The EnlightenMENT Program, also known as NJ Peer2Peer Mentoring (NJP2P), provides young people ages 14-21, in the care of Child Protection and Permanency (CP&P), with peer support through trained professional staff and credible messengers with lived experience in NJ’s child welfare system. The goal of EnlightenMENT is for Peer Navigators to help increase a youth’s ability to articulate and work toward their goals, interact with professionals, and be able to initiate connections to resources on their own. The EnlightenMENT program delivers supportive services that offer advice, guidance, and empowerment strategies that support young people to navigate and thrive while involved in NJ’s foster care system.

Youth who have agreed to participate in the program will be matched with a Peer Navigator based on the youth’s availability, interests, background and goals.

 

Who is Eligible? 

The EnlightenMENT Program provides statewide services to youth and young adults ages 14 through 21 who are in the care or custody of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (CP&P). Youth ages 14–17 must reside in an out-of-home CP&P placement to be eligible. Young adults ages 18–21 who have voluntarily agreed to receive adolescent services from CP&P are also eligible, including those attending college, living independently or with roommates, and/or receiving the Independent Living Stipend. Priority will be given to those youth who have been in placement 18 months or less. 

Youth must remain open with CP&P throughout the duration of the service. 

 

Interested in Enlightenment?

In order to be entered into this program, youth will need a referral to the provider that serves your county. Referrals will primarily be generated by DCP&P. Other professionals may recommend youth for EnlightenMENT, such as Law Guardian, Resource Parent, CASA, CMO, or self referrals, however, DCP&P casework staff will complete and submit the referral. For more information about the program please visit New Jersey Peer2Peer Program:EnlightenMENT.