Resources for Realignment of Services
In January 2013, the New Jersey Department of Children and Families - Division of Children's System of Care (CSOC) assumed responsibility for determining eligibility of individuals under age 18 for developmental disability services. CSOC also assumed responsibility for providing support and services, deemed clinically and functionally appropriate, for individuals under age 21 with developmental disabilities.
Under the Christie administration in 2011, the Departments of Human Services (DHS) and Children and Families (DCF) established a Steering Committee to assess the provision of services to children with developmental disabilities whose needs were being met by multiple departments and divisions.
To advance this effort and to streamline care, Governor Chris Christie announced during his Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Address that the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) within DHS will transition its child services to DCF. This realignment ends the historic fragmentation that now exists – particularly for families whose children need services and supports from both departments.
Important Links
Other Important Changes: DDD's Supports Program
The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is in the development stages of a new program called the Supports Program, which will provide needed supports and services for adult individuals, 21 and older, living with their families or in their own unlicensed homes. It has been designed to help New Jersey better serve adults with developmental disabilities, significantly reduce the number of individuals waiting for supports and services, and enhance the State’s ability to receive a federal “match” ($.50 on the dollar) for services that are currently funded via state-only funding.