Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Overview
The Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities is maintained by the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS). This registry helps ensure the safety of individuals with developmental disabilities by identifying caregivers who have been determined to have abused, neglected, or exploited individuals in their care.
The registry is confidential and is used by DHS and the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) to prevent unsuitable individuals from working or volunteering in programs serving people with developmental disabilities.
Background
The Central Registry was created through bipartisan legislation signed into law by Governor Chris Christie on April 30, 2010, and became effective on October 27, 2010.
It applies to all programs that are funded, licensed, contracted and/or regulated by DHS and provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
In 2018, the law was expanded to include programs and facilities overseen by the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
Offenders Added to the Registry by Year
| Year | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Registry
Placements
|
4 | 6 | 61 | 38 | 18 | 32 | 41 | 33 | 26 | 45 | 49 | 47 | 42 | 49 |
| Total 491 | ||||||||||||||
Purpose of the Registry
The registry:
- Maintains a confidential list of caregivers found to have abused, neglected, or exploited individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Bars listed individuals from:
- Employment or re-employment by DHS or DCF programs
- Volunteering in DHS or DCF-funded, licensed, or regulated programs
Employer Responsibilities
All employers operating under DHS or DCF oversight are required by law to:
- Check whether a potential caregiver is listed on the Central Registry
- Refrain from hiring or continuing to employ any individual whose name appears on the registry
Failure to comply may result in regulatory actions and jeopardize program funding or licensure.
Placements by Allegation Type
| Allegation Type | Central Registry Placements to date |
|---|---|
| Abuse: Physical | 240 |
| Exploitation over $100 | 145 |
| Neglect | 72 |
| Abuse: Sexual | 26 |
| Abuse: Verbal/Psychological | 8 |
| Total | 491 |
Placements by Setting
| Provider Type | Central Registry Placements to date |
|---|---|
| DDD Community Services | 417 |
| DDD Developmental Centers | 48 |
| State Psychiatric Hospitals | 15 |
| DDD Community Care Residences | 9 |
| DMHAS Community Services | 2 |
| Total | 491 |