9:6-8.97 Citizen review panels.

15. a. The commissioner shall designate three citizen review panels for the purpose of examining the policies and procedures of State and local agencies and, as appropriate, specific cases, and evaluating the extent to which the agencies are effectively discharging their child protection responsibilities.

b. The commissioner may designate as panels for the purposes of P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.83 et al.), one or more existing entities established under federal or State law, if such entities have the capacity to satisfy the requirements of this act.

c. Each panel shall be composed of volunteer members who are broadly representative of the community in which the panel is established, including members who have expertise in the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect.

d. Each panel shall meet not less than once every three months.

e. The members of the panels:

(1) shall not disclose to any person or government official any identifying information about a specific child protection case with respect to which the panel is provided information; and

(2) shall not make public other information unless authorized by State statute.

f. Each panel shall have access to information as necessary to carry out its functions. Each panel is entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of employees of any State, county or municipal department, board, bureau, commission or agency as it may require and as may be available for the purposes of effectuating the provisions of P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.83 et al.). This subsection shall not be construed to permit access to information which may compromise the integrity of a division investigation or a civil or criminal investigation or judicial proceeding.

g. Each panel shall prepare and make available to the public on an annual basis, a report containing a summary of its activities.

h. A member of the panel shall not be liable for any civil damages as a result of providing, in good faith, a report, record, opinion or recommendation pursuant to P.L.1997, c.175 (C.9:6-8.83 et al..

i. A panel may receive grants and other funds made available from any governmental, public, private, nonprofit or for-profit agency, including funds made available under any federal or State law, regulation or program.

L.1997,c.175,s.15.