30:1AA-10 Findings, declarations.

1. The Legislature finds and declares that: approximately 2% of the residents of this State have developmental disabilities and more than 50,000 of these persons are developmentally disabled school age children; 30,000 to 40,000 residents have intellectual disabilities severe enough to require lifelong supervision or care; several times more have less severe intellectual disabilities and can live independent or semi-independent lives; pregnancy during adolescence increases the incidence of developmental disabilities because of the heightened risk of premature birth, low birthweight, birth complications and birth defects; in 1984 in New Jersey, there were 6,682 births to women ages 18 years and under; about one out of 10 women in New Jersey becomes pregnant during her teenage years; and there is a 40% chance that a child of a teenager will be permanently impaired.

The Legislature further finds and declares that: the causes of many cases of developmental disabilities, such as inadequate prenatal care, maternal diseases, environmental contaminants, alcohol and drug ingestion, poor nutrition, lead poisoning, childhood diseases, child abuse and neglect, and accidents, are preventable; and it is in the best interests of the citizens of the State of New Jersey to establish a permanent office in the State Department of Human Services to combat the causes of developmental disabilities.

L.1987, c.5, s.1; amended 2010, c.50, s.23.