RELEASE: May 19, 2004

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Faith-based community stands together to support child welfare reform plan

TRENTON— In an unprecedented show of support, representatives from two dozen faith-based organizations joined together today with Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Jim Davy to announce their support of New Jersey's child welfare reform plan.

“We are here today because we all care about our children and families,” said Commissioner Davy. “We're not talking about DYFS (Division of Youth and Family Services) children. We're talking about our children and how we as a community need to do better.”

Unlike past reform efforts, DHS will build on local strengths in local communities and provide services in the neighborhoods where they are needed most. Through the creation of a new Division of Prevention and Community Partnerships, the Department will partner with local government, community providers, faith-based organizations and other stakeholders to identify local needs so appropriate services may be developed in local communities.

“One of the strengths of every community is a house of worship,” said Commissioner Davy. “When all else fails in life where else can you turn but to a church or synagogue or mosque. By partnering with these faith-based groups, we truly can make a difference in people's lives.”

Earlier this month, Commissioner Davy announced DHS will develop new area DYFS offices in high need areas such as Camden , Essex , Mercer and Passaic counties by January 2005. Fifteen area offices will be developed over the next year and a half and provide a full range of children's services locally including child protection, prevention, behavioral health and community partnerships. Each office will encompass a relatively small geographic area – either a county or a multiple-county region matching New Jersey 's Superior Court vicinages.

“I would like to thank these men and women of faith for standing with me today,” said Commissioner Davy. “They are true partners and understand that by working together we truly can protect children and strengthen families throughout New Jersey .”

The following members of the faith-based community support the child welfare reform plan:

• Rev. Joshua Rodriguez, Chairman, Hispanic Christian Community Action Center of New Jersey
• Rev. Miguel Rivera, President, National Coalition of Latino Clergy & Christian Leaders
• Rev. Darrell Armstrong, Chairman-Social Action Commission, General Baptist Convention of New Jersey
• Rev. Dr. Perry Simmons, Jr., General Baptist Convention of New Jersey
• Rev. J. Stanley Justice, NJ Conference – A.M.E. Churches
• Rev. Jack Johnson, President, NJ Coalition of Religious Leaders (membership of Catholics, Episcopalians, and Lutherans)
• Rev. Jethro James, President, Newark-North Jersey Committee of Black Churchmen, Newark
• Rev. Reginald Jackson, Executive Director, Black Minister's Council of NJ
• Rev. M. Laverne Ball, Pastor, Rose of Sharon Community Church , Plainfield
• Rev. Lee Spitzer, President, American Baptist Churches of New Jersey
• Rev. James Jones, President, Black Minister's Council, Camden
• Rev. Dr. Albert Rowe, Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church , Paterson
• Rev. Jay Sinclair, Star of Hope Community Development, Paterson
• Rev. Neva Lawson, First Baptist Church , Woodbridge
• Rabbi Eliot Malomet, Conservative Temple and Center, Highland Park
• Rabbi Moshe Weisberg, Lakewood Community Center , Lakewood
• Bishop Norman Prescott, Church of God in Christ, Montclair
• Rev. Preston Centuolo, South Jersey Youth Alliance, serving counties of Cumberland , Gloucester and Camden
• Iman Hanif Rasahada, Eport Islamic Social Service Center , Elizabeth
• Yusuf Abdallah, Islamic Center, Bergen
• Sabiha Sadiq, SANA , Shia Association of North America
• Rabbi Andrew Bossov, Board of Rabbis, Tri state area
• Bishop David Evans, Bethany Baptist, Lindenwold
• Bishop Donald Hilliard, Cathedral International, Perth Amboy

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