Garden State Times

The New Jersey Senate has approved a bipartisan space bill that aims to protect individuals with disabilities, particularly focusing on providing legal support for children with developmental disabilities. Sponsored by Senator Parker Space, the legislation addresses the issue of guardianship for vulnerable individuals.

"A parent should not have to wait until their child with special needs turns 18 to file a complaint for guardianship. If there is a delay in court, it can lead to a gap in legal protections for vulnerable individuals," emphasized Senator Parker Space, reflecting the core motivation behind the bill.

The bill, known as S-2332, was inspired by a local family's experience and seeks to enable parents to file for guardianship six months prior to their child reaching the age of 18. This proactive approach aims to prevent any legal protection gaps and ensure a stable support system for families with developmentally disabled individuals.

"This legislation will allow parents to file six months before a child turns 18 in order to eliminate any potential protections gap and help maintain a stable support system for the entire family," reiterated Senator Parker Space, underlining the significance of the bill in safeguarding the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities.

The new provision in the bill ensures that guardianship will come into effect on the day the minor turns 18, providing a seamless transition and continuous legal protection for individuals with disabilities.