The Department of Children and Families is New Jersey’s first cabinet-level agency aimed at helping supporting children and families who are at risk. The goals of the Department of Children and Families is to increase family connections and kinship, prevent maltreatment, promote strength and growth, create a culture of accountability, and provide a system of care for youth.
Within the Department of Children ands Families, there are 13 subdivisions. These divisions are:
- Central Office of Administration
- Division of Child Protection and Permanency
- Division of Children’s System of Care
- Division of Family and Community Partnerships
- Division On Women
- Office of Adolescent Services
- Office of Communications/Legislative and Public Affairs
- Office of Education
- Office of Family Voice
- Office of Licensing
- Office of Performance Management and Accountability
- Office of Training and Professional Development
- The Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit
In regards to child abuse, the top four subdivisions are the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, the Division of Children’s System of Care, the Division of Family and Community Partnerships, and the Office of Adolescent Services.
The Division of Child Protection and Permanency:
This division deals with the protection of children and child welfare within the state of New Jersey. The goals of this office include ensuring the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and supporting the families. This office additionally investigates claims and cases for child abuse and child neglect. After investigating, they are additionally responsible for arranging placements for the children and working on the family’s treatment.
The Division of Children’s System of Care:
While less about child abuse than the Division of Children Protection and Permanency, this division works with children’s mental and emotional behaviors. This division helps children whose families struggle with substance abuse and other factors that could lead to child abuse or endangerment.
The Division of Family and Community Partnerships:
This division within the DFC works on promoting the safety, health, and well-being of children and families. Working with organizations, communities, and parents/caregivers, to implement an effective support service, public education, and community advocacy to prevent maltreatment, especially towards children.
The Office of Adolescent Services:
This office works with children on the transition to adulthood and aids with things such as securing housing, transportation, and job training. This can be helpful for individuals that have experienced child abuse and neglect. This office also provides mental and emotional support and supports the individuals to keep fighting for themselves and working towards a better life.
Being that there are multiple offices with the Department of Children and Families, it can be confusing or complicated to find where you can get the best help. While some issues are defined by office, it can be troublesome to decide where all issues go for resolving.