§ 9:23-18 — Authorization to enter into interstate compacts to enhance protection, permanency for children.

19. a. The Commissioner of Children and Families is authorized on behalf of this State to develop, negotiate and enter into the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance and other interstate compacts, as determined by the commissioner to enhance protection and permanency for children. When so entered into, and for so long as it shall remain in force, such a compact shall have the force and effect of law. b. A compact entered into pursuant to the authority conferred by subsection a. of this section shall include: (1) a provision making it available for joinder by all states; (2) a provision for withdrawal from the compact upon written notice to the parties, with a period of one year between the date of the notice and the effective date of the withdrawal; (3) a requirement that the protections afforded by or pursuant to the compact be covered by a written agreement between the agency providing services and the parents, adoptive parents, or other caregiver for the child and that the protections continue in force for the duration of the written agreement for all children who, on the effective date of the withdrawal, are receiving services from a party state other than the one in which they reside; and (4) such other provisions as may be appropriate to implement the proper administration of the compact. L.1999, c.53, s.19; amended 2006, c.47, s.78.