Authorizes disclosure by DCF of child abuse and neglect information to religious institutions.

This bill would allow New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) to share information about child abuse or neglect allegations with religious organizations. Currently, religious institutions are not among the entities authorized to receive this information under state law. The bill specifically would permit DCF to disclose information regarding child abuse or neglect allegations involving prospective or current employees who provide instruction or services to children at religious institutions. This change would enable religious organizations to conduct background checks on staff who work with children, aligning their access to this information with other child-serving organizations. The bill amends existing law to explicitly include religious organizations among the entities authorized to receive this information.