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Bill

Bill

S 4397

Establishes New Jersey Council on Responsible Fatherhood and Responsible Fatherhood Fund.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Benjie Wimberly

Creates the New Jersey Council on Responsible Fatherhood and a Responsible Fatherhood Fund to fund programs that increase father involvement and support responsible fathering.

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Bill Summary · S 4397

Summary of Bill: S 4397 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes the New Jersey Council on Responsible Fatherhood and a dedicated Responsible Fatherhood Fund.
  • Aims to promote the involvement of fathers in the lives of their children and support programs that encourage responsible fathering.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Creation of the Council

    • Establishes the New Jersey Council on Responsible Fatherhood (the Council).
    • The Council is tasked with developing policy recommendations, coordinating initiatives, and promoting programs related to responsible fatherhood across the state.

  • Establishment of a Fund

    • Creates the Responsible Fatherhood Fund to support Council activities and related programs.
    • The bill outlines the use of funds for grants, outreach, and programmatic support designed to increase paternal engagement and positive father-child outcomes.

  • Program and Grant Components

    • Authorized to award grants to organizations and programs that:
    • Provide parenting education focused on fathers.
    • Support father involvement in child welfare, family stability, and healthy co-parenting.
    • Deliver services addressing barriers to father participation, including employment-readiness, mentoring, and community-based outreach.
    • May establish criteria, application processes, and grant reporting requirements to ensure accountability and effectiveness.

  • Coordination and Collaboration

    • Requires coordination with state agencies, non-profit organizations, community groups, and relevant stakeholders to maximize impact.
    • Encourages data collection and evaluation to assess program outcomes and inform policy decisions.

  • Reporting and Oversight

    • Likely includes annual or periodic reporting to the Legislature on fund expenditures, program results, and recommendations for improvement.
    • Defines governance structure for the Council (e.g., composition, appointment process, and operations), though specific names or bodies may be determined by subsequent regulations or implementing rules.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Individuals and Families

    • Fathers and father-figures seeking parenting support and resources.
    • Children and families impacted by increased paternal involvement and stability.

  • Organizations and Programs

    • Non-profit organizations, community-based groups, and state agencies delivering fatherhood programs, parenting education, or family services.
    • Entities applying for and receiving grants funded by the Responsible Fatherhood Fund.

  • State Government

    • State agencies involved in child welfare, family services, and related areas may participate in the Council’s work and integrate findings into policy and program design.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Establishment and Operation

    • The bill outlines the creation and ongoing functions of the Council and Fund; operational details (e.g., appointment processes, meeting frequency, administrative support) are typically defined in the bill or by implementing regulations.

  • Funding and Fiscal Notes

    • The Fund would require appropriation or allocation from the state budget; details on funding levels, sources, and sustainability would be determined through fiscal processes and future amendments or budget actions.

  • Implementation Timeline

    • Once enacted, regulatory or executive actions would likely be needed to appoint Council members, establish grant cycles, and initiate first-round funding and programs.

Notes

  • Co-sponsor: Benjie Wimberly.
  • The summary focuses on substantive aims and mechanisms as described; final legislative text may provide additional specifics on membership, grant criteria, reporting timelines, and funding amounts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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