DCF on the Air

In this episode of "DCF on The Air," host Jason Bukowski sits down with leaders from New Jersey's Division on Women (DOW) within the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Since its inception in 1974, the DOW has been a steadfast advocate for women's rights and interests.

We'll dive into the pivotal milestones of DOW, tackling paramount issues such as:

Discover the essential role of culturally specific providers in aiding survivors, the transformative "Domestic Violence Housing First" model, and a look ahead at DOW's future goals of promoting equity and supporting underserved communities. Join us as we celebrate the golden anniversary of a division that's been at the forefront of championing women's rights for half a century.

Keywords: Division on Women, DOW, Department of Children and Families, DCF, New Jersey, women's rights, domestic violence, sexual violence, employment readiness, intersectionality, culturally specific providers, domestic violence housing first, celebration, equity, underserved communities

Description: Tune in to our latest episode as we delve into the groundbreaking work of the Office of Family Voice within the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF). Learn how this office, inspired by Commissioner Beyer’s listening tour, is prioritizing family involvement in decision-making and fostering shared leadership.

Episode Highlights:

Join us as we explore the vital role of family voices in shaping New Jersey’s child welfare policies and practices.

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Welcome to a new episode of DCF On The Air! This episode shines a spotlight on the transformative work of the Office of Family Preservation and Reunification Services (OFPR) within New Jersey's child welfare system. Our focus is on how OFPR is revolutionizing family services to keep families intact and prevent out-of-home placements.

Join us as we discuss:

Key Takeaways:

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction to DCF On The Air and the Role of OFPR

01:01 Transforming the Child Welfare System: Preventing Out-of-Home Placements

03:33 Supporting Reunification: The Launch of Supportive Visitation Services

07:05 Family Preservation Services: Supporting Families in Crisis

09:07 Visitation Services: Supporting the Goal of Reunification

19:02 Family Preservation Services: A Combination of Prevention and Protection

20:32 Culturally Competent and Adaptable Services for Diverse Family Structures

33:42 The Exchange Parent Aid Program: Providing Support and Concrete Assistance

42:26 Supporting Families to Keep Children in Their Homes

44:18 The Evolution of Services: A Holistic and Family-Centered Approach

Tune in to learn how OFPR is making a significant impact on the lives of families across New Jersey!

In this episode, we provide an insightful update on the New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) program, which is dedicated to delivering mental wellness and prevention services to students and families across New Jersey schools.

Join us as we discuss:

Key Takeaways:

Keywords: New Jersey, mental wellness, prevention services, NJ4S, students, families, schools, tiered approach, counseling, community stakeholders, local voice, mental health care

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction to NJ4S and the Mental Health Crisis

04:00 Integrating NJ4S into the Existing Infrastructure

06:09 Building Relationships with Schools and Stakeholders

07:07 Engaging High-Need School Districts

14:13 The Importance of Tier One Services

18:25 The Tiered Approach of NJ4S

24:13 Building Intergenerational Resilience

29:42 Incorporating the Local Voice in NJ4S

30:39 Building Local Advisory Boards and Involving Diverse Stakeholders

32:00 Effective Communication and Collaboration with the Community

35:31 Innovative Approaches to Outreach and Marketing

40:28 Engaging Youth and Addressing Mental Well-being

46:53 Flexibility and Patience in the First Year of Implementation

Tune in to learn how NJ4S is making a significant impact on the mental wellness of students and families across New Jersey.

DCF | Family Success Centers (nj.gov)

03:12 Family Success Centers: Meeting Families Where They're At

05:09 Understanding Prevention as a Continuum

08:21 Supporting Families in Need of Protective Services

11:32 Creating a Welcoming Environment at Family Success Centers

13:02Family Voice and Shared Leadership in Prevention Efforts

15:23 Building Resilience and Connections within Families

18:16 Partnership with Families in Prevention Work

19:13 Engaging Parents in Directing the Work of Family Success Centers

24:02 Shifting the Narrative: From Child Welfare to Family Wellbeing

25:30 Investing in Each Family Member: The Role of Family Success Centers

27:25 Supporting Family Success Centers: Policies, Procedures, and Implementation

31:21 Honoring Child Abuse Prevention Month

In this episode of DCF On The Air, we will be talking to the codesigners of DCF's documentary "Truth To Transformation" ahead of the film's debut at the Garden State Film Festival this March!

Truth to Transformation is an unflinching and powerful look at child welfare in America through the eyes of three people who experienced firsthand the trauma and complexities of being a part of the foster care system. Through their voices, lived experiences, and willingness to co-design the future, NJ’s child welfare system is being transformed into a children and family serving agency that aims to assist, empower and heal.

Family Connects NJ, DCF's Universal Home Visiting program launched in January 2024! Its mission is to improve the physical and emotional well-being of infants, children, and their families by providing supports like parent education, home visit assessments, and more.

We'll be talking to Brandie Wooding, Ericka Dickerson & Dr. Sanjna Shah to talk about how this program will best help new families.

In our first 2024 episode for DCF On The Air, we will be talking with Nancy Carre-Lee & Nooge Hartsfield in our Office of Staff Health & Wellness about New Year's Resolutions.

How can we make wellness an intention through our work with families and staff, and what does it look like in practice?

This month at DCF on the Air, we're welcoming Mark Dinglasan and Dr. Jenny Schrum from the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate to talk about how they're using healing-centered practice and a trauma-informed lens to transform the ways they're supporting families throughout the state  -- including many connected to the child welfare system -- who are challenged by food insecurity.