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DCF Strategic Plan

Since its creation in 2006, the NJ Department of Children and Families has designed and managed a strong, state-wide network of core services including child protection and child welfare services, children's behavioral health care, programming to support children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, community-based family strengthening services, specialized educational programming, and services and programming to support women. Over 100,000 New Jersey constituents are impacted by these services each month. 

In keeping with Governor Phil Murphy's platform of a stronger, fairer New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Children and Families is undergoing an urgent transformation that is informed by evolving national best practice, ongoing self-evaluation of the Department's performance, and advances in science, and staff and consumer voice.

 

Vision

DCF's vision is that all New Jersey residents are safe, healthy and connected.

 

Values

DCF's values guide the work of the Department, serving as the professional compass for decisions large and small, in all that we do.

  • Collaboration
  • Equity
  • Evidence
  • Family
  • Integrity

 

Core Approaches

As DCF moves ahead, it has identified a set of core approaches that are not initiatives or programs, but instead are practices that will be embedded in all aspects of our work.

  • Race equity
  • Healing centered practice
  • Protective factors framework
  • Family voice
  • Culture of safety

 

Transformational Goals

DCF's strategic focus identifies major priorities for the Department as we strive to maintain excellence in core service delivery, while achieving a large-scale, fundamental transformation that includes:

  • Primary prevention of maltreatment and maltreatment related fatalities
  • Preserving kinship connections
  • Staff health and wellness
  • A fully integrated and inclusive Children's System of Care (CSOC)

 

Find Out More!

DCF Strategic Plan PowerPoint 

DCF Strategic Plan Narrative   

DCF Strategic Plan Webinar