Rule 5:13-7.Court Determination Following Board Review
Last amended September 1, 1994 · Current through September 1, 2026 · Last verified September 8, 2026
Full Text of Rule 5:13-7
Amendment History
New Jersey publishes each rule’s amendment record in a “Note” beneath the rule. It is reproduced verbatim below; a “Source” line names the former rule the current one grew out of, and “R. (1969)” citations refer to the earlier numbering it replaced.
Note: Source--R. (1969) 5:7B(g). Adopted December 20, 1983, to be effective December 31, 1983; paragraph (b) amended July 13, 1994 to be effective September 1, 1994.
Plain-English Summary
The report does not stay with the judge. Unless the court finds that doing so would not be in the child's interests, it provides copies to the child, the parents or legal guardian, and any other person or agency it determines has an interest in or information relating to the child's welfare — which may include the temporary caretaker.
The court then gives written notice of its own review and makes a determination in the manner the Act prescribes. The notice must tell the recipient of their right to request a court hearing, which is what turns a paper review into a hearing if anyone wants one.
The deadline is 21 calendar days from the court's receipt of the board's report — unless the court schedules a hearing, in which case the hearing governs the timetable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the court have after the board reports?
The determination must be made within 21 calendar days of the court's receipt of the board's report, unless the court schedules a hearing.
Do I get a copy of the board's report?
Unless the court finds it would not be in the child's interests, copies go to the child, the parents or legal guardian, and any other persons or agencies with an interest in or information relating to the child's welfare.
Can I ask for a hearing?
Yes. The court's notice must inform the recipient of the right to request a court hearing.