Virtual conversation: Ensuring Safety & Thriving Lives in Licensed Settings
In light of the “Hidden at Home” investigative news series, which exposed critical flaws in New Jersey’s licensed residential settings for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), we invite all stakeholders, particularly parents and other family members, to share their experiences. What’s working? What’s not working? How can we ensure our loved ones are safe, supported, and thriving?
This conversation aims to elevate the voices of families and drive meaningful change. Specifically, we want to learn your thoughts about how we – as a community – should move forward.
A Community Blueprint for Safe, High-quality Licensed Residences
On June 30, 2025, the Regional Family Support Planning Councils’ Health and Safety Subcommittee, the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities’ Health and Wellness Subcommittee, and the Office of the New Jersey Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families co-hosted a listening session to hear directly from stakeholders about the successes, challenges, and ideas for improving safety and high-quality care in licensed residential settings.
As a result of the conversation, a draft Community Blueprint for Safe, High-Quality Licensed Residences was developed. This blueprint outlines key roles and responsibilities, as well as necessary reforms, across four stakeholder groups—State Government, Provider Agencies, Frontline Staff, and Family Members/Guardians—and includes broader areas like the use of technology and additional advocacy areas.
We invite you to review the draft Community Blueprint and share your feedback to help shape the path forward: