Families, youth, and other community members who have first-hand experience with DCF, including individuals who have been impacted by the child welfare system, possess valuable knowledge and expertise. Their insight is crucial to efforts to continually improve and transform DCF in ways that help all families thrive.

LEEP supports and empowers people who have lived experience with DCF to utilize their expertise as consultants within the Department. LEEP connects consultants with opportunities to partner with DCF staff, other agencies, and community partners on projects that impact New Jersey’s children and families, while advocating for equitable and positive outcomes.

LEEP was co-designed by a team consisting of parents and youth involved with or affected by the system, members of the Powerful Families, Powerful Communities NJ initiative and OFV staff. Launched in the spring of 2024, LEEP Consultants have made significant contributions to NJ’s child welfare system.

Consultants have partnered on numerous projects including:

• Presenting and speaking at conferences
• Participating in program implementation teams
• Developing and reviewing curriculum
• Providing critical feedback on policies
• Participating as non-scoring members in the Request for Proposal (RFP) review process
• Serving as members of workgroups and committees
• Contributing to pilot programs initiated by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P)
• Serving as interview panelists to hire new DCF staff
• Developing best practice materials