The New Jersey system of care provides many programs and services for children and their families across a number of Departments within State government.
The NJ Department of Health (DOH) works to promote healthy communities and strengthen the New Jersey Health system. DOH has three primary branches – Public Health Services, Health Systems, and Integrated Health. All work collaboratively toward improving health by strengthening New Jersey's health system.
NJ Division of Family Health Services
The NJ Division of Family Health Services (FHS) administers programs that enhance the health, safety, and well-being of families and communities in New Jersey.
Special Child Health Services Case Management
Special Child Health Services Case Management is available to assist parents/guardians of children (birth to 21) with special health needs, including long-term medical conditions, birth defects, physical and developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injury. They make referrals and assist families to access State, federal and community resources out of 21 county-based case management units.
NJ Department of Children and Families
The NJ Department of Children and Families (DCF) is devoted to serving and supporting at-risk children and families to increase family connections and prevent maltreatment.
NJ Division of Children's System of Care
The NJ Division of Children's System of Care (CSOC) provides a range of essential services , including in-home supports, group home placement, family support services, and summer camp. PerformCare is the Contracted System Administrator (CSA) for the New Jersey Children's System of Care, and is available by telephone 24 hours a day.
The NJ Office of Advocacy strives to keep New Jersey families safe, healthy, and connected by providing information and responding to the concerns of parents and youth. The Office of Advocacy can be contacted by calling the toll-free number, 1-877-543-7864 or email at askdcf@dcf.nj.gov.
NOTE: Eligibility applications for CSOC services for children under 18 are submitted through PerformCare. However, for youth aged 18-21, applications for CSOC services are submitted through the Department of Human Services' Division of Developmental Disabilities.
Please visit this site for more information.
Children's Interagency Coordinating Councils
Children's Interagency Coordination Councils (CIACC) are entities that foster cross-system service planning for children with behavioral health problems. They serve as the mechanism to develop and maintain a responsive, accessible and integrated system of care for children with special social and emotional needs and their families, through the involvement of parents, consumers, youth and child serving agencies as partners.
NJ Department of Human Services
The NJ Department of Human Services (DHS) has eight Divisions and a number of programs that offer a range of services and supports, including those related to individuals with disabilities. DHS manages programs for families with low income, food assistance, child care, healthcare, addiction support, mental health services, independent living supports, personal care services, and health insurance through NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid).
Managed Long Term Services and Supports
Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) is a Medicaid-funded program that provides comprehensive services and supports through Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). Although many people associate the program with seniors who need a “nursing home level of care”, the program is also available to children with complex needs or who are medically fragile. Children (birth through age 20) meet clinical eligibility for MLTSS through functional limitations, identified in terms of developmental delays or functional limitations for age-appropriate activities of daily living, and require nursing care over and above routine parenting, and meets the criteria for skilled nursing care that requires complex skilled nursing interventions 24 hours per day, seven days a week.
Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund
New Jersey families may be eligible to receive support for uncovered medical expenses through the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund.
A catastrophic illness is any illness or condition, acute or chronic, for which expenses are incurred that are not covered by insurance, state, federal programs, or any other sources* and exceed the program's eligibility threshold.
Eligible expenses must exceed 10% of the family's income, plus 15% of any excess income over $100,000. The child must have been 21 years or younger when the medical expenses were incurred. The family must have lived in New Jersey for 3 months immediately prior to the date of application.
NJ County Boards of Social Services
NJ County Boards of Social Services administer a variety of federal, state, and county programs that assist individuals and families to meet basic needs, protect health, and promote welfare and self-sufficiency. Programs administered by social services boards include:
Official Site of The State of New Jersey