RELEASE: April 29, 2005

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Human Services opens first substance abuse treatment beds for adolescents in South Jersey

PITTSGROVE, SALEM COUNTY – Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner James M. Davy joined community provider Daytop-New Jersey as it opened the first state-funded residential substance abuse treatment program for adolescents in South Jersey.

“For far too long, children suffered because they were forced to travel to the other end of the state to get the intensive residential services they needed,” said Acting Governor Richard J. Codey. “Now they can get the services they need with the support of their family and friends close to home.”

Today's opening is the result of the persistence and perseverance of a dedicated group of parents whose children battled substance abuse problems. Back in 1998, the group called Parent-to-Parent urged state officials to create a residential treatment program in South Jersey.

“Substance abuse is one of the major issues facing New Jersey families who need the assistance of DYFS (Division of Youth and Family Services) and our community partners,” said Commissioner Davy. “Unfortunately, we are finding more and more children are battling substance abuse and need help.”

Currently, DHS' Division of Addiction Services (DAS) provides $8 million in funding for 279 adolescent residential treatment beds including 70 beds at Daytop-New Jersey's Mendham, Morris County location. However, waiting lists for residential treatment programs around the state vary from two to six months. With the new South Jersey program, 20 beds will be provided initially with plans to expand to 50 and then 70 youth within a year.

“Through the partnership and support of DHS and its Division of Addiction Services (DAS), Daytop will now be able to better serve the youth of South Jersey who have substance abuse problems and to involve their families in treatment,” said Reverend Joseph H. Hennen, vice president of Daytop-New Jersey.

He added, “I am especially gratified by the welcome and support we have received from the Pittsgrove community.”

Construction and renovation of the facility was made possible by $3 million in DAS funding. An additional $1.34 million in operating costs will be provided annually to fund the 50 beds.

Daytop-New Jersey is a non-sectarian, not for profit organization offering programs tailored specifically to the needs of adolescents with substance abuse and resulting behavioral problems. It opened its doors in New Jersey in 1992 in Mendham, Morris County. It provides residential treatment for both young men and women. Currently more than 350 clients, ranging in age from thirteen to twenty, from all 21 counties are helped each year.

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