New Jersey Statutes Title 9. Children Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts 9 § 6-8.38

a. In cases involving abuse, or neglect the complaint and summons shall be served within 2 court days after their issuance. If they cannot be served within that time, such fact shall be reported to the court with the reasons therefor within 3 court days after their issuance and the court shall thereafter issue a warrant in accordance with the provisions of section 19 of this act.  1 The court shall also, unless dispensed with for good cause shown, direct that the child be brought before the court.

b. Service of a summons and complaint shall be made by delivery of a true copy thereof to the person summoned at least 24 hours before the time stated therein for appearance.

c. If after reasonable effort, personal service is not made, the court may at any stage in the proceedings make an order providing for substituted service in the manner provided for substituted service in accordance with the Rules of Court.