Family and Community Partnerships' (FCP) Office of Family Support Services (OFSS) promotes the social well-being and strengthening of children, families, and communities. By partnering with community entities, OFSS provides funding, leadership, and technical assistance to its programs. Responsible for the long term development of New Jersey’s Family Success Centers and Kinship Navigator Program, OFSS leads these programs to deliver appropriate and beneficial services that strengthen and support families.

Our Programs

Family Success Centers
Family Success Centers are “one-stop” shops that provide wrap-around resources and supports for families before they find themselves in crisis. Family Success Centers offer primary child abuse prevention services to families and bring together concerned community residents, leaders, and community agencies to address the problems that threaten the safety and stability of families and the community. There is no cost to access services provided by Family Success Centers (FSCs).

Kinship Navigator Program
Kinship Navigator supports caregivers who have taken on the responsibility of caring for their relatives’ children. These children can include the caregiver’s siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren. Local Kinship agencies help caregivers navigate other forms of government assistance, determine their eligibility for Kinship Navigator Program benefits, and provide technical support with legal commitments to the child.

Services include: Wraparound case management which includes a small subsidy for goods such as furniture, clothing, or funding for extra-curricular activities, and assistance with obtaining Kinship Legal Guardianship. Services are provided in all 21 counties.

OTARY Program
OTARY operates under the Department of Children and Families, Office of Family Support Services. The New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) initiated the OTARY program in 1987 to help young people navigate their adolescent years, finish their education, and obtain skills leading to employment or continuing education and graduate healthy and substance use free. OTARY has 20 programs across the state and is in 10 counties.

OTARY programs are designed to prevent crime/juvenile delinquency and deter gang involvement by providing enhanced recreational, vocational, educational, and supportive services for youth aged 13-18, with the option to service youth up to 21 if needed.

OTARY services include: Educational/Career Counseling, Substance Use Prevention/Education, Employment Counseling, Preventive Health Awareness, Mental Health Counseling, Information and referral as needed.