Establishes Office of Child Advocate.

S 1969 establishes an independent Office of the Child Advocate within New Jersey's government to protect children at risk of abuse or neglect. The Child Advocate, appointed by the Governor, investigates state agency responses to abuse/neglect cases, reviews facilities like juvenile detention centers and group homes, and accesses relevant records to ensure adequate services. The office operates a 24-hour hotline for public complaints, conducts oversight of child welfare services, and reports findings to improve system performance. This bill directly affects children in state care, child welfare agencies, and private entities providing child protection services.