey
Photo: Jessica Sauer (Director, CAANJ), Assemblywoman Lisa Swain (Chairwoman of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, Member of the Women and Children Committee), Maria Connolly (Assistant Director, CAANJ).