N.J. Admin. Code § 13:4-2.10

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 13:4-2.10 - Verified complaints involving minors or other confidential information; use of pseudonym

(a) The Division shall take two verified complaints with the same docket number when the verified complaint involves a minor or when the Director determines, in their sole discretion, that the verified complaint involves confidential information regarding a party or witness. The first verified complaint shall include the full name of the aggrieved party and the full name of any other minor identified in the complaint and shall not be disclosed, except as required by law. The second verified complaint shall be identical to the first, except that a pseudonym shall be substituted for the name of the aggrieved party and/or any other identified minor, party, or witness.

(b) The Division shall serve a copy of the pseudonym verified complaint prepared under this section upon any respondent named therein. Any service of a pseudonym verified complaint shall be accompanied by a notice informing the respondent that, upon review of the verified complaint, if the respondent is unable to identify with sufficient assurance the identity of the person filing the verified complaint or the aggrieved party or any other identified minor, the respondent shall notify the Division in writing not later than 10 days after the date the verified complaint is served. The respondent's notice shall also designate a person upon whom the Division shall serve a copy of the first verified complaint and other papers concerning the Division's investigation, and shall further contain an acknowledgment that any information provided by the Division or other person will be kept strictly confidential. Thereafter, upon receipt of a release from the complainant in cases where it is the aggrieved party that is identified by a pseudonym, the Division shall forward the verified complaint identifying the complainant, aggrieved party and/or other identified minor to the respondent along with a protective order prohibiting the respondent from disclosing the identity of the complainant, aggrieved party and/or other identified minor. Any violation of such a protective order will subject the violator to penalties pursuant to 10:5-14.1a.

Amended by 52 N.J.R. 2109(a), effective 12/7/2020