New Jersey and County-Based Resources
The NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate is asking for assistance with spreading the word about the new law signed by the governor which expands the income eligibility for the free and reduced-price school meals. This is expected to make an additional 60,000 children eligible for the program in New Jersey! In addition, this year’s application rate will also determine eligibility for the 2025 Summer EBT program. Since COVID, application rates have plummeted across the state which correlates to an increase in school meal debt held by families. In an effort to reduce this trend (and hopefully reverse it) they have created a handy tool kit that organizations, community members, and advocates can use to help spread the word about the change in income eligibility requirements for the program. That tool kit can be found here. Also, there will be virtual trainings available for organizations to learn to assist families in completing school meal applications.
The New Jersey Department of Children and Families has launched a statewide, innovative hub-and-spoke model of services and resources to support youth mental wellness. The new model, the NJ Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) network, creates 15 regional hubs that provide prevention and brief intervention services to New Jersey public school students, parents/caretakers, and school faculty. The hubs, staffed by a director, support staff, prevention specialists and licensed clinicians, will be mobilized to deliver services locally, when and where they are needed, both in school and community settings. Most importantly the hub staff will have the ability to connect students and their parents/caregivers with other community resources beneficial to social, emotional, and mental health and well-being, including clinical and non-clinical resources.
NJ4S is a prevention program and is not designed to address severe mental health concerns or crisis situations.
College For You NJ - The NJDOE’s microsite to help students, families and educators with the college exploration journey here in the state of New Jersey.
Designated Mental Health Screening Centers for psychiatric emergencies, crisis intervention services, information, and referral listed by county.
Comprehensive list of resources for food and meals in NJ.
The Children's System of Care offers a wide range of services for children up to age 21 for behavioral health or developmental disability needs. These include community-based services, in-home services, out-of-home residential services, and family support services. For questions about, or to access, behavioral health or developmental disability services for children and youth, call the 24-hour, toll-free Access Line at 1-877-652-7624.
DCF’s Children’s System of Care (CSOC) and its contracted system administrator, PerformCare, also have updated resources for the LGBTQIA+ Community:
Resources for LGBTQIA+ Youth | PerformCare (performcarenj.org) - Information and direct supports for youth.
Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Common Terminology | PerformCare (performcarenj.org) - There are many terminologies here that will be of interest to allies and the general public to enhance learning and respect.
If you have any questions regarding these pages, please contact the PerformCare Service Desk at 1-877-652-7624 or www.performcarenj.org/ServiceDesk.
PerformCare: www.performcare.org
Since 2000, the TLC has been providing support to schools and communities affected by traumatic events such as homicide, illness, and suicide. Through collaborative funding by NJ Department of Children & Families, Children's System of Care, the Traumatic Loss Coalitions for Youth Program has created an expanding statewide network that effectively works to prevent suicide and promote hope, healing, and resiliency in the aftermath of traumatic loss.
Specific county contacts are listed on the organization’s website, as are resources for suicide and trauma & loss.
New Jersey's Safe Haven Infant Protection Act allows an individual to surrender an infant safely, legally and anonymously. The parents - or someone acting on their behalf - can leave an unharmed baby, less than 30 days old, with staff at any hospital, police station, fire station, ambulance, first aid or rescue squad. The New Jersey Department of Children and Families will ensure that the infant is placed with a foster or pre-adoptive home. Also, check out the Safe Haven curriculum, designed by NJSCA member Teresa Rigney.
Union County Youth Services Commission Youth & Family Resource Guide 2023
Contains contact information for:
After-School Programs
Counseling/Mental Health
Crisis Intervention
Education
Employment
Family Support Groups
Fire Prevention Services
Health Education Services
Hotlines
Housing/Shelter
Immigration Assistance
Legal Services
Youth Services Programs
Mentoring
Substance Abuse Services
EmPoWER Somerset maintains a list of county resources, hotlines, and other forms of support.
DiVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
NJDOE’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Educational Resources (published January 2022)
Rutgers Behavioral Health Mental Health & Addiction Covid Connect Hotline: 833-223-0011, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. A specialist will conduct a brief triage and assessment of immediate symptoms related to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and you will be offered telephonic support and referred to a provider. Servicios disponibles en español.
Project Teach for Pregnant Teens is an alternative, year-round, education program for parenting and expecting teens who need a healing-centered learning environment.