Men of Courage is a beautiful expression and counter to the prevailing “man-o-sphere” concept of masculinity. The short film takes audiences on a journey inside the Garden State for a fly-on-the-wall experience as five Black and Latino men share their personal experiences witnessing domestic abuseinside their homes. Led by Wil DuBose of the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJEDV), these men use their influence as community leaders to engage boys and men in compelling conversations about the roles they play in ending men's violence against women.
This conversation focuses on the various initiatives and programs aimed at ensuring child safety in New Jersey. The discussion highlights the roles of the Department of Children and Families, particularly the Safety Subcommittee and the Institutional Abuse Investigations Unit (IAIU). It addresses the increase in referrals for institutional abuse, legislative efforts to improve child safety, and the importance of training and education for both educators and students. Additionally, the conversation explores the issue of problematic sexual behavior in children and the development of support structures to address these concerns.
In this episode of DCF On The Air, host Jason Butkowski discusses the vital role of Family Support Organizations (FSOs) in supporting youth mental health and the entire family unit. Joined by guests Rachel Helt, Richard Dodd, and Jennifer Edwards, the conversation explores how FSOs provide comprehensive support to families, emphasizing the importance of lived experience, community collaboration, and addressing mental health stigma. The episode highlights the positive outcomes for families involved with FSOs and New Jersey's leadership in integrating these services into a cohesive system of care.
What is reunification? What steps are taken to prioritize reunification with a family? In this episode, we are talking with our staff at CP&P and a resource family to talk about the importance of reunification and what supports are available.
This conversation explores the transformation of NewJersey's child welfare system through a data-driven approach. The discussion highlights the historical context of data utilization, the importance of evidence-based practices, and the state's leadership in national child welfare data initiatives. Key case studies, such as kinship placement and the NJ4S program, illustrate the practical application of data in improving outcomes for families. The conversation also addresses innovative strategies for disseminating data and the implications of the Family First Prevention ServicesAct.
In this episode, we sit with the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect to discuss the importance of creating a statewide system to address child maltreatment and its decades of continuing progress in helping children across New Jersey.
More Information on NJTFCAN -
https://www.nj.gov/dcf/providers/boards/njtfcan/
In this episode we are discussing the collaborative efforts of DCF (I/DD) & DHS (DDD) around how to support youth with developmental disabilities to transition into the adult care system. We talk about what supports are available and what resources families can utilize to help with this transition.
Need to learn more about the I/DD Transition?
CSOC.Director@dcf.nj.gov – answers general questions about CSOC.
DCF-CSOC.Guardianship@dcf.nj.gov –for questions aboutguardianship of youth 18-21 with I/DD.
DD.Transition@dcf.nj.gov – for questions about the transition process to the adult developmental disability system.
General CSOC Helpline
🔗 https://www.PerformcareNJ.org/
📲 1-877-652-7624 24/7/365 days a year
🔗 Find more about other services at the NJDisability Information Hub: www.NJ.gov/Disabilities
In this month's edition of On the Air, we are joined by NJ211, who are an information-based organization with the purpose of providing resources in times of crisis to residents of New Jersey.
In this episode we are providing an update on Family Connects NJ after launching the program in five counties last January. We're talking impact of the program and what we have to look forward to with the expansion into 6 additional counties.
In this heartwarming holiday episode of "DCF on the Air," we delve into the impactful work of One Simple Wish, a remarkable New Jersey-based non-profit dedicated to granting wishes for children in foster care and vulnerable families.
Join your host Jason Butkowski as we explore the inspiring stories behind the wishes, talk to the people who make them happen, and learn how this community-driven initiative is changing lives, one wish at a time.
Join us for another episode of "DCF On The Air," where we dive into the pressing issue of youth mental health in New Jersey. We're thrilled to partner with 2NDFLOOR, an extraordinary helpline that offers anonymous and confidential support to the youth of New Jersey 24/7. Through a heartfelt conversation with the team at 2NDFLOOR, we explore:
Tune in as we unravel the development, impact, and future vision of the Second Floor helpline and its continued commitment to fostering a supportive environment for all young individuals.
In this episode of DCF on the Air, we're shedding light on New Jersey's adoption registry. Dating back to 1977, the adoption registry plays a pivotal role in connecting adoptees with their roots, emphasizing the significance of access to available birth information for adoptees. We talk to our staff within our Office of Adoptions to share insights of adoption and the steps being taken to support adoptees and birth families.
We will be talking with Kelley Michalowski, Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Education to talk about our OOE Regional Schools. With her, she has special guests Miluska Gamarra-Yanez from our Cherry Hill Campus and Renee Freeman from our Union Campus, to give their perspective of the OOE programs. We'll focus on the supports and services that are available and what makes DCF classrooms unique in how they support their students.
In this episode of "DCF on The Air," host Jason Bukowski sits down with leaders from New Jersey's Division on Women (DOW) within the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Since its inception in 1974, the DOW has been a steadfast advocate for women's rights and interests.
We'll dive into the pivotal milestones of DOW, tackling paramount issues such as:
Discover the essential role of culturally specific providers in aiding survivors, the transformative "Domestic Violence Housing First" model, and a look ahead at DOW's future goals of promoting equity and supporting underserved communities. Join us as we celebrate the golden anniversary of a division that's been at the forefront of championing women's rights for half a century.
Keywords: Division on Women, DOW, Department of Children and Families, DCF, New Jersey, women's rights, domestic violence, sexual violence, employment readiness, intersectionality, culturally specific providers, domestic violence housing first, celebration, equity, underserved communities
Description: Tune in to our latest episode as we delve into the groundbreaking work of the Office of Family Voice within the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF). Learn how this office, inspired by Commissioner Beyer’s listening tour, is prioritizing family involvement in decision-making and fostering shared leadership.
Episode Highlights:
Join us as we explore the vital role of family voices in shaping New Jersey’s child welfare policies and practices.
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Welcome to a new episode of DCF On The Air! This episode shines a spotlight on the transformative work of the Office of Family Preservation and Reunification Services (OFPR) within New Jersey's child welfare system. Our focus is on how OFPR is revolutionizing family services to keep families intact and prevent out-of-home placements.
Join us as we discuss:
Key Takeaways:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to DCF On The Air and the Role of OFPR
01:01 Transforming the Child Welfare System: Preventing Out-of-Home Placements
03:33 Supporting Reunification: The Launch of Supportive Visitation Services
07:05 Family Preservation Services: Supporting Families in Crisis
09:07 Visitation Services: Supporting the Goal of Reunification
19:02 Family Preservation Services: A Combination of Prevention and Protection
20:32 Culturally Competent and Adaptable Services for Diverse Family Structures
33:42 The Exchange Parent Aid Program: Providing Support and Concrete Assistance
42:26 Supporting Families to Keep Children in Their Homes
44:18 The Evolution of Services: A Holistic and Family-Centered Approach
Tune in to learn how OFPR is making a significant impact on the lives of families across New Jersey!
In this episode, we provide an insightful update on the New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) program, which is dedicated to delivering mental wellness and prevention services to students and families across New Jersey schools.
Join us as we discuss:
Key Takeaways:
Keywords: New Jersey, mental wellness, prevention services, NJ4S, students, families, schools, tiered approach, counseling, community stakeholders, local voice, mental health care
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to NJ4S and the Mental Health Crisis
04:00 Integrating NJ4S into the Existing Infrastructure
06:09 Building Relationships with Schools and Stakeholders
07:07 Engaging High-Need School Districts
14:13 The Importance of Tier One Services
18:25 The Tiered Approach of NJ4S
24:13 Building Intergenerational Resilience
29:42 Incorporating the Local Voice in NJ4S
30:39 Building Local Advisory Boards and Involving Diverse Stakeholders
32:00 Effective Communication and Collaboration with the Community
35:31 Innovative Approaches to Outreach and Marketing
40:28 Engaging Youth and Addressing Mental Well-being
46:53 Flexibility and Patience in the First Year of Implementation
Tune in to learn how NJ4S is making a significant impact on the mental wellness of students and families across New Jersey.
DCF | Family Success Centers (nj.gov)
In this episode of "DCF On the Air," we explore the pivotal role of Family Success Centers in New Jersey's child welfare system. The New Jersey Department of Children and Families is shifting towards a prevention mindset, reallocating resources from reactionary child protective services to upstream prevention. Learn how Family Success Centers offer tailored, in-community supports designed to build resilience and strengthen family connections. Discover how these centers provide a welcoming environment where family voices and shared leadership are prioritized, allowing parents to direct the work of the centers. Join us as we delve into the policies, procedures, and implementation support that make these centers a cornerstone of preventive care in New Jersey. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Adopting a Prevention Mindset
03:12 Family Success Centers: Meeting Families Where They're At
05:09 Understanding Prevention as a Continuum
08:21 Supporting Families in Need of Protective Services
11:32 Creating a Welcoming Environment at Family Success Centers
13:02Family Voice and Shared Leadership in Prevention Efforts
15:23 Building Resilience and Connections within Families
18:16 Partnership with Families in Prevention Work
19:13 Engaging Parents in Directing the Work of Family Success Centers
24:02 Shifting the Narrative: From Child Welfare to Family Wellbeing
25:30 Investing in Each Family Member: The Role of Family Success Centers
27:25 Supporting Family Success Centers: Policies, Procedures, and Implementation
31:21 Honoring Child Abuse Prevention Month
In this episode of DCF On The Air, we will be talking to the codesigners of DCF's documentary "Truth To Transformation" ahead of the film's debut at the Garden State Film Festival this March!
Truth to Transformation is an unflinching and powerful look at child welfare in America through the eyes of three people who experienced firsthand the trauma and complexities of being a part of the foster care system. Through their voices, lived experiences, and willingness to co-design the future, NJ’s child welfare system is being transformed into a children and family serving agency that aims to assist, empower and heal.
Family Connects NJ, DCF's Universal Home Visiting program launched in January 2024! Its mission is to improve the physical and emotional well-being of infants, children, and their families by providing supports like parent education, home visit assessments, and more.
We'll be talking to Brandie Wooding, Ericka Dickerson & Dr. Sanjna Shah to talk about how this program will best help new families.