Licensing ensures that service providers meet established standards for safety, quality, and proper care. It gives individuals with disabilities—and their families—confidence that they are receiving support from trained, accountable professionals in regulated environments.

• Public Safety
  Licensing helps safeguard vulnerable individuals by ensuring providers are qualified and facilities are safe.
• Quality of Care
  Licensing requires training, oversight, and documentation that help ensure consistent, person-centered support.
• Accountability
  Licensed providers must follow state regulations. The NJ Department of Human Services can take corrective action when standards are not met.
• Trust and Transparency
  A license shows a provider's commitment to quality. Families can verify if a provider is licensed and in good standing.

A licensed home meets all requirements under New Jersey law, specifically the regulations in N.J.A.C. 10:44A, which govern community residences for people with developmental disabilities. Homes are inspected by trained staff to ensure they meet all safety, documentation, and operational standards.

• Inspectors walk through the home (including all rooms, garages, and outdoor areas).
• They review documents like admission paperwork and acknowledgements, evidence of the exchange of parent/guardian contact information, medication administration records, staff schedules, menus, critical information logs, medical records, staff training documents, vehicle and home maintenance records, inventory records, Emergency Evacuation Plans and Emergency Evacuation Assessments, among others.
• They speak with staff to verify that daily practices match documented.
• Agencies receive feedback, and if there are any issues, the Office of Licensing provides support and technical guidance.
• The inspection concludes with a written report and follow-up, if needed.

Licensing inspections occur at least once a year, or more frequently if concerns arise.

The first inspection in the yearly licensing renewal process is always unannounced. Some portions of the re-inspection process are announced, such as the Administrative Review. The Office of Licensing is increasing the frequency by which it conducts unannounced inspections beginning in 2026.

• 2,300 licensed homes offer a combined capacity to serve over 9,600 individuals in NJ.
• The first NJ group home opened in 1971 and is still in operation.
• Nearly 80% of licensed provider agencies are non-profits.
• Many licensing staff have personal experience with disability in their own lives.