RELEASE: November 29, 2005

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Human Services announces $1.9 million to fund child abuse prevention collaboratives in local communities

Part of state's ongoing child welfare reform efforts

TRENTON — As part of New Jersey 's ongoing child welfare reform efforts, Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner James M. Davy announced $1.9 million in funding today to support 16 community collaboratives designed to prevent child abuse locally.

“Preventing child abuse and neglect before it ever happens is a key to keeping families together,” said Acting Governor Richard J. Codey. “Only by working together can we help families succeed and prevent the tragedy of abuse.”

Through the Division of Prevention and Community Partnerships (DPCP), the state is partnering with local government, community providers and other stakeholders to identify local needs so appropriate services may be developed in local communities. This is done through community collaboratives- neighborhood level, local hubs where residents can go for family support, information and services.

By using the strengths of the community, the collaboratives focus on families who are at risk of being involved with the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) and/or the Division of Child Behavioral Health Services (DCBHS) or already receiving DYFS/DCBHS services.

“When we talk about our most vulnerable children, we're not just talking about DYFS (Division of Youth and Family Services) children,” said Commissioner Davy. “We're talking about our children and how we as a community need to do better. Today's announcement is just one step in ensuring a better future for New Jersey 's children.”

Community collaboratives develop networks of prevention in areas where the rates of child abuse and neglect are traditionally high. The collaboratives primarily identify needs and services that cut across the five core areas considered to be precursors to child abuse and neglect: substance abuse, domestic violence, lack of housing, physical health and mental health.

Today's $1.9 million funding announcement included first time funding of $25,000 to start up a community collaborative in Passaic County. Three Monmouth County collaboratives representing Keansburg, Long Branch and Red Bank received ongoing operational funding of $25,000 each.

In addition, the following 12 community collaboratives received funding of $150,000 each to establish an office location, hire staff and expand their efforts:

•  Asbury Park ; Monmouth County

•  Trenton ; Mercer County

•  Bridgeton , Millville and Vineland ; Cumberland County

•  East Orange , Irvington , Orange ; Essex County

•  Newark 's south, west, central and north/east wards; Essex County .

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