TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie today signed "Tara's Law," which requires closer oversight of foster homes for adults with intellectual disabilities.
The measure (S599) is named for Tara O’Leary, a 28-year-old woman who died from starvation and neglect in 2008 after she was removed from the care of a Bloomsbury licensed foster home. A state case manager also failed to make monthly visits to the home, formally known as a community care residence.
The home operator, Debra Sloan of Bloomsbury, and state caseworker Bridget Grimes of Phillipsburg are both serving three-year prison terms after pleading guilty to neglect and theft.
The new law requires foster home providers undergo evaluations to see if they are fit to continue caring for a disabled person, and require case managers’ supervisors to visit the foster home residents every two years.
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• N.J. Legislature passes Tara's Law, improving oversight of foster homes for disabled adults