STATEMENT FROM THE GOVERNOR ON THE PROGRESS REPORT OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Trenton - Governor Jon S. Corzine issued the following statement on the Progress Report of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families submitted today by the Center for the Study for Social Policy, the monitor for the state's child welfare system:

"Today's progress report represents confirmation of the significant reforms achieved by the Department of Children and Families.  The Department's  team of dedicated  professionals have made substantial improvements in areas that include increasing the number of appropriate placement homes, raising the number of successful adoptions and enhancing programs and resources to avoid welfare intervention.  

"I am proud that these accomplishments are reflective of the overall transformation in the way child welfare is practiced in New Jersey. The momentum for reform must continue and this Administration remains committed to ensuring that our children are protected.

"We also recognize that adequate funding is critical to maintaining and building on these successes. That is why the foundation of my budget proposal has been built around the core responsibilities of government, namely, education, public safety and caring for our most vulnerable citizens."

The report is the result of the settlement of Charlie and Nadine H. et. al. v. Corzine and covers the period July 1 – December 31, 2007.

###

Photos from Governor Corzine's public events are available in the Governor's Newsroom section on the State of New Jersey web page.