Department of Children and Families, Division of Youth and Family Services, Plaintiff-Respondent v. T.B…

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey reversed the Appellate Division’s finding of neglect against Susan, holding that her conduct—leaving her four‑year‑old son unsupervised for two hours based on a mistaken belief—was merely negligent and did not rise to the statutory “minimum degree of care” standard, which requires gross or reckless negligence. Accordingly, her name must be removed from the Child Abuse Registry.