DCF on the Air

This conversation explores the transformation of NewJersey's child welfare system through a data-driven approach. The discussion highlights the historical context of data utilization, the importance of evidence-based practices, and the state's leadership in national child welfare data initiatives. Key case studies, such as kinship placement and the NJ4S program, illustrate the practical application of data in improving outcomes for families. The conversation also addresses innovative strategies for disseminating data and the implications of the Family First Prevention ServicesAct.

In this episode, we sit with the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect to discuss the importance of creating a statewide system to address child maltreatment and its decades of continuing progress in helping children across New Jersey.More Information on NJTFCAN -https://www.nj.gov/dcf/providers/boards/njtfcan/

In this episode we are discussing the collaborative efforts of DCF & DHS around how to support youth with developmental disabilities to transition into the adult care system. We talk about what supports are available and what resources families can utilize to help with this transition.

In this month's edition of On the Air, we are joined by NJ211, who are an information-based organization with the purpose of providing resources in times of crisis to residents of New Jersey.

In this episode we are providing an update on Family Connects NJ after launching the program in five counties last January. We're talking impact of the program and what we have to look forward to with the expansion into 6 additional counties.

In this heartwarming holiday episode of "DCF on the Air," we delve into the impactful work of One Simple Wish, a remarkable New Jersey-based non-profit dedicated to granting wishes for children in foster care and vulnerable families. Join your host Jason Butkowski as we explore the inspiring stories behind the wishes, talk to the people who make them happen, and learn how this community-driven initiative is changing lives, one wish at a time.

Join us for another episode of "DCF On The Air," where we dive into the pressing issue of youth mental health in New Jersey. We're thrilled to partner with 2NDFLOOR, an extraordinary helpline that offers anonymous and confidential support to the youth of New Jersey 24/7. Through a heartfelt conversation with the team at 2NDFLOOR, we explore: The severity of the youth mental health crisis in NJ, where 1 in 3 teen boys and 3 in 5 teen girls experience persistent sadness. The journey of the 2NDFLOOR helpline, now having touched over a million young lives with trauma-informed care. How the inclusion of young voices shapes more effective and empathetic services, leading to transformative apps that foster digital engagement and peer support. The power of maintaining a safe space where teens feel free and emotionally secure to discuss their struggles. How stigma is steadily diminishing, encouraging more youth to seek the help they need. Insights into the development process of 2NDFLOOR's app, which provides personal, confidential engagement while ensuring support in crisis situations through compassionate intervention. Understanding the necessity of a solid support system for the staff handling these crisis communications. Moving success stories illustrating the app's life-changing impact on New Jersey's youth. Tune in as we unravel the development, impact, and future vision of the Second Floor helpline and its continued commitment to fostering a supportive environment for all young individuals.

In this episode of DCF on the Air, we're shedding light on New Jersey's adoption registry. Dating back to 1977, the adoption registry plays a pivotal role in connecting adoptees with their roots, emphasizing the significance of access to available birth information for adoptees. We talk to our staff within our Office of Adoptions to share insights of adoption and the steps being taken to support adoptees and birth families.

We will be talking with Kelley Michalowski, Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Education to talk about our OOE Regional Schools. With her, she has special guests Miluska Gamarra-Yanez from our Cherry Hill Campus and Renee Freeman from our Union Campus, to give their perspective of the OOE programs. We'll focus on the supports and services that are available and what makes DCF classrooms unique in how they support their students.

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: Domestic violence Sexual violence Employment readiness Intersectionality 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: Understanding the mission and goals of the Office of Family Voice. Initiatives by the DCF Youth Council to support youth transitioning to adulthood, mental health, and access to case records. Celebrating significant achievements like the Sibling Bill of Rights and the NJYRS website. Insights into the DADS Council's work to engage fathers in the child welfare system and reduce bias. Efforts to enhance training for staff and involve fathers in the training process. The role of the Parent Council and the new Lived Experience Expert Partnership (LEEP) consultancy. Join us as we explore the vital role of family voices in shaping New Jersey's child welfare policies and practices. Follow and rate our podcast to stay updated on more inspiring stories and initiatives!

In this episode of DCF, we're talking to our Office of Family Preservation and Reunification Services within our Division of Family & Community Partnerships. This office is responsible for programs and services for families that have DCP&P involvement, that are geared towards the goal of reunification. In 2023, almost half of all CP&P exits resulted in reunification.

This episode is our first repeat topic

DCF | Family Success Centers (nj.gov) Many struggle with domestic violence, addiction, limited resources, etc. How can people get access to Family Success Centers, even with the stigma around seeking help, in relation to culture, religion, and fear of the situation? How can we encourage more people to seek out help and know they they are not alone?

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.

Secure housing impacts everyone and we will be talking to KerryAnne Henry, Director of the DCF Office of Housing and a representative from the Department of Community Affairs to talk about available housing support programs such as Voucher Programs, KFT, and other supports like LIHEAP that help families in need.

We'll be talking to DCP&P Deputy Director Clinton Page about reunification -- how DCF is honoring its commitment to support reunification as the primary goal in family separations, how kinship caregivers can help support that goal, and avenues for post-reunification support and connecting bio parents to the prevention continuum in NJ.

In this episode of DCF on the Air, we welcome DCF First Deputy Commissioner Katherine Stoehr to discuss child maltreatment prevention efforts in New Jersey and the federal Family First Prevention Services Act which prioritizes proactive, innovative, in-community prevention services in child welfare jurisdictions throughout the nation.

In this episode, we hear from Mollie Greene, DCF Assistant Commissioner for the Children's System of Care (CSOC), the public behavioral and emotional health system for anyone under the age of 21, regarding work to provide deep-end therapeutic support to children and their families in their homes and in the community during a historic youth mental health crisis happening nationally.

In this episode, we're talking with Dr. Rebecca Bryan, Executive Director of the DCF Office of Resilience, around the groundbreaking work happening through her office around Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACEs), and what they can mean for the lifelong health and social connections of individuals who experience both.

In this episode of DCF on the Air, we're talking with Sanford Starr, DCF Assistant Commissioner for Family and Community Partnerships, about a new mental wellness initiative coming to NJ's schools and communities, the NJ Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) network.

In our first episode of the DCF on the Air podcast, we will be talking with NJ DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer about her vision for the Department's work -- ensuring that all New Jersey residents are safe, healthy and connected.

Host Jason Butkowski offers a brief introduction to DCF on the Air, the new podcast from the New Jersey Department of Children and Families to share the story of the department's efforts to revolutionize child welfare in the Garden State.