Governor Christie signs legislation to create a registry of abusive caregivers

Gov. Chris Christie recently signed legislation creating an internal registry of caregivers who neglect or exploit developmentally disabled people under their care.

“Abuse at the hands of a caregiver is a reprehensible action,” Christie said in a statement. “The legislation that I am signing today is an important tool to help safeguard those with developmental disabilities from harmful caregivers taking advantage of their position. Equally important, this new law will prevent these custodians from gaining re-employment or continuing participation in human services funded programs.”

“This registry will help root out abusive caregivers who may currently be flying under the radar,” Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen) said in a statement.

The new law goes into effect in 180 days.

Lawmakers have raised concerns over care received by disabled residents since Tara O’Leary starved to death in November 2008 while living in a state-licensed foster home.

To read the entire article by Claire Heininger/Staff Writer and Chris Megerian/Staff Writer for NJ,com, please click here!