Episode 21: Family Connects NJ Update

What is reunification? What steps are taken to prioritize reunification with a family? In this episode, we are talking with our staff at CP&P and a resource family to talk about the importance of reunification and what supports are available.

This conversation explores the transformation of NewJersey's child welfare system through a data-driven approach. The discussion highlights the historical context of data utilization, the importance of evidence-based practices, and the state's leadership in national child welfare data initiatives. Key case studies, such as kinship placement and the NJ4S program, illustrate the practical application of data in improving outcomes for families. The conversation also addresses innovative strategies for disseminating data and the implications of the Family First Prevention ServicesAct.

In this episode, we sit with the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect to discuss the importance of creating a statewide system to address child maltreatment and its decades of continuing progress in helping children across New Jersey.More Information on NJTFCAN -https://www.nj.gov/dcf/providers/boards/njtfcan/

In this episode we are discussing the collaborative efforts of DCF (I/DD) & DHS (DDD) around how to support youth with developmental disabilities to transition into the adult care system. We talk about what supports are available and what resources families can utilize to help with this transition. Need to learn more about the I/DD [email protected] – answers general questions about [email protected] –for questions aboutguardianship of youth 18-21 with  I/DD. [email protected] – for questions about the transition process to the adult developmental disability system.General CSOC Helpline🔗 https://www.PerformcareNJ.org/📲 1-877-652-7624 24/7/365 days a year🔗 Find more about other services at the NJDisability Information Hub: www.NJ.gov/Disabilities

In this month's edition of On the Air, we are joined by NJ211, who are an information-based organization with the purpose of providing resources in times of crisis to residents of New Jersey.

In this episode we are providing an update on Family Connects NJ after launching the program in five counties last January. We're talking impact of the program and what we have to look forward to with the expansion into 6 additional counties.

In this heartwarming holiday episode of "DCF on the Air," we delve into the impactful work of One Simple Wish, a remarkable New Jersey-based non-profit dedicated to granting wishes for children in foster care and vulnerable families. Join your host Jason Butkowski as we explore the inspiring stories behind the wishes, talk to the people who make them happen, and learn how this community-driven initiative is changing lives, one wish at a time.

Join us for another episode of "DCF On The Air," where we dive into the pressing issue of youth mental health in New Jersey. We're thrilled to partner with 2NDFLOOR, an extraordinary helpline that offers anonymous and confidential support to the youth of New Jersey 24/7. Through a heartfelt conversation with the team at 2NDFLOOR, we explore: The severity of the youth mental health crisis in NJ, where 1 in 3 teen boys and 3 in 5 teen girls experience persistent sadness. The journey of the 2NDFLOOR helpline, now having touched over a million young lives with trauma-informed care. How the inclusion of young voices shapes more effective and empathetic services, leading to transformative apps that foster digital engagement and peer support. The power of maintaining a safe space where teens feel free and emotionally secure to discuss their struggles. How stigma is steadily diminishing, encouraging more youth to seek the help they need. Insights into the development process of 2NDFLOOR’s app, which provides personal, confidential engagement while ensuring support in crisis situations through compassionate intervention. Understanding the necessity of a solid support system for the staff handling these crisis communications. Moving success stories illustrating the app's life-changing impact on New Jersey’s youth. Tune in as we unravel the development, impact, and future vision of the Second Floor helpline and its continued commitment to fostering a supportive environment for all young individuals.

In this episode of DCF on the Air, we're shedding light on New Jersey's adoption registry. Dating back to 1977, the adoption registry plays a pivotal role in connecting adoptees with their roots, emphasizing the significance of access to available birth information for adoptees. We talk to our staff within our Office of Adoptions to share insights of adoption and the steps being taken to support adoptees and birth families.

We will be talking with Kelley Michalowski, Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Education to talk about our OOE Regional Schools. With her, she has special guests Miluska Gamarra-Yanez from our Cherry Hill Campus and Renee Freeman from our Union Campus, to give their perspective of the OOE programs. We'll focus on the supports and services that are available and what makes DCF classrooms unique in how they support their students.