About Us
The New Jersey Department of Children and Families is the state’s first Cabinet-level agency devoted exclusively to serving and supporting at-risk children and families. It is made up of about 6,600 staff who are focused on and committed to assisting and empowering residents to be safe, healthy and connected.
This is done with an array of evidence-based, family-centered programs and services that are provided through a robust network of community providers using work-practices that incorporate race equity, are healing centered and utilize a protective factors framework.
Collectively, the DCF and its partners are working to: address ACEs – Adverse Childhood Experiences and coordinate community responses and interventions to these factors, increase kinship placements and family connections; prevent maltreatment and promote strong families; integrate consumer voice in all programs and services; cultivate a culture of accountability; provide an integrated and inclusive system of care and mental health services for youth; safeguard staff and promote professional satisfaction.
Mental Health Services
Safe Haven
De-Escalation Tips
Child Abuse Prevention
DCF provides publications about child abuse and neglect, parenting and other topics of interest to families. Please be sure to see the see the categories for “Child Safety”, “Child Abuse/Neglect”, “Parenting”, “Safe Haven”, and “Substance Abuse” at this link: https://www.nj.gov/dcf/news/publications/index.html
All literature is provided at no cost.
“Connecting Children & Families to Mental Health, ID/DD Services” (archived webinar) Recording
