Department of Children and Families (DCF)

Created in July 2006, the New Jersey Department of Children and Families is the state’s child and family serving agency. It is made up of about 6,600 staff that 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, outcome-oriented, family-centered programs and services that are provided through work-practices that incorporate racial equity, healing centered actions, family voice and a protective factors framework, with values that reflect collaboration, equity and integrity.

The department has designed and managed a strong, state-wide network of core services that impact the lives of over 100,000 New Jersey residents every month, including:

• behavioral health services and supports for youth
• programming to support children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families
• child protection and child welfare services
• community-based prevention and family strengthening services
• specialized educational programming
• promoting healthy masculinity and the empowerment of girls and women
• assistance for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and displaced homemakers

Its transformational goals focus on prevention of maltreatment, preserving kinship connections, promoting staff health and wellness and advancing a fully integrated system of care for New Jersey’s children and youth.