NJACP Policy Priority: Protecting the Flexibility Providers Need to Serve People with IDD

NJACP remains committed to ensuring providers have the financial flexibility necessary to deliver high quality, sustainable services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Recent legislative proposals to impose administrative spending caps threaten that goal.

A one-size-fits-all administrative cap ignores the realities of community-based service delivery and limits providers' ability to grow, innovate, and respond to changing needs. At a time when thousands of New Jersey residents remain on waiting lists, providers need the flexibility to expand services, not new restrictions that could reduce capacity.

NJACP urges policymakers to reject arbitrary administrative caps and support funding approaches that recognize investments in administrative tasks, for instance, funding for technology, health and safety, homes, facilities, compliance and other costs that support quality services as essential to quality care and expansion depend on this funding.

Each agency is unique as are the services and supports required for quality care depends on a provider’s ability to deliver person-centered care. New Jersey's ongoing commitment to helping individuals with IDD live and thrive in their communities.

HOT TOPIC ISSUE: CAMERAS

The New Jersey Legislature returns to the Statehouse in September, and there will be no shortage of issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the providers who support them.

One issue NJACP continues to monitor is legislation that would mandate cameras in group homes. S-1172/A-2705 would require cameras in group homes and annual notification to residents that they may request cameras in their homes.

NJACP understands the intent of the legislation. We also recognize that cameras can be a useful tool in investigations and that many providers already use them. However, NJACP does not oppose cameras in group homes but also does not support a mandate.

There are important questions that still need to be addressed, particularly around consent, individual choice, privacy, implementation, and cost. Camera systems can also be expensive, with installation, retention, and maintenance potentially costing 15,000–20,000 or more per group home.

Importantly, there is already a system that allows individuals and providers to determine whether cameras are appropriate for a particular home. Many NJACP members have voluntarily installed cameras based on the needs and preferences of the people they support, as well as their operational and financial realities.

NJACP's Recommendation:

Rather than mandating cameras, NJACP is recommending that the State incentivize voluntary installation through a grant program, with appropriate parameters governing camera use. This approach would allow camera use to expand based on individual need and demand, while providing resources to agencies and avoiding provisions that could potentially pit residents' preferences against one another.

NJACP has developed policy papers and recommendations on the use of cameras in group homes and will continue working with policymakers.

We want to hear from you. If you have experience with cameras in your homes, concerns about the legislation, or thoughts on NJACP's recommendations, please share them with Maureen at mshea@njacp.org.

More to come as the Legislature returns in September.

Keep People in Their Communities — Tell Congress to Support the HCBS Access Act!

People with disabilities belong in the community. Congress should make sure they can stay there.

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) give people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the supports they need to live, work, and thrive in their own communities—not in institutions.

But under current federal Medicaid law, there is a fundamental inequity: states are required to cover institutional care, while HCBS remains optional. That means when states face Medicaid funding pressures, community-based services can be among the first services put at risk.

The HCBS Access Act would change that. It would establish HCBS as a mandatory Medicaid service, helping ensure that people who need community-based supports can access them.

Now Congress needs to hear from you!

Tell your members of Congress that HCBS is not optional for the people who depend on it.

Your voice can help protect the future of community-based services.

Speak up for HCBS. Speak up for choice. Speak up for the right to live in the community.

Why Is Budget Advocacy So Critical for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities?

Decisions made in Trenton directly shape the daily lives of individuals with IDD and their families. The state budget determines whether people can live with dignity in their communities — with proper staffing, housing, and essential support services.

For NJACP, budget advocacy is not optional — it is central to our mission. When funding reflects community priorities, individuals thrive. When it falls short, families face isolation, workforce shortages intensify, and opportunities shrink

▶ Watch Maureen break down the NJ budget timeline and key engagement windows.

▶ Watch Maureen explain why late-stage advocacy is pivotal.

▶ Watch Maureen outline the 3% COLA request and what it means for families.

▶ Watch and Learn how Members, Family and Friends can take Action Today.

▶ Watch Maureen’s closing message to NJACP members.