Christie Administration Expanding Family Success Centers in Six Counties

$1.68 Million Available for Communities in Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Middlesex, Salem and Union for network of service to support New Jersey children, youth and families 

TRENTON, N.J. –Advancing Governor  Christie’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of New Jersey's most vulnerable children and families, the New Jersey Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) Division of Prevention and Community Partnerships (DPCP) announced the availability of $1,680,000 in the form of seven competitive grants to develop culturally competent, strength-based neighborhood Family Success Centers in Camden (2), Cumberland (1), Gloucester (1), Middlesex (1), Salem (1) and Union (1) Counties. The grant amount for each awardee is for up to $240,000.

According to Allison Blake, Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families, the purpose of the Family Success Center is to enrich the lives of children by strengthening families and neighborhoods. “Through these centers,” she said, “we are developing networks of family-centered services that can prevent child abuse and neglect and promote optimal child, youth, family and community development.”

Currently there are 42 State-funded Family Success Centers operating throughout New Jersey. The expansion of this community-based initiative is essential in the development of a robust network of primary prevention throughout the State. The Centers are designed to provide families with convenient access to a wide array of supports and services and empower individuals to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to raise healthy and happy children and build strong communities.

Commissioner Blake said the funding will be awarded to grantees who embrace the Protective Factors for Strengthening Families, essentially a set of tools that families and communities can draw upon to help increase the health and well-being of children and families. “Protective factors guide parents and caregivers to find the assistance they need that will support them while raising and providing care to their children, even when faced with difficulties that are stressful,” she added.

Commissioner Blake said, “We are proud to be able to expand our Family Success Centers even further and build upon the progress we have already made in sustaining a safety net for children and families throughout the state of New Jersey. This strengthens DCF’s commitment to reach even more New Jersey families with the services they need.” Applications for the Family Success Center grants are due by April 12. For more information on the grant application, visit /dcf/notices.

To learn more about Family Success Centers, visit http://www.state.nj.us/dcf/prevention/support/family_support.html.

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