9:6-8.25. Transfer to and from the Superior Court

5. Transfer to and from the Superior Court. a. Notice to the prosecutor. Immediately upon receipt of a complaint, the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part shall forward a copy of such complaint to the county prosecutor, after which the prosecutor shall take whatever action he deems necessary under all of the circumstances.

b. Any criminal complaint charging facts amounting to abuse or neglect under this act may be transferred by the county prosecutor or the criminal court in which the complaint was made, to the Family Part, in the county in which the former court is located. If any police officer, county prosecutor or criminal court receives a complaint which amounts to child abuse or neglect, the police officer, county prosecutor or criminal court shall report to the division pursuant to P.L.1971, c.437, section 3 (C.9:6-8.10). If any police officer, county prosecutor or the criminal court refers a matter with regard to the parent or guardian, or child, and there appears to be no basis for action in the Family Part, the proceeding may be terminated. If the Family Part determines a complaint should be filed, proceedings under this act shall be commenced immediately.

c. Nothing in this act shall be interpreted to preclude the county prosecutor from bringing criminal action against the parent or guardian or any other person even though the child involved is initially or ultimately the subject of proceedings in the Family Part.

L.1974,c.119,s.5; amended 1977, c.209, s.4; 1991,c.91,s.201.