OCEAN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
1027 Hooper Avenue ∗ Building 2 ∗ P.O. Box 2191 ∗ Toms River ∗ New Jersey ∗ 08754-2191
www.co.ocean.nj.us/ocdhs/index.html
Gerry P. Little, Department Liaison, Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders
Jill S. Perez, Director
Tracy Maksel, Assistant Director
Prepared by Jamie Hart, in coordination with the
Children’s Inter Agency Coordinating Council and
Human Services Advisory Council
Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children and Families 2011 Table of Contents Executive Summary Background Report Summary Planning Committee Members Page 5 HSAC Members Page 6 CIACC Members Page 7 Page 8 An Introduction to Ocean County Page 13 Methodology General Statistics Child Abuse and Neglect in Ocean County Target Service Area Chapters Page 20 Page 25 Page 32 Behavioral/ Mental Health Care Page 36 Transitional Living Services for Youth Preparing to Leave DYFS Supervision Page 46 Domestic Violence Page 54 Services for Special Needs Children Page 58 Early Care and Education Page 62 Page 70 Basic Needs Substance Abuse Treatment Juvenile Delinquency Page 24 Service Priorities Page 76 Sources Page 81 Appendices: A—Stakeholder Survey Tool B—Service Inventory C—Child Care Family & Provider Surveys Results D—Priority Ranking Form E—Freeholder Resolution Approving the 2011 Report Page 2 Page 3 Executive Summary During the Winter and Spring of 2011, the Human Services Advisory Council with the Children’s Inter Agency Coordinating Council of Ocean County engaged in a comprehensive assessment of the needs of children and families who are at risk of child abuse and neglect. This process leveraged the expertise of several other county advisory bodies with the input of local Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) staff in a review of the needs of Ocean County families and the availability of services to identify and rank order human and social service priorities. Please refer to the Methodology section for further description of the activities undertaken as part of this needs assessment. Ocean County is the second largest county with the fastest growing population in the current decade. The population is largely homogenous in race and ethnicity. While known for its suburban lifestyle and tourist economy on the coastal barrier islands, the majority of the county’s land is preserved and the residential sections are as densely populated as the Los Angeles metropolitan area. About one quarter of its residents are children under the age of 18. About four in every five families is lead by a married couple. The proportion of single female householders with children and grandparents caring for children is slowly increasing. Ocean County is ranked fifth statewide in referrals to the Child Abuse and Neglect hotline, at a rate of 46 per 1,000 children in the county. Child abuse and neglect is substantiated in about 6%of the reports and about 17% of these children are placed out of their home, predominately in foster/resource care with relatives. Detailed demographic information about Ocean County and its families as well as the prevalence of child abuse and neglect can be found in the Introduction section of this report. This report is comprised of eight chapters, each corresponding to a target service area of inquiry: Basic Needs, Behavioral Health Care, Substance Abuse Treatment, Services for Youth Preparing to Leave DYFS Supervision, Domestic Violence Services, Early Care and Education, Services for Special Needs Youth, and Delinquency Prevention. Within the target service areas, the top 16 service priorities are as follows: 1. Substance Abuse Treatment Services 6. Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter 2. Specialized Therapies 7. Services for Transitioning Youth 3. Safe, Affordable Housing 8. Professional Cross Training Opportunities 4. Support for Parents 9. Respite for Children with Special Needs 5. Transportation Assistance Page 3 Executive Summary, continued 10. Domestic Violence Advocacy Services, including the Domestic Violence Response 14. Basic Health Care 15. Food Assistance Team 16. Service Learning and Community Service 11. Specialized Recreational Activities 12. Diversion Programming opportunities for youth in contact with Juvenile Justice 13. Acute Mental Health Care for Youth See the Service Priorities section for a more detailed description of each priority area and appendix D for the Priority Ranking Form. The breadth and scope covered by this needs assessment are directly reflective of the strong collaborative spirit of Ocean County. Despite fragmentation and other challenges to cross system coordination, the stakeholders in the greater human service system continue to represent the overarching best interest of families, to be inclusive in planning and coordination processes, and to employ data in a meaningful and ethical manner. This report will be forwarded to the NJ Department of Children and Families as requested. The NJ Department of Children and Families will collect county‐level information and complete a State needs assessment in FY 2013 that will inform service planning, service delivery and policy making. Locally, Ocean County will use this document as the basis for advocacy related to service development, in the effort to meet the human service needs of children and families. Community based organizations are encouraged to reference this report and use the data compiled and analyzed herein for grant proposals and organizational strategic planning processes. This report will be available to Ocean County’s system partners, stakeholders, and residents online at the Ocean County Department of Human Services’ website at http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/ocdhs. Page 4 Planning Committee Members Rick De Gironimo, Ocean Partnership for Children Children’s Inter Agency Coordinating Council Chair, Planning Committee, Human Services Advisory Council Roberto Flecha, Seashore Family Services of New Jersey Vice Chair, Human Services Advisory Council Maureen Lawrence, The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey Chair, Child Care Committee, Human Services Advisory Council Sandra McDonnell, Division of Youth and Family Services Chair, Transition to Adulthood Committee, Children’s Inter Agency Coordinating Council Jacqui Moskowitz & Laura Kay, Family Support Center of New Jersey Debra Soviero, CCIS Unit‐ Monmouth Medical Center Chair, Systems Review Committee, Children’s Inter Agency Coordinating Council William Van Schoick, Division of Youth and Family Services Designee, Children’s Inter Agency Coordinating Council Designee, Human Services Advisory Council Kim Veith, Ocean Mental Health Services Vice Chair, Children’s Inter Agency Coordinating Council Staff: Jamie Hart, Coordinator, Children’s Inter Agency Coordinating Council Kathy Jaworski, Coordinator, Human Services Advisory Council Jessica Davis, Senior Clerk Typist, Children’s Inter Agency Coordinating Council Susan Mascola, Clerk Typist, Human Services Advisory Council Page 5 Human Services Advisory Council Members Barbara Barr O.C. Department of Juvenile Services Jon Baum Community Representative Constance Becraft St. Francis Community Center Camille Biamonte Strand Theater Joyce Brda Community Representative Jim Cooney Ocean Mental Health Services Enrico De Gironimo Ocean Partnership for Children, Inc. Capt. William Garrett The Salvation Army – Ocean County Citadel Sarah Gelbwachs Lakewood Community Services Theodore Gooding O.C.E.A.N., Inc. Rev. Peter M. Hartney, Jr. Saint Paul Lutheran Church Susan Kelly Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties Paul Kozak Vetworks Maria LaFace Ocean Monmouth Legal Services Carol Latif Ocean County Hunger Relief The Children’s Home Society of NJ Maureen Lawrence Page 6 Dominick Magliaro Community Representative Mary Fran McFadden Ocean County Board of Social Services Marge Nikodem Family Resource Network / EFNJ Carmen Pagan Catholic Charities Emergency & Community Serv.‐Ocean Kathleen Patrick Community Representative Sue Sedivec Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County Rick Seitz O.C. Department of Juvenile Services Bill Sette Preferred Behavioral Health of NJ Children’s Inter Agency Coordinating Council Barbara Barr Ocean County Department Of Juvenile Services Bernie Baugh S E R V Achievement Centers (CIFA) Marna Borras Children’s Specialized Hospital Karen Bright Traumatic Loss Coalition (TLC)/ PESS Kathi Callaghan N J D C F ‐ Division Of Youth and Family Services Katie Colhoun Youth Partnership Joe Cuffari Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services (PESS) Judy De Francesco Mobile Response & Stabilization Services, Preferred Children’s Services Enrico De Gironimo Ocean Partnership For Children Deedra Eckhoff Ocean County Family Support Organization Carmen Fanucci Ocean County Board Of Education The Special Children’s Center Alan Ferraro Jon Gaspich Regional McKinney Vento Education of Homeless Students Project, Brick Schools Sarah Gelbwachs Toms River Schools Lakewood Community Services Corporation – Family Success Center Bob Goldschlag St. Barnabas Institute for Prevention Gail Howell Ocean County D Y F S Northern Local Office Richard Hughes N J Division Of Developmental Disabilities Debra Johnson‐Soviero Monmouth Medical Center, CCIS Unit Sandra Mc Donnell N J D C F ‐ Division Of Youth and Family Services Dan O’Leary Community Representative Gina Polese‐Grosso Preferred Behavioral Health Of N J Brunilda Price OC Health Department, Alcohol & Drug Abuse Unit Judy Rogers Ocean Mental Health Services, Inc. Christina Schuetz Children’s Home Society Mario Tommasi Community Treatment Solutions Kimberly Veith Youth Case Management, Ocean Mental Health Services Shelby Voorhees Youth Services Commission Vickie Zydzik A R C Of Ocean County Page 7 Methodology Page 8 Methodology A joint Planning Committee of the Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC) and the Children’s Inter Agency Coordinating Council (CIACC) was convened on December 8, 2010 and January 11, 2011 in order to establish the methodology of this needs assessment. The committee discussed the scope of this needs assessment and selected target service areas, survey participants, focus group invitees, and service inventory compilation. Scope The Department of Children and Families (DCF) considers “at risk children and families” to mean “children and families under DYFS supervision whether children are in‐
home or out‐of‐home, and children and families about whom a call has been made to the state central registry (SCR), including children and families referred to differential response and other prevention programs.” The Planning Committee agreed that a broader view of at risk children should be adopted in order to maximize the significance and utility of this report for Ocean County. At risk children and families thereby include those experiencing risk factors that have been empirically linked with child abuse and neglect as well as those with any contact with the SCR and/or under DYFS supervision. Target Service Areas DCF defines the target service areas to be addressed by this needs assessment as: basic needs, behavioral health, substance abuse, transitional living for youth aging out of foster care, and domestic violence. Based in research on the correlates of child abuse and neglect (Goldman, Salus, Wolcott, & Kennedy, 2003), the Planning Committee felt that special needs children (developmentally disabled), early care and education, and delinquency prevention were also high priority areas. •
The eight target service areas are defined as follows: The basic needs target service area includes: safe, affordable housing, transportation assistance, food assistance and basic health care. •
Behavioral health includes both acute and outpatient/community based mental health care for youth. While DCF required examination of mental health care for adults, this was given secondary focus in Ocean County as this is not a significant and direct risk factor for child abuse and neglect (Goldman, et al, 2003). •
Substance abuse treatment services included inpatient and outpatient/ intensive outpatient (IOP) services for both youth and adults, and detoxification services were added by Ocean County. Page 9 Methodology, continued •
Transitional living services for youth transitioning from DYFS supervision includes educational, employment, life skills training, and housing. In Ocean County, housing was separated into affordable housing options and supportive housing services. •
Domestic violence services includes emergency shelter, transitional housing, advocacy (legal, employment) and counseling. •
Services for special needs children (primarily those with developmental disabilities) includes social skills groups (specialized recreation, afterschool programs, etc.), assistive technology (home and vehicle modification, etc.), respite, in home supports, and support groups for families. •
Early care and education includes childcare services for youth aged 13 and younger, either in a full day program, preschool, before/after school, and alternate schedules as needed. •
Delinquency prevention includes services to prevent at risk children from becoming court involved as well as services to reduce recidivism among youthful offenders. Needs Assessment Activities Service Inventory All sound analysis of service gaps begins with assessing the services that are currently available in an area. The Planning Committee convened on April 19, 2011 to compile the existing resource information available in Ocean County in a variety of brochures, directories, and databases from many offices and agencies. Focus groups were also leveraged in service inventory compilation. The group produced a Service Inventory that is organized by the target service areas for this assessment and includes contact information, location of services, population served, and a brief description. Stakeholder Survey DCF requested that counties utilize a specific survey tool so to ensure uniformity of information across all counties. However, the survey could be expanded to suit the county’s needs. The Ocean County survey (appendix A) requests rating of 29 services (18 required and 11 added, as described above) within the target services areas on level of need, availability, and accessibility. It also asked respondents to indicate barriers to each service and to rank order services according to need. Ocean County’s survey asked for prioritization of services within each target service area and then for prioritization of target service areas. The Planning Committee agreed that feedback from consumers and families would be best gained qualitatively through a focus group, where facilitators could assist in the translation of a particular family’s experience into observations about the County’s service Page 10 Methodology, continued delivery system at large. In order to minimize perspective bias from subject matter experts, the survey was promulgated to DYFS case workers and school personnel. The intent was to outreach individuals who have a broad perspective of at‐risk family needs, as opposed to focus/ expertise on one particular service area. The response rate to the survey was particularly low, about 10%. This underscores the importance of focus groups to incorporate adequate representation. Focus Groups The Planning Committee agreed to leverage existing County advisory groups to capture qualitative information about the service gaps and barriers for at‐risk families and families involved with DYFS. Each group dedicated one regularly scheduled meeting during the months of March or April 2011 to summarize the needs identified in their established planning document(s) and highlight the service gaps and challenges within that domain to prevent or address child abuse and neglect. Target Service Area
County Advisory Body
Date Basic Needs
Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC)
March 24 Behavioral Health
Children’s Inter Agency Coordinating Council (CIACC)
March 24 Substance Abuse
Professional Advisory Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse (PACADA) and Child Protection Substance Abuse Initiative (CPSAI) Consortium
CIACC & Mental Health Board Transition to Adulthood Committee
March 24 Ocean County Domestic Violence Working Group, out of the Family Court
HSAC Child Care Committee
March 22 Special Needs Children
Commission for Individuals with Disabilities in concert with the Family Support Center of NJ
March 8 Delinquency Prevention
Youth Services Commission
April 13 Transitional Living for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
Domestic Violence
Early Care and Education
March 23 April 14 The focus group targeting services for special needs was the only ad hoc meeting. Invitees were selected after consultation with the County Office for Individuals with Disabilities and the Family Support Center of NJ, and meeting participation was open to the public. Invitations were sent to the Commission for Individuals with Disabilities, district Directors of Special Services/ Child Study Teams, approved out of district schools for students with disabilities located in Ocean County, district Special Education Parent Teacher Associations (PTA), the NJ PTA, and the Regional Family Support Planning Council #6. Page 11 Methodology, continued Each focus group was provided with an overview of the needs assessment process, the results of the survey specific to that target service area, and background data and information gathered from existing planning documents and credible sources. The guiding question(s) for each focus group varied depending on the results of the survey, and the status of planning already undertaken locally in that target service area. Consumer participation was engaged for every focus group, and the Family Advisory Committee of the CIACC discussed the needs assessment process and findings at their meeting of March 22, 2011. In April 19, 2011, the planning committee reconvened to analyze the results of the survey and the series of focus groups. A draft report was generated at this time. The Early Care and Education chapter was drafted and reviewed separately by the HSAC Child Care Committee on April 14, 2011. The draft report was presented to the CIACC and HSAC for review and comment on April 26, 2011. It was endorsed by each body independently on April 28, 2011 and released for public comment for a period of 15 business days. No comments were received. The Planning Committee finalized the Priority Ranking Form at a meeting on May 23, 2011. At the CIACC and HSAC meetings of May 26, 2011, the report was finalized, approved, and forwarded to the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders for review and approval. On June 15, 2011 the Freeholders accepted the report. It will be forwarded to the NJ Department of Children and Families in advance of the July 15, 2011 due date. Page 12 An Introduction to Ocean County Page 13 An Introduction to Ocean County Total Population, 2009 Ocean County is the sixth most populous county of the state of New Jersey. Census estimates enumerated 565,493 residents in 2009 and 576,567 in 2010. Ocean is the fastest growing county in 2010 (12.8%), contributing about 18% of New Jersey’s total growth in the current decade. Ocean is only one of two counties that it is both one of the most populated and fastest growing. Statistically, it is more Ocean County: 565,493 likely that a less populated county will have a larger growth rate, because each person carries a greater percentage there than they would in a larger county. Ocean is in the top 6 among New Jersey’s counties in both of these factors, a status shared only with Middlesex. Due to population increase, the demand for all services has, likewise, increased. Ocean County strives to keep up with the needs of its residents; a group that is expanding at record speeds. Funding formulas need to be sensitive to population growth in order to adequately serve Ocean County. Page 14 An Introduction to Ocean County, continued Considering the massive growth, the population density in Ocean County is moderate. Ocean is the second largest county in area, spanning 638.1 square miles, nearly 40 miles of the Garden State Parkway and 8,338 acres of preserved land. The population density is 901.6 overall, less than New Jersey as a whole (1,173), the densest state in the US. The U.S. population density is 86.1 persons per square mile. However, the overall rate does not account for the considerable amount of (unoccupied) preserved land in the County. In fact, 57% of the county is preserved by a combination of federal, state, or local efforts. By block group, the average density in the county is between 1,000 to 3,000. The residential sections of Ocean County are comparable in density to Los Angeles metropolitan area. The map below shows the population density in Ocean as of 2000. The southern half of the county (e.g. Lacey, Manahawkin, Little Egg Harbor) has historically been less populated than the northern area (e.g. Lakewood, Brick, Toms River). In the decade since this map was created, however, building and population in the south has skyrocketed. Barnegat
Inlet
Ocean County contains two long barrier islands, which are connected by five bridges to the mainland, depicted here by red lines. The commute from these areas can be quite lengthy, especially during the peak summer months when the county’s population doubles with tourists. Page 15 An Introduction to Ocean County, continued Some other
race
2%
Asian
2%
Two or more
races
1%
Native
Hawaiian
and Other
Pacific
Islander
0%
Black or
African
American
3%
American
Indian and
Alaska
Native
0%
An overwhelming majority of the residents of Ocean County identify their race as white or Caucasian (91% in 2010; down from 93% in 2000). Three percent identify African American. Five percent of the population identified themselves as of Asian, some other race, or of two or more races. Less than 0.2% identified American Indian/Alaska native, or Native Hawaiian or other pacific islander. The county is generally racially homogenous. These White
92%
proportions have not changed significantly between Census 2000 and 2010. The proportion of White residents decreased by 2% and the proportion of 2010 Population by Race in Ocean County
Some Other Race doubled, increasing by 1.2%. Compared to New Jersey as a whole, Ocean County is less diverse. In the graph at bottom left, Ocean’s racial breakdown in the year 2010 is shown in the center circle, juxtaposed with New Jersey in the outer circle. There are roughly about three times as many residents of a minority race in New Jersey than there are in Ocean. The US Census enumerates Hispanic/Latino ethnicity independent of race. In Ocean County, 8.3% of the total population indicated their ethnicity as Hispanic or Latino (up from 5% in 2000). In New Jersey as a whole, about 18% identifies as Hispanic/Latino. This data also supports the assertion that Ocean is less ethnically diverse than New Jersey as a whole, but this is decreasing over time. An ethnic group that is not enumerated here is the sizable Orthodox and Hassidic Jewish com‐
munity in Lakewood and surrounding areas. It has been estimated that about half of the township’s residents affiliate in this community, reflecting about 35,500 Racial Diversity in Ocean County and New
Jersey, 2010
Ocean
County
individuals. This conservative estimate alone translates into 6% of the County population. E th n ic D iv e r s ity in O c e a n C o u n ty
a n d N e w J e rs e y
New
Jersey
NJ
O cean
White
Black or African American
Asian
Some other race
Tw o or more races
American Indian and Alaska Native
Native Haw aiian and Other Pacific Islander
Page 16 1 7 .7 %
8 2 .3 %
8 .3 %
0%
9 1 .7 %
20%
40%
60%
80%
H i s p a n i c o r L a ti n o ( o f a n y r a c e )
N o t H i s p a n i c o r L a ti n o ( o f a n y r a c e )
100%
An Introduction to Ocean County, continued While Ocean is known for its high concentration of Youth Population, 2009 seniors and veterans, it is also home to just as many children. There are 132,162 children and adolescents living in Ocean County as of 2009 Census data. These youth make up 23% of Ocean’s residents, a group just as large as the senior population (over 65 years of age). The largest group of youth in Ocean are under 5 years of age. Ocean County comprises 6.5% of the those under 18 years of age living in New Jersey, ranking 5th among counties Ocean County: 132,162 in the number of youthful residents. Interestingly, New Jersey has experienced a decline in the number of youth living here, with 80% counties declining or fluctuating less than 1% in the current decade. Conversely, Ocean’s child population has risen 10.7% from 2000 to 2008 (the greatest amount in the state). The demand for services for children in Ocean, from education to recreation to various other services and forms of assistance, has grown over the last several years a substantial amount in proportion to the youth population growth. Ocean stands out in this regard in comparison to other counties in New Jersey which have fewer youthful residents than they have in the past. Ocean County Youth Population by Age Group
75000
60000
2000
45000
2008
30000
15000
0
Under 5
Age 5 to 13
Age 14 to 17
Page 17 An Introduction to Ocean County, continued Households with Own
Children Under 18 years,
by Parental Structure, 20052010
Single
Female
16%
Single
Male
6%
There are 222,656 households in Ocean County: 68% of are considered families and 27.5% comprise related children under 18 years of age. The average family size is 3.10 persons. The majority of households with chil‐
dren are married‐couple families. 16% are headed by a single female (up from 13% in the 2008 estimate) and 6% are headed by a single Marriedcouple
family
78%
male. About 6% of all family households are comprised of grandparents caring for their own grandchildren under 18. In one‐third of all in‐
stances, these grandparents are responsible for the grandchildren in their care and have been for four or more years. Data on marital status is drawn Marital Status of Individuals 15 years
and older in Ocean County
from Census 2000 data, 2008 estimates, and the American Community Survey five 70.0%
year estimates 2005‐2009, which is the cause of some variation. The majority of 60.0%
residents of Ocean County are married (56‐
60%). Nine to 10 percent are currently di‐
50.0%
vorced or separated. Depending on the source, four to 11% have been widowed. New Jersey’s divorce rate per capita 40.0%
30.0%
has decreased from 4.0 to 3.0 over the 20‐
year period of 1985 to 2005. On the other 20.0%
hand, the percent of first‐time marriages has decreased slightly. This may indicate 10.0%
that many once‐divorced individuals re‐
marry. Ocean’s divorce rate in 2005 was 2.6, lower than the statewide figure. Page 18 0.0%
2000
2008
Never Married
Married
Separated
Widowed
2005-2009
Divorced
An Introduction to Ocean County, continued Health Indicators
Newborns of Low Birth Weight
Percent of Women Receiving
1st Trimester Prenatal Care
Births to Unmarried Women
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Ocean
382
436
456
492
495
441
435
Ocean %
5.8%
6.3%
6.5%
6.8%
6.6%
5.9%
5.8%
8.5%
NJ %
7.6%
7.8%
7.9%
8.0%
8.1%
8.1%
Ocean
77.9%
77.8%
79.5%
82.7%
82.4%
83.2
77.9
NJ %
74.5%
74.5%
76.9%
76.3%
75.8%
78%
77%
1431
1470
1473
1638
1727
20%
20%
19%
22%
23%
29%
29%
30%
31%
33%
348
348
339
356
354
5%
Ocean
Ocean %
NJ %
Births to Girls Age 10-19
Childhood Lead Screening:
Percent Poisoned
29%
29%
Ocean
Ocean %
5%
5%
4%
5%
NJ %
7%
7%
7%
6%
6%
6%
6%
Ocean
1.4%
1.4%
1.2%
1.3%
1.3%
1.2%
1.0%
NJ %
5.0%
3.8%
3.2%
3.0%
2.7%
2.3%
1.8%
2007
2008
74%
34.0%
35.0%
6.0%
6.0%
1.4%
The number of infants of low birth weight is the lowest in Ocean County compared to the rest of the state (5.8%) and the percent of children with lead poisoning is also very low. The percentage of mothers in Ocean County who receive first trimester prenatal care is slightly greater than the statewide average (77.9% versus 77%). This figure has increased over the last several years, but fell in 2006. New Jersey has one of the lowest state rates in the nation of women receiving prenatal care. Approximately one in every five children born in Ocean County are born to an unmar‐
ried mother. This is significantly less than the state average of one in three. About 350 or 5% of births are to teenage mothers, also below the state average of 6%. Page 19 Child Abuse and Neglect in Ocean County Page 20 Child Abuse and Neglect In 2008, over 5,000 reports of suspected abuse and neglect of children were made in Ocean Total Referrals to the DYFS Statewide Central Registry, 2009
County. In 2009, 4,163 child welfare and child protective service referrals were made in the county concerning 6,071 children. About 17% of reports are Essex
Camden
protective services, just slightly higher in child Hudson
welfare than the statewide average. Through Middlesex
Passaic
September 2010, 3,617 referrals have been made. Ocean
This may potentially exceed the 2009 total by 16%. Monmouth
Burlington
Ocean has been one of the top counties in Bergen
Union
number of annual referrals to DYFS for several years. As of 2009, Ocean ranks 5th. This reflects calls Atlantic
Mercer
made to the DYFS hotline at a rate of 46 per 1000 Morris
Cumberland
children living in the county. Gloucester
Most recent statewide data indicates that the Somerset
Sussex
largest referents to the hotline are school (18%), Warren
health (13%), and law enforcement personnel (13%). Cape May
Salem
Anonymous referrals are also significant (18%). Hunterdon
Out of State
Total
child welfare and the remaining 83% are for # of
# of
Children
Children Substanti- % SubReported
ated
stantiated
9497
1044
11.0%
8533
1083
12.7%
6191
744
12.0%
6150
678
11.0%
6074
467
7.7%
6071
388
6.4%
5268
537
10.2%
4582
366
8.0%
4562
483
10.6%
4260
519
12.2%
4237
413
9.7%
3992
392
9.8%
3709
444
12.0%
3651
406
11.1%
3613
390
10.8%
2405
302
12.6%
1553
107
6.9%
1515
111
7.3%
1508
217
14.4%
1184
103
8.7%
680
85
12.5%
52
7
13.5%
89,287
9,286
10.4%
Rate of Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline
Reports per 1,000 Children
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
Ocean
NJ
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Page 21 Child Abuse and Neglect, continued It appears that the number of reports Percent of Child Abuse and Neglect
Reports Substantiated
have increased dramatically, but the percent of those that are substantiated has declined. Child 25
Ocean
abuse or neglect was substantiated for 386 chil‐
dren in 2009, out of 6,000 referrals. The substan‐
tiation rate has decreased statewide, as seen in the line graph below, but at a somewhat differ‐
ent trajectory than Ocean County. This may be NJ
20
15
10
related to the implementation of the System of Care in Ocean during 2005, which created new 5
20
09
20
08
20
07
20
06
20
05
20
04
child welfare issues (versus protection). 20
03
0
20
02
vated number of families referred to DYFS for 20
01
resources for families, and may reflect an ele‐
The number of children under DYFS supervision in Ocean County has decreased from 2009 to September 2010. As of December 2009, 2,145 youth received supervision: 1,748 (81.5%) in home and 397 (18.5%) in out of home placement. As of September 2010, 1,993 youth were under supervi‐
sion, 1,657 in home and 336 in placement. The number of children in placement decreased from 2009 to 2010. Looking at the types of placements utilized, 82% are placed in resource or foster care. The majority of Ocean County youth are in resource/ foster care Children Under DYFS Supervision by Placement Type
Foster Care - Related
Foster Care - Unrelated
Residential Care
Group Home
12/31/2009
Shelter
Treatment Home
Independent Living
Foster Care - Related
Foster Care - Unrelated
Residential Care
Group Home
9/30/2010
Shelter
Treatment Home
Independent Living
Page 22 Ocean
207 52.1%
116 29.2%
25
6.3%
3
0.8%
8
2.0%
24
6.0%
14
3.5%
397 100%
174 51.8%
102 30.4%
17
5.1%
6
1.8%
2
0.6%
28
8.3%
7
2.1%
336 100%
Statewide
2732 34.6%
3398 43.0%
531
6.7%
242
3.1%
210
2.7%
581
7.4%
204
2.6%
7898 100%
2590 34.4%
3341 44.3%
441
5.9%
232
3.1%
187
2.5%
570
7.6%
175
2.3%
7536 100%
with relatives. Fewer chil‐
dren are in residential care than the statewide average. The median length of time in placement for Ocean County children has been 15 and 12 months (2008 and 2009), as compared to a 10‐
month statewide average. Child Abuse and Neglect, continued Statewide, 94% of youth are not victims of repeat child abuse and neglect within 6 months of a prior report. Only 174 children are found to be abused or neglected within a year of a substan‐
tiated report. Interestingly, the number of youth who are found to be abused or neglected within 6 months of a prior unsubstantiated report has increased by 50% up to 1,216 children. Within a year, 1,806 children are found to be abused or neglected after an unsubstantiated report. Ocean County Division of Youth and Family Services There are two local Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) offices within Ocean County, located in Lakewood and Toms River. Both offices are considered part of the Ocean and Monmouth Area, as defined by DCF. There are approximately 250 DYFS staff who serve Ocean families in addition to the Statewide Central Registry (SCR) staff that receives and initially proc‐
esses reports of child abuse and neglect. Risk Factors of Child Abuse and Neglect According to Goldman, Salus, Wolcott, and Kennedy (2003) there are several factors that heighten the risk a family will experience child abuse and neglect, that can be categorized into par‐
ent/caregiver, family, child and environmental domains: •
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
family history of maltreatment family substance abuse young parents not mental illness of parent marital conflict domestic violence single parent inconsistent family constellation poverty and financial stress children between 0‐3 years children with special needs, with challenging behaviors socially isolated families, lack of social support violent neighborhoods These risk factors provide the basis for the service areas examined within this needs assess‐
ment of children and families at risk for child abuse and neglect. Page 23 Target Service Area Chapters Basic Needs Substance Abuse Treatment Behavioral/ Mental Health Care Transitional Living Services for Youth Preparing to Leave DYFS Supervision Domestic Violence Services for Special Needs Children Early Care and Education Juvenile Delinquency Page 24 Target Service Area: Basic Needs Page 25 Target Service Area: Basic Needs The 2011 Poverty
Guidelines for the 48
Data collected in 1999 indicates that 7% of the residents of Ocean live below the federal poverty level. This represents nearly Contiguous States and the
District of Columbia
35,000 of the county’s 510,000 residents. At right, the current poverty Persons in
family
Poverty
guideline
guideline is shown. In 1999, the poverty level for a single person was 1
$10,890
$8,240, and $2,820 more for each additional person in the household. 2
$14,710
3
$18,530
time, Lakewood Township, was home to a third of the County’s poorest 4
$22,350
residents, which comprises 20% of the township’s total population. 5
$26,170
6
$29,990
7
$33,810
Heights, with 24% of its residents living below the federal poverty 8
$37,630
level. The third most populated municipality in the County at the The highest rate of poverty for a municipality is seen in Seaside For families with more than 8 persons,
add $3,820 for each additional person.
There is an 11% rate of unemploy‐
ment in Ocean in February 2011. Although New Jersey’s unemployment rate is about average nationwide in light of the current economic recession, Ocean has one of the highest rates in the state and is considered in the 10‐county footprint surrounding New York City to be impacted by the financial sector crisis. Individuals below the Federal Poverty Level
in 1999 by Municipality
Municipality
Barnegat Light Boro
Barnegat Twp
Bay Head Boro
Beach Haven Boro
Beachwood Boro
Berkeley Twp
Brick Twp
Dover Twp (Toms River)
Eagleswood Twp
Harvey Cedars Boro
Island Heights Boro
Jackson Twp
Lacey Twp
Lakehurst Boro
Lakewood Twp
Lavallette Boro
Little Egg Harbor Twp
Page 26 #
Population
%
Municipality
36
944
39
47
462
2,157
3,411
4,988
51
18
764
15,270
1,238
1,278
10,375
39,991
76,119
89,706
1,441
359
4.7%
6.2%
3.0%
3.7%
4.5%
5.4%
4.5%
5.7%
3.5%
5.1%
Long Beach Twp
Manchester Twp
Mantoloking Boro
Ocean Gate Boro
71
1,573
1,140
179
11,440
1,751
42,816
25,346
2,522
60,352
4.1%
3.7%
4.5%
7.1%
19.8%
201
1,028
2,665
15,945
#
Population
%
171
2,102
3
213
3,329
38,928
423
2,076
5.1%
5.5%
0.8%
10.3%
Ocean Twp
Pine Beach Boro
Plumsted Twp
Point Pleasant Beach Boro
Point Pleasant Boro
Seaside Heights Boro
502
68
367
325
616
753
6,450
1,950
7,275
19,306
5,314
3,155
7.8%
3.5%
5.0%
6.1%
3.2%
24.1%
Seaside Park Boro
Ship Bottom Boro
South Toms River Boro
195
114
452
2,263
1,384
3,634
8.6%
8.2%
12.6%
899
107
273
34,945
22,532
1,442
3,517
510,916
4.0%
7.5%
7.9%
7.0%
Stafford Twp
Surf City Boro
8.0% Tuckerton Boro
6.5%
TOTAL Ocean County
Target Service Area: Basic Needs The median income of families with children in Ocean County has shown a decline. Ocean’s figure surpassed the statewide average in 2003 and rose with NJ’s average in 2004. Statewide, the me‐
dian income leveled off and then continued to rise steadily, but Ocean County’s figure decreased by 11% ($8,500) in 2005 and displays slower growth. The median family income is $76,196, roughly equal to the median income in 2004. The percentage of children living below the poverty level in Ocean County has fluctuated over the last several years and superseded the statewide average. Interestingly, a spike in the number of chil‐
dren living below the federal poverty level coincides with the highest median income for families in a seven‐year period. Over the same time period, the overall rate for New Jersey has remained relatively stable around 12%. In 2008, rate of child poverty in Ocean rose to 14.8%, the 8th highest in the state. The average rate of poverty among all Ocean residents in 1999 was 7%. Taken together, families in Ocean may have less resources than they have had in previous years. Page 27 Target Service Area: Basic Needs When considering economic status of the residents of Ocean County, other variables must be considered in addition to income and poverty level. The cost of living in Ocean County is notably expensive, which impacts all residents of the County, including children and families. New Jersey’s minimum wage is $7.15/
hour. This wage covers only 32% of the
hourly wage needed to afford a 2 bedroom
apartment at Fair Market Rent (now $1,271
in 2010). Families receiving the maximum
TANF benefit would need to spend 273% of
their income on rent to afford a 2 bedroom
apartment.
- National Center on Family Homelessness
According to data gathered in the 2006 American Community Survey, Ocean County has the second highest median housing cost for renters in New Jersey, an increase of 40% since 2000. Among more than 800 counties nationwide, Ocean ranks 24th in this area, which is in the 95th percentile. In 2009, the median rose to $1,254 and 45% of renters pay be‐
tween $1,000 and $1,499 monthly. The New Jersey median rental housing cost ranks third among states, closely behind Hawaii and California. In Ocean, 17% of the households rent their housing quarters and two thirds of them dedicate in excess of 30% of their income for rent (65.4% in 2008). Ocean County has his‐
torically had the highest figure of households paying more than one third of income towards rent within New Jersey, and ranks 14th relative to counties nationwide (98th percentile). Furthermore, 41% of households with a mortgage pay 35% or more of their income towards housing costs. The me‐
dian cost for homeowners is $2,071 per month, which falls in the top 85th percentile nationwide as early as 2006. This sug‐
gests that Ocean County residents are not earning equal to the cost of living. This may be indicative of a large number of “working poor” in addition to the poverty rate. Page 28 Target Service Area: Basic Needs There are particular municipalities within the County that are home to families and children who are living at or below the poverty level. Lakewood, Toms River (formerly Dover), and Brick ‐ the largest municipalities—have a large number of children living in poverty. Currently, 29% of the children in Lakewood live in poverty, while 38% of children in Seaside Heights are in poverty and South Toms River has a rate of 18% children in poverty. Seaside Heights, Ship Bottom, Seaside Park, and Surf City are considered resort towns with high percentage of child residents living below the poverty level. Winter rentals of small beach homes may attract renters at or below poverty, and poverty in those areas may be exacerbated by the area’s distance from year round employment opportunities and human services. Without personal transportation, the distance becomes a barrier especially in the off peak winter months. “The term "homeless" or "homeless individual or homeless person" includes1.
2.
an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate
nighttime residence; and
an individual who has a primary nighttime residence that is
A) a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations
(including welfare hotels, congregate shelters, and transitional housing for the mentally ill);
B) an institution that provides a temporary residence for
individuals intended to be institutionalized; or
C) a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily
used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human
beings.
Source: US Department of Housing and Urban Development
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/homelessness/
definition
The term "homeless children and youths" -(A) means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence (within the meaning of section
103(a)(1)); and
(B) includes -(i) children and youths who are sharing the housing of
other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels,
trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of
alternative adequate accommodations; are living in
emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in
hospitals; or are awaiting foster care placement;
(ii) children and youths who have a primary nighttime
residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping
accommodation for human beings (within the meaning of section 103(a)(2)(C));
(iii) children and youths who are living in cars, parks,
public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard
housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and
(iv) migratory children (as such term is defined in
section 1309 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965) who qualify as homeless for the
purposes of this subtitle because the children are
living in circumstances described in clauses (i)
through (iii).
Source: NJ Department of Education http://www.state.nj.us/
education/students/homeless/definition.htm
Homeless Students The NJ Department of Education (DOE) has mandated that schools count the number of students that they serve who qualify as homeless. It is impor‐
tant to note that the definition of homeless or dis‐
placed according to DOE is different from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) definition. Programs funded by HUD primar‐
ily focus on unsheltered individuals who have no access to sleeping accommodations, where the DOE definition is broader including families who are “doubling up” with other families in temporary ar‐
rangements as well as families utilizing shelters, ho‐
tel/motels, and HUD programs. In Ocean County for the school year 2009‐
2010, 204 students were identified as homeless to DOE standards within the 29 districts. This is a 4% decrease from the previous year. Just over half of these students were in grade 4 or younger (104 stu‐
dents). Only 5 students (or 2%) were described as unsheltered. Ocean County comprises 3.3% of the homeless students statewide. None of the local dis‐
tricts qualified for the top 25 districts statewide. Locally, much training has been conducted through the McKinney Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth program to educate schools on how to identify and serve homeless students. Page 29 Target Service Area: Basic Needs The percent of children receiving assistance services is below the statewide average. In 2009, 30% of NJ youth but only 21% of Ocean youth utilize free/reduced price school lunch. It is reported that only 78% of eligible families statewide utilize school lunch programs, and only 29% utilize school break‐
fast programs. About 3% of children in the state receive Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), yet only 1.4% of Ocean County youth access this service. Only as of late, the gap has closed with regard to Food Stamps utilization. Food Stamps are utilized by 12.4% of New Jersey children and 11.7% of Ocean’s children. Access to Food Stamps has more than doubled since 2000. Women, Infant and Children Nutritional Benefits (WIC) are, however, accessed more frequently in Ocean County. About 11.3% of Ocean children and 9.2% of children in the state receive WIC. Percent of Children Receiving Assistance
35%
30%
25%
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
20%
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
15%
10%
5%
0%
Ocean
NJ
Ocean
Free/Reduced Price
School Lunch
NJ
Ocean
TANF (Welfare)
NJ
Food Stamps
Ocean
NJ
WIC Nutritional
Benefits
In 2000, it was estimated that 10% of children under 18 in Ocean do not have health insurance coverage, the fifth highest percent in the state greater than the average of 8.9%. While children are not receiving free/reduced school lunch and TANF at the same rate at the statewide average, over 20% of Ocean County children receive Medicaid benefits. An additional 7% receive NJ Family Care. Historically, the number of children receiving the NJ Family Care appeared low in comparison to the number receiving Medicaid and Access to Public Health Insurance Program s
25%
the poverty rate. 2009 data from the NJ Family Care website reports that 30% or 39,000 Ocean County children be‐
20%
came enrolled, along with 16,000 care‐
giver adults. 2010 data reports 35% or % Ocean Children who receive Medicaid
% NJ Children who receive Medicaid
46,000 children and 20,000 adults are % Ocean Children who receive NJ Family Care
enrolled. This probably includes all %NJ Children who receive NJ Family Care
families utilizing any public health 15%
10%
insurance programs. The number may 5%
continue to increase as the July 2008 legislation takes effect to ensure that 0%
2002
Page 30 2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2009
2010
every child under 19 is insured. Target Service Area: Basic Needs Survey Results The survey, disseminated to local DYFS staff, highlights a great need for all services in this area, especially transportation assistance and safe, affordable housing. Food assistance and basic health care were considered more available and accessible than either of the top two greatest needs; transportation even less so than housing. The prioritization of these services can be seen in the table below. This service area was ranked 3rd of the 8 target service areas covered in this assessment. Many serious barriers were identified as well. Eligibil‐ Ranking/prioritization of the ity requirements and transportation are considered primary following Basic Needs Assis‐
barriers to accessing food assistance and basic health care. For tance services, in order of the health care, financial barriers were also cited. The greatest bar‐ need for them in Ocean County. rier to safe, affordable housing in the county is waiting lists, Average rating 3.45 2.45 followed by eligibility requirements and financial barriers. For Safe, Affordable Housing transportation, survey respondents identified ineffective ser‐
Transportation Assistance vice and lack of service as the greatest barriers. Basic Health Care 2.10 Food Assistance 2.09 Focus Group Results The focus group, held as part of a regularly scheduled Human Services Advisory Council meet‐
ing on March 24, 2011, discussed transportation in the county at length. Without transportation, a family can not access a vast array of services that they may need to prevent or address child abuse and neglect. It is recognized that the County transportation service, Ocean Ride, operates 14 routes in the most densely populated areas of the county. Limited available funding in conjunction with limited ridership has resulted in a reduction of routes since 2004. However, due to the size of the county, many residential areas are not close to public transit, but it is not cost effective to provide regular bussing services to these areas. Also, NJ Transit has very limited mass transit services in Ocean County. Several large community based organizations provide transportation to their clients and consumers and, while these routes may overlap, there is not a capacity at present to coordinate this provision on a larger scale. In light of these findings, the group agreed to lower the priority of transportation assistance. The group agreed that safe, affordable housing is the highest priority need in Ocean County for families at risk of child abuse and neglect. The cost of living, as described previously, is notably high and the recent economic recession has put an even larger number of families at risk of losing their hous‐
ing, unable to afford housing locally, or both. The HSAC recently identified youth as a priority popula‐
tion for homeless prevention efforts through a Formal Plan to Address Homelessness begun in 2010. Members of the HSAC felt that food assistance was a greater priority than basic health care. All children under 19 can access public health insurance programs and, at present, over 30% of Ocean County youth do so. Page 31 Target Service Area: Substance Abuse Treatment Page 32 Target Service Area: Substance Abuse Treatment The following are excerpts from the most recent County Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services Plan, published in 2009 by the Ocean County Board of Health. Substance Abuse Among Youth “According to the 2007 Survey of New Jersey Middle School Students (NJDHS), 13.9% of middle school youth reported alcohol use in the previous 30 day period. Ocean County also had 6.5% median rate of past year drug use. Another trend which is becoming more frequently observed by professionals and health care centers is the abuse of arbitrarily mixed prescription drugs in what is known as “pharming parties;” however this has not been formally surveyed” (p. 3). Substance Use Among Adults “The prevalence of past 30 day alcohol use in Ocean County was 58.7% according to the 2003 NJDHS. The County is ranked 11th both for alcohol only and for illicit drug use. In 2000, the total per‐
cent of need for treatment for drug and alcohol addiction in Ocean County among adults was 14.42% of the population, or 56,492 adults [aged] 18 or older. According to the NJDHS, in Ocean County, the total demand of the adult population is 5,385 or 10% of treatment need. The unmet demand as a proportion of county need is 47% or 2,570” (p. 3). Substance Abuse Treatment Utilization “According to the Substance Abuse Overview 2007, Ocean County had the third highest rate of alcohol and drug treatment admissions in the state at 7.2% of the total 60,950 admissions. In 2007, heroin and other opiates was the Treatment
Admissions by
County, 2008
Essex
8021
Monmouth
5334
primary drug with the highest percentage of admissions, identified in 41.3% of Camden
all admissions by Ocean County residents, followed by primary alcohol admis‐
Ocean
sions at 30.1%. This is a change from 2006, when alcohol was the primary drug at Union
admission at 38.4% and opiates with 34% of the admissions. The NJSAMS data also reflects an older age group, 35‐44 [years] range constituting 24% of all ad‐
Middlesex
4873
4800
3736
3621
Passaic
3601
Morris
3421
missions, a decrease from 30% in 2006. Adults were the primary recipients of Bergen
3241
treatment last year, comprising 87% of all admissions by Ocean County resi‐
Hudson
3024
dents. Admissions of those in the 45‐54 age range have increased from 18% in Atlantic
2923
Gloucester
2914
Mercer
2253
Burlington
1855
those admitted to treatment were between the ages of 22 and 44. The data re‐
Cumberland
1757
flects only 5.3% of youth under the age of 18 and 3.5% of those 55 years of age Somerset
1726
and older receiving substance abuse treatment. In 2005, there was a decrease of Cape May
1593
Sussex
1333
Warren
1073
2006 to 20.2% in 2007. The NJSAMS report also reflects a different distribution of age groups successfully entering treatment than the general population: 65% of 671 persons admitted to treatment, which may have been affected by having 542 fewer insured clients, and the presence of stricter drug laws” (p. 4). Hunterdon
920
Salem
661
Page 33 Target Service Area: Substance Abuse Treatment The NJ Division of Addiction Services (DAS) conducted a comprehensive statistical analysis to esti‐
mate the number of adults in the state who currently need substance abuse treatment or will need it during their lifetime. Just over 13% of the state’s population aged 18 years or older need or will need treatment for alcohol or illicit drug use. For Ocean County, the estimated substance abuse treatment need is 38,117 adult residents in 2003. This reflects about 7% of the county total population. These figures indicate a somewhat lower rate of substance abuse in Ocean, compared to the rest of the state. In 2008, 4,800 residents of Ocean County received substance abuse treatment, for a rate of about 8 per 1,000 residents (up from 4,337 in 2007). Ocean ranks highly among counties for access to substance abuse treatment, an interesting phenomenon considering the estimated treatment need. About 10% of those exhibit significant mental health issues. 394 of the individuals receiving substance abuse treatment in 2008 were under the age of 18 at admission (8.2%; an increase from 6.4% in 2007). An additional 650 treatment episodes were provided to individuals between 18 and 21 years (14%; an increase from 10% in 2007). The average age of individuals receiving treatment has decreased. This could indicate heightened awareness and increased help‐seeking behaviors in Ocean County, or more serious drug use at a younger age. 2009 Comprehensive Plan—Service Gaps and Barriers 1. “Limited accessibility to services on every level. As noted, the demand for treatment exceeds treat‐
ment providers’ ability to provide services. In addition to the longstanding issue of 5% of clients being able to access treatment, we now have an additional issue of other funding sources developing mo‐
mentum and facilitating admissions for their clients. 2. The detoxification services need to be more available and more quickly accessible. Clients report waits of up to 4 weeks for detoxification services, in which time their motivation for treatment may dimin‐
ish. 3. Long wait from residential to outpatient follow up. Once having completed detoxification, clients needing continuing short term rehabilitation may not have a bed available and be returned to the community for outpatient (which may have a waiting list) or to 12‐step meetings. There are propor‐
tionally too few rehabilitation beds for the number of clients completing detoxification needing short term residential. 4. Need for continuing care/ case management services. Clients waiting to enter or continue treatment become easily discouraged and often do not follow through with services. 5. Need for continuing care following detoxification. Once admitted to detoxification services, 50% fewer clients are getting into short term residential treatment in 2008 as last year. Intake appointments to outpatient programs for many discharged clients may be as long as 4 weeks post detoxification, which poses a risk when discharged on medication. 6. Halfway house funding is insufficient to meet the demand. Halfway house programs are located out‐
side the county and are an appropriate discharge placement for clients completing short term rehabili‐
tation. With current admission trends, the demand for halfway house placements in increasing. Page 34 Target Service Area: Substance Abuse Treatment Survey Results The survey reflects a great need for substance abuse treatment services in Ocean County among those families in contact with DYFS. All services were considered at least somewhat available and ac‐
cessible. The least available services are detoxification and inpatient services for youth. The least acces‐
sible services are inpatient services for adults and youth. Since there are no inpatient treatment facilities located within Ocean County, these services are not readily accessible to Ocean residents. Ranking/prioritization of the following Sub‐
stance Abuse Treatment services, in order of the need for them in Ocean County. As seen in the Table, services of the highest priority for service development are those for adults, inpatient and then outpa‐
Average rating tient. Inpatient services for youth ranked close Inpatient Substance Abuse Services for Adults 4.45 to detoxification programs. Least priority is Outpatient/ IOP Services for Adults 3.40 outpatient or IOP services for youth. Inpatient Substance Abuse Services for Youth 2.80 Detoxification Programs 2.70 the highest priority, among all eight areas Outpatient/ IOP Services for Youth 1.70 included in the survey. This target service area was ranked of Focus Group Results A focus group was held on March 24, 2011 in the course of a Child Protection Substance Abuse Initiative (CPSAI) Consortium meeting. The group reviewed background data, findings of the Compre‐
hensive Alcohol and Drug Abuse Plan, and results of the survey. The following needs were high‐
lighted: 1. Lack of a continuum of care in the county. 2. The lack of detoxification services within the county. 3. The lack of transportation to places like Seaside Heights and Little Egg Harbor. 4. Lack of Mommy and Me Programs within the County. Page 35 Target Service Area: Behavioral/ Mental Health Care Page 36 Target Service Area: Behavioral/ Mental Health Care County-level self-inflicted injuries, ratio of attempts to completions, New Jersey, 1999-2003
Self-injury
Completed
HospitalizaSuicides
tions
NJ Youth Total
Ratio
According to reports by the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services’ Office of Injury Sur‐
veillance and Prevention, New Jersey has lower than average suicide rates for all age groups. It is 4165
311
13.4
Middlesex
406
31
13.1
Monmouth
317
30
10.6
Camden
291
27
10.8
Bergen
Essex
330
387
26
22
12.7
17.6
Ocean
235
21
11.2
Mercer
Hudson
Morris
Burlington
Somerset
Union
231
303
148
192
129
180
20
17
16
15
13
13
11.6
17.8
9.3
12.8
9.9
13.8
Gloucester
127
12
10.6
among youth in New Jersey, there were 11.2 at‐
Atlantic
136
10
13.6
tempts that required hospitalization. Passaic
337
10
33.7
Cumberland
102
9
11.3
47
6
7.8
101
5
20.2
42
63
59
3
3
2
14
21
29.5
Cape May
Sussex
Salem
Warren
Hunterdon
40
ranked 50 out of 51. Nationally, adolescent suicide rates have declined about 20 percent since 1990. In New Jer‐
sey, there are about 65 to 75 suicides among those aged 10‐24 years. Ocean is 6th in number of youth suicides during 1999 to 2003 with 21 (or 3.5 on av‐
erage annually). Youth, in comparison to individuals of other age groups, are more likely to engage in self‐
injurious behavior leading to a hospitalization, or suicide attempts. For each completed suicide Non‐fatal attempts are less frequent in Ocean. A statewide analysis revealed that southern counties saw a smaller attempts to completed sui‐
cide than northern counties. The OISP attributes this phenomenon, in part, to geographic difference of hospital utilization. Ratio of Self-Injury Hospitalizations to Completed Suicides Among Youth
10-24 by County, 1999 - 2003
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
N
J
Yo
ut
h
To
Pa tal
H ssa
un
i
te c
rd
W on
ar
re
n
S
us
se
x
H
ud
so
n
Es
se
S x
al
em
U
n
A ion
tla
n
M
id t ic
dl
B es
ur e x
lin
gt
on
B
er
ge
M n
C
e
um r
c
be e r
rla
nd
O
ce
a
C
am n
M
d
on en
m
G
lo out
uc h
es
S
om t er
er
se
M t
o
C
ap rris
e
M
ay
0
Page 37 Target Service Area: Behavioral/ Mental Health Care In 2004, New Jersey developed a Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council. The Council be‐
came under the auspices of the Department of Children and Families in 2006 when it was created. In 2007, the report “Adolescent Suicide in New Jersey: Data Overview and Prevention Activities” was pub‐
lished, giving an overview of suicide and self‐injury hospitalizations among youth and young adults in New Jersey in comparison to the nation. Limited county level data was available at that time and this has not changed since. The NJYSPAC released a Youth Suicide Prevention Plan for 2011—2014 in early 2011. The Plan goals include: •
Improve and expand surveillance systems •
Promote awareness that suicide is a preventable public health problem •
Develop broad‐based support for youth suicide prevention •
Develop and implement strategies to reduce the stigma associated with needing and receiv‐
ing mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention services •
Strengthen and expand community‐based suicide prevention and postvention programs •
Implement professional training programs for those who are in regular contact with youth at‐risk for self‐injury or suicide •
Develop and promote effective clinical practices to reduce suicide attempts and completions •
Promote access to mental health and substance abuse services •
Improve reporting and portrayals of suicide, mental illness, and substance use in the elec‐
tronic and print media •
Promote and support research on youth suicide and suicide prevention, its dissemination and incorporation into clinical practice and public health efforts Page 38 Target Service Area: Behavioral/ Mental Health Care Ocean County PESS Screening of Children
140
120
100
80
60
40
FY2006
20
FY2007
FY2008
FY2009
FY2010
FY2011
There has been an average of 87 screenings of children through PESS each month from July 9000
577 youth have been screened. The number of chil‐
8000
dren at PESS has increased from about 700 to just 7000
over 1,000 annually. This increase is not as rapid as 6000
the number of adults screened locally, which has 5000
from 18% in the early 1990’s. However, the overall volume at screening affects all individuals. Fund‐
ing for PESS is solely provided by the Division of Mental Health Services and the County. Ocean County Children Admitted to
Monmouth Medical Center CCIS Unit
400
350
366
300
Ju
ne
M
ay
Ap
ril
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
Approximately 40% to 43% of children screened are con‐
sequently hospitalized, at either the region’s acute hospi‐
tal CCIS unit, another public hospital, or a private one. The number of youth utilizing private hospitals has in‐
321
312
Total Children
Screened
Total Adults
Screened
Total Screenings
19
92
19
94
19
96
19
98
20
00
20
02
20
04
20
06
20
08
20
10
viduals seen by PESS are children, which is down h
Total PESS Screenings
10000
2005 to February 2011. In eight months of FY2011, tripled in the last 20 years. About 12% of the indi‐
M
ar
c
Fe
br
ua
ry
Ja
nu
ar
y
ec
em
be
r
D
N
ov
em
be
r
ct
ob
er
O
Se
pt
em
be
r
Au
gu
st
Ju
ly
0
creased over the last three years. Because there is a low 269
250
number of re‐screenings or re‐admissions, it can be con‐
200
cluded that the services to which families are linked after screening or hospitalization are meeting their needs. 150
100
Ocean ranked 5th among counties for utilization of CCIS 50
in FY2006, just over 8% of the state’s total use. This is last year for which statewide comparison data is available. 0
06
07
08
09
Length of stay at Monmouth Medical Center has been steadily decreasing down to 6 days in 2009. Page 39 Target Service Area: Behavioral/ Mental Health Care The final components of the DCBHS System of Utilization of CSA from Ocean County
Care (SOC) opened in Ocean County in mid 2005. 3000
About 800 calls are received monthly by the Contracted 2500
Systems Administrator (CSA) from families in Ocean seeking services. According to the most recent available data, 2,500 local children receive care through the SOC. 2000
Ocean County ranks 5th in utilization of Mobile 1500
Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) compared 2295
2155
2412
2335
2151
2484
2518
2501
2537
2393
2499
2183
2181
1688
2518
1792
1000
to other counties. MRSS responded to an average of 49 families per month during 2007. In 2008, this figure Calls to the CSA from
Ocean County
Children Receiving Care
Coordination from the CSA
500
increased to about 60. 0
3rd
4th
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
1st
2nd
Qtr 07 Qtr 07 Qtr 08 Qtr 08 Qtr 08 Qtr 08 Qtr 09 Qtr 09
Ocean County Mobile Response & Stabilization
Service Utilization by Quarter
The number of youth in Youth Case Management (YCM) had historically been high, decreasing when 200
Mobile Dispatches
Stabilization Services
the Care Management Organization (CMO) was 150
opened. The expansion of CMO slots from 180 to 200 corresponded with a decrease in YCM caseload. 100
The CMO reached expanded capacity during the fourth quarter of 2008. Utilization of YCM has 50
increased again. In 2010, over 300 families are currently served by YCM. 0
3rd Qtr
07
4th Qtr
07
1st Qtr
08
2nd Qtr
08
3rd Qtr
08
4th Qtr
08
Total Active Children on the Last Day of the
Quarter by Program , Ocean County
Throughout, children in Out of Home (OOH) placements has slowly decreased to just under 100. The Family Support Organization, according to the County Data Dashboard, has steadily increased the number of families it serves through peer support and community support groups. While 450
400
350
300
250
200
other SOC services come to an end, many families are 150
able to and remain linked by varying degrees with 100
the support of the FSO. 50
0
3rd 4th Qtr 1st Qtr 2nd
3rd 4th Qtr 1st Qtr 2nd
Qtr 07 07
08 Qtr 08 Qtr 08 08
09 Qtr 09
CMO
Page 40 YCM
MRSS
OOH
FSO
Target Service Area: Behavioral/ Mental Health Care A concern in Ocean County for both the children’s and adult mental health system is a lack of psychiatric outpatient services (e.g. evaluations and medication management). Waiting lists can be months long and longer still for practitioners who accept Medicaid. A lack of these core treatment modalities has contributed to a reliance on the acute care system of psychiatric screening and hospitalization. The lack of outpatient services leaves many children unable to maintain stabilization in the community, which ultimately leads them to emergency psychiatric care. Ocean County’s core infrastructure of community mental health services was established around 40 years ago, prior to the population explosion in the area that continues at present. Historically, insufficient access to psychiatric, outpatient and partial care program services has been deemed a high priority in this county. However, the majority of service development has been in programs for specific populations or specialty services as opposed to core mental health services. In the 2010 survey, respondents were asked to rank of the importance of last year’s top five priorities as to their current importance. About 80% ranked Psychiatric Service Accessibility as Important or Very Important. About 66% ranked Outpatient Service Accessibility Important to Very Important. In a previous survey question to rate the availability and accessibility of both service modalities, they were rated at least somewhat available (see chart below) and did not rise to the top five services of poorest rating. For families within the DCBHS System of Care, stopgap measures and innovations have been put in place to combat limited capacity of and waiting lists for psychiatrists and other therapists on an outpatient basis. These measures have been working for families that rise to this level of care, but there are many more families who would benefit from community mental health services. The discontinuation of Intensive In Community and Behavioral Assistance (IIC/BA) only services further elevates the need for outpatient rightsizing. Greater availability on the lower end of the continuum of care prevents youth from developing the needs that necessitate more intense and acute services later on. While Psychiatric and Outpatient Services were not included in the top five service priorities in the FY11 assessment, it is imperative to understand that capacity building in these areas is sorely needed and would serve a great benefit to the wellbeing of children, youth, and families of Ocean County. Children's Behavioral Health Needs Assessm ent Survey 2010
Rating of Availability and Accessibility of Behavioral Health Services
60
Not at all
50
Some of the time
Most of the time
40
Very
30
20
10
0
Psychiatric evaluations for medicine
Outpatient counseling (Individual, family or group)
Page 41 Target Service Area: Behavioral/ Mental Health Care CIACC FY2011 Needs Assessment—Top Five Service Priorities 1. Services for Youth with Co‐occurring Mental Health and Developmental/ Learning Disabilities 2. Recreational Activities for Youth with Behavioral Challenges 3. Independent Living and Supervised Transitional Living 4. Specialized Therapies 5. Services for Very Young Children under 5 years old Survey Results The survey, disseminated to local DYFS staff, highlights a great need for all behavioral/ mental health services. However, community‐based/outpatient and acute care/inpatient services are considered at least somewhat available and accessible. The greatest barriers identified are wait list and transportation. Outpatient waiting lists can be months long, as noted previously. While acute care services are available around the clock, there have been reported waits in excess of 24 hours in some cases for screening to be completed. Individuals (both children and adults) requiring hospitalization may wait days before appropriate placement becomes available. The target service area was prioritized 2nd of eight. Rank ordered, acute services for youth were cited as a greater priority than outpatient/ community‐based services. Adult mental health services were deemed a greater priority than services for youth. Capacity building and right sizing have been well established as needs by the Ocean County Mental Health Board for some time, documented in the Mental Health Plan Update of 2009 and other correspondence with the Division of Mental Health Services. For the purposes of this needs assessment, however, adult mental health services were not examined at length because mental illness of a parent is not an established risk factor for child abuse and neglect (Goldman, et al., 2003). Focus Group Results On March 24, 2011, a focus group was held during a regularly scheduled CIACC meeting. Participants reviewed a summary of the FY11 Needs Assessment, survey results, and an overview of the needs assessment purpose and process. The group was asked to determine if the top five children’s behavioral health service priorities identified for FY2011 also apply when considering the needs of families at risk of child abuse and neglect. After discussion, the seven top priorities were determined, as follows: 1. Services for Youth with Co‐occurring Mental Health and Developmental/ Learning Disabilities Page 42 Target Service Area: Behavioral/ Mental Health Care A local CIACC committee purposed to enhance partnership between providers and stakeholders in the children’s mental health and developmental disability systems was developed in 2008. The committee closely followed the work of the NJ Dual Diagnosis Task Force that began shortly thereafter and has provided input whenever possible. It has been very challenging to partner while there are sweeping statewide changes pending and the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is also in a state of reorganization. Ocean County looks forward to the implementation of Task Force recommendations for an integrated service system that is very much needed and would be very interested to serve as a pilot. The CIACC committee continues to meet regularly to troubleshoot local coordination issues, particularly acute care and crisis services. Families with children with behavioral challenges and special needs (multiple risk factors) are at a greater risk for child abuse and neglect. Parental stress and frustration can be heightened. Accessing services across delivery systems can seem fragmented and difficult to navigate, and essentially insurmountable for stressed caregivers. Issues at home for these families often tenuously managed without outside assistance until they are unbearable and in a state of extreme crisis, because the families do not have the time and energy to be proactive and advocate for themselves. 2. Recreational Activities for Youth with Behavioral Challenges While many municipalities and organizations offer recreational activities for children, few in the County are designed to serve children who display mental health/ behavioral challenges. In the typical setting, staffing may not be sufficient to monitor and address challenging behaviors or to accommodate a child who needs to take medication. Cost is a frequent barrier as well. Base fees can be considerable and may require supplementary costs for equipment that low‐ to moderate‐income families of children with behavioral challenges find difficult to pay in addition to contributing towards therapeutic interventions. The development of recreational activities as well as scholarship or grant programs for low income and working class families are a high priority for Ocean County. This provides a positive activity for the youth to be involved in, positive adult role models, as well as a respite for the caregivers. 3. Independent Living and Supervised Transitional Living Independent Living and Supervised Transitional Living programs provide a structured (to varying degrees) environment for youth and young adults to live in while developing their skills for independence. According to some data, Ocean County only has 7 of these placements within its borders, the second lowest number per county in the state which is very disproportionate to high number of youth and youth seeking services. The very high cost of living in Ocean makes it difficult for any young adult to transition to independence, let alone one who is struggling with additional challenges. Since 2007, a joint Aging Out/In Committee of the CIACC and Mental Health Board has convened to case conference and reduce fragmentation for youth transitioning from the children’s to adult mental health Page 43 Target Service Area: Behavioral/ Mental Health Care system. Ocean County became a pilot for Transition Planning Conferencing in 2008 and worked with the Division of Child Behavioral Health (DCBHS) to apply for the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Healthy Transitions project in 2009. It is a prime time for program development to complement and enhance these existing efforts. 4. Specialized Therapies The fourth priority for service development is in the area of specialized therapies to address youth behaviors such as fire‐setting, self‐injury, eating disorders and trauma. Traditional treatment and service delivery philosophies have demonstrated varied degrees of effectiveness in addressing these specific areas. Research on evidence‐based/ blueprint practices has advanced understanding and resulted in the identification of effective treatments for youth who exhibit these behaviors. It would be a great benefit to the youth of Ocean County to increase the availability of specialized clinicians and therapies. A major barrier has been expensive and ongoing training required for evidence‐based models (often out of state) and that training reimbursement has been eliminated during to budgetary constraints. To prevent or address child abuse and neglect, trauma informed care is perhaps the greatest priority specialized therapy including play and sand therapy for very young children. 5. Services for Very Young Children under 5 years old Early childhood mental health has been an area of growing awareness nationwide. The DCBHS System of Care was crafted to serve children and youth aged 5 to 17 and, in some cases, young adults up to age 22. Ocean County was honored to work with the NJ Departments of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and Children and Families (DCF) on an application for SAMHSA’s Project LAUNCH in 2008, which was not selected for funding. The growing number of Ocean County children in this age group and dearth of resources coupled with the potential to prevent/reduce future, more intense symptomatic behavior makes this a priority area of service development. Very young children are also at a greater risk for child abuse and neglect, according to Goldman, et al (2003). Services for very young children should also have a strong family component, where caregivers are supported, taught about developmental milestones, and parenting strategies. 6. Assisting Families to Meet Basic Needs It was recognized that more and more families are experiencing financial hardship in Ocean County. In addition to families living below the poverty level and families at a “working poor” level of income, historically middle class families are impacted by high unemployment and foreclosures. Families with a child with behavioral challenges experiencing financial hardship have multiple risk factors for child abuse and neglect. Members of the CIACC recognized the need for all community based service providers to be educated on and assist families to access services to meet basic needs, such Page 44 Target Service Area: Behavioral/ Mental Health Care as housing, food, income maintenance, and basic health care. 7. Supporting, Training, and Educating Families to Achieve Realistic Expectations It was recognized that there are limited resources developed to serve the whole family when a child has behavioral challenges. Many programs offer a small component of services for parents (such as a voluntary monthly support group) and the Family Support Organization offers regular mutual aid support groups and educational workshops to the community at large. A Strengthening Families Program is also available in various locations of the county on an ongoing basis, but this is not specifically developed for families with a child with behavioral challenges. The CIACC felt that parenting coaching and mentoring was greatly needed for families at risk of child abuse and neglect, which would give caregivers skills to cope with challenging behaviors, ongoing consultation, and opportunities to practice parenting skills in real life settings with feedback from a facilitator. Page 45 Target Service Area: Transitional Services for Youth Preparing to Leave DYFS Supervision Page 46 Target Service Area: Transitional Services for Youth Preparing to Leave DYFS Supervision Nationwide, former foster youth are more likely to drop out of school, have mental health issues and earn too little to break out of poverty. Three in 10 homeless adults report having been in foster care. About 25% of former foster youth report being homeless at least one night 2½ to 4 years after leaving care. Youth with mental health issues are less likely to graduate high school, have paid employment, or job training—even compared to youth with other disabilities. 6.5% of young adults 18 to 26 have Serious Mental Illness (SMI). 90% have more than one disorder, and 32% have co‐occurring substance abuse issues. Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness are evidenced by age 14. Each year, 500 youth “age out” of foster/resource care in New Jersey. More and more youth in out‐of‐home care are 18 and older: 8% DYFS and 13% DCBHS in 2009, up from 6% and 8% in 2007. In 2006, 18% of youth in foster care (age 13 to 21) exited care because they have “aged out.” Reportedly only one third of transition‐age foster youth take full advantage of services available to them. An average of 6% of youth receiving DYFS independent living services have active substance abuse issues. In Ocean County, there are additional challenges facing youth and young adults who are transitioning from DYFS supervision and foster/ resource care. As mentioned previously, the housing cost for renters is very high: 3rd in NJ and in the top 5% nationwide. Two in three renters pay more than 30% of their income to rent; 14th highest number nationwide (top 2%). A young adult needs to make at least $22 per hour full time to afford the median rental housing cost ($1,151/mo). Ocean has few aging out (DCBHS) housing options: 7 in 2007; behind only Cape May at 4. About 10% of the youth served by the children’s System of Care are 18 or older (~300 young adults in 2008). In Ocean County, both local offices have an Adolescent Unit of DYFS that serves families with older youth. Approximately 120 youth are supervised in these units. This represents about 6% of all children and youth under supervision. According to data provided by DCF for this needs assessment, as of 12/31/09 there were 14 youth in Independent Living placements and, as of 9/30/10, there were 7 youth. This represents 2% ‐ 3% of youth in placement. In 2008, a joint committee of the CIACC and Mental Health Board was formed to collaboratively case conference youth transitioning from the children to adult mental health system, as described previously in the Behavioral Health Service chapter of this assessment. Referrals from DYFS case workers were also discussed in this forum. A report was submitted to DCBHS and DMHS in December of 2009 and resubmitted during 2010, which documents the committee model, findings, and recommendations for service development. (Please note that while there is overlap between aging out youth with mental health needs and youth preparing to leave DYFS supervision, these populations are not exactly the same.) The findings and recommendations are quoted below: Page 47 Target Service Area: Transitional Services for Youth Preparing to Leave DYFS Supervision “Findings March 2007 – October 2007: Of the 14 cases reviewed from March to October of 2007, nearly all of the young adults experienced full or borderline co‐occurring developmental delays/disability and mental illness. Two young adults suffer from medical issues that require enhanced supports. The primary service need of nearly all referrals to the Aging Out/In Committee was housing and/or supportive housing. Often, ineligibility from DDD based on a borderline IQ score precludes youth from DDD placements, and low functioning precludes youth from benefitting from transitional or independent living mental health placements. Most youth had been institutionalized on a long‐term basis and are without community living skills and/or a supportive family to which to return. There are no specialized DD/MI placements in Ocean County for children or adults. November 2007 ‐ October 2009: Between November 2007 and September 2009, 36 youth presentations were made to the Committee. The majority of youth were referred due to a need for appropriate housing that provides (or allows for) suitable treatment and community living skills training. Another common challenge was to identify alternatives to school, vocational training, employment, or partial care that would interest and motivate the young adults. Two youth presentations were dually managed with DDD, another was referred for an assessment with SCCAT, and three were identified as borderline co‐occurring, but falling outside of DDD purview. Two youth presented with forensic or medical challenges that preclude these youth from many commonly used programs, which necessitates specialty planning. One youth exhibited challenges related to gender identity and sexual orientation. November 2008 – July 2009: Fifteen Ocean County youth were identified as meeting Transition Planning Conferencing pilot criteria. The primary needs of these young adults cataloged by the Transition Liaison were Housing, Mental Health Treatment and Medication Monitoring. Outcomes of the Aging Out/Aging In Committee •
Enhanced communication between the children’s and adult mental health systems. •
Networking around the “table” has repaired some of the fragmentation and silo‐ing that were the unintended consequences of the State‐level split of children’s behavioral health and adult mental health services administrations. •
In 2009, the Committee planned the 1st annual Transitional Living Resource Fair. The first Fair was targeted to providers, and future Fairs have been geared towards a youth and young adult audience. •
The CIACC has developed a partnership model between DYFS, children’s behavioral health programs and education system, which has provided ongoing cross‐training over the past three years. •
Page 48 As a result of the Mental Health Plan Update 2009, the PAC has implemented a quarterly Target Service Area: Transitional Services for Youth Preparing to Leave DYFS Supervision cross‐training calendar to enhance interagency awareness and communication specific to serving individuals with mental illness in our community. •
All of the efforts above have impacted the direct care level, changing the way services are provided to youth and young adults. Networking and training reaches the practice‐level, which expedites the delay between efforts and impact for youth and their families. •
More effective planning. •
Transition planning has begun earlier. The average age of young adults for whom case consultation is sought has become younger, down from 21 in 2007 to 18 in 2009. •
The best information is used to make decisions. •
The Committee has often recommended that updated clinical information and evaluations be sought. For some, diagnosis should be updated once the youth reaches adulthood. For others, risk assessments should be reviewed to reflect any gains or changes made in treatment. Entities have incorporated this into practice, so information is current and allows individuals to receive services in the most appropriate and least restrictive environment. •
The Committee was able to provide linkage to specialty evaluations (outside of Ocean County). •
Entitlements and benefits are maximized. There has been an increase in the expediency with which youth are assisted in securing financial entitlements. DYFS has extended the age limit for services to a young person’s 21st birthday, including health benefits and a scholarship program. •
Cross‐system coordination with DDD. Fewer referrals of youth with co‐occurring or borderline intellectual disability may be due to the establishment of quarterly meetings between DYFS and DDD on dually managed cases. As of late, a similar (separate) forum to provide collaborative consultation for dually managed DCBHS/DDD families has been developed. A CIACC DD/MI Committee has been convening since the Fall of 2008 with the purpose of enhancing coordination among systems partners who serve these youth, and the Committee has been working in tandem with the NJ Dual Diagnosis Task Force. •
Programming innovations. •
DYFS has embraced nationally recognized best practice in flexibility and adjusted criteria so that services can be provided to aging‐out youth. The age limit for services was expanded to the 21st birthday for independent living, health benefits, case management, education, subsidized housing and a scholarship program. •
The Center has started a track within their partial care program for young adults. •
Children’s and adult programs have worked in tandem to provide intensive supports during the transitional period. At least five young adults were successfully transitioned to the Residential Intensive Support Team (RIST) with supplementary services and supports Page 49 Target Service Area: Transitional Services for Youth Preparing to Leave DYFS Supervision provided by children’s case management entities. Additional youth accessed adult residential options with flexible use of children’s services offered for supports. •
The Committee worked with DCBHS on an application for SAMHSA Healthy Transitions grant in the Fall of 2008. The proposal was not selected for funding, however the preparations opened dialogue between State and local stakeholders, initiated new local partnerships, and educated stakeholders in nationally‐recognized transition models. System Gaps and Barriers 1. Understanding of and Latitude to Provide Supports Sensitive to Adolescent Development A. The transition to adulthood is a tumultuous time of missteps for many youth. Developmental psychology theory indicates that youth are egocentric, exploratory sexually, testing their autonomy, and developing abstract thinking and higher reasoning skills. Youth with behavioral challenges may move into this developmental stage later than age peers. At times, the expression of typical adolescent behaviors can be pathologized in the context of treatment. Due to licensing regulations and restrictive admission criteria, providers are not equipped to allow youth in our systems to go through typical adolescence as would their peers who reside in natural settings. The Committee has provided an opportunity to discuss and work through these concepts with providers. Natural supports and access to least restrictive environments are necessary to allow natural development to occur. Recommendation: encourage/explore cross‐training initiatives that address practical applications of developmental psychology theory and globally promote awareness of typical adolescent behavior. Recommendation: work with Licensing and Contracting entities to review existing regulations, policies and procedures that may be interpreted flexibly or refined to better accommodate this population. Recommendation: continue local technical assistance efforts, and enhance the visibility and accessibility of State‐level consultants (DCBHS and DYFS Transition Liaisons). B. Identifying or developing positive, natural supports to assist young adults with follow up and continuity of care. Typical to adolescence, several youth presented are drawn to unsupportive or negative relationships, return to them, reject assistance in order to assert their independence, and/or family has stepped back from a demonstrative role in order to allow the youth to be autonomous or out of frustration. While advances in this area have been made, there remain opportunities for improvement. The development of natural support networks generally occurs earlier than it had in the past since the implementation of child‐family team models. Recommendation: to develop opportunities for leadership development and peer support networks that Page 50 Target Service Area: Transitional Services for Youth Preparing to Leave DYFS Supervision are age appropriate and promote youth development. C. In addition to a dearth of child psychiatrists and psychologists who specialize in children’s mental health, there are few professionals with an expertise in adolescence and young adulthood. Telepsychiatry has been a very effective tool in the Ocean County acute care system to enhance the availability of psychiatry and child psychiatry throughout the county. Recommendation: investigate mechanisms to integrate a network of specialists throughout the state. 2. Access to Housing and an Array of Residential Treatment Settings A. In the two open with DDD and one evaluative case, the primary need was an appropriate clinical placement. There are no specialized DD/MI placements in Ocean County for children or adults. Recommendation: local DDD Office identify a liaison to behavioral health/ mental health system, who is empowered to participate in various established meetings (i.e. Aging Out, PAC, DD/MH Committees) in an active, positive and constructive way. Recommendation: the development of additional treatment options for youth with co‐occurring and borderline developmental disability and mental health B. An overwhelming majority of the presentations identified a lack of supportive housing options in the community, or appropriate step down placements where adequate clinical services and community living skills training could be provided. The current system does not promote permanency and youth are rewarded for positive development with upheaval and transfer to a new living arrangement. Recommendation: the development of full spectrum housing options in the community that can be fitted with varying levels of clinical treatment and independent living supports based on each young adult’s needs and desires, which incur minimal placement disruption over time. These options should provide a natural setting for real‐world practice of community living skills, pending zoning permits. These housing options should also factor in a crisis/respite bed support system where the goal is to maintain placement and reduce placement disruption. Recommendation: DCBHS consider the feasibility of incorporating the Brief Visit concept into contracts, to encourage consumer choice and to ease the transition of youth who are moving from one placement to the next. 3. Access to Non‐Clinical Activities A. A challenge presented for many youth is access to individualized, non‐conventional day activities other than school/college, a job, or partial care programming. Vocational training interested several Page 51 Target Service Area: Transitional Services for Youth Preparing to Leave DYFS Supervision youth and addressed this gap. For youth who are borderline low functioning or have not cultivated hobbies and interests, identifying fitting community resources is especially difficult. Recommendation: enhance relationships with other human service agencies and non‐clinical supports (i.e. DVR, CVR, Supported Employment, and Supported Education). Recommendation: develop specialized support groups, peer support and leadership opportunities for young adults at the Self‐Help Centers, linked to Youth Partnership. Recommendation: develop alternatives to traditional partial care programming that align more fluidly with sustainable resources (i.e. adult education, career), and support innovations to partial care model that better support wellness and recovery of young adults at this phase of life and level of functioning. B. There is an inability to overlap case management during transition due to Medicaid reimbursement regulations. This discourages partnering between children and adult case management entities and can strain transition. Recommendation: continue to explore reimbursement for a broad array of supportive services, such as peer support.” Survey Results As part of the current needs assessment process, local DYFS staff completed the required survey tool. As an anonymous survey, it is unknown whether or not (or to what degree) the Adolescent Units were represented in the survey results. Safe, affordable housing options are supportive housing services were identified as a great need for youth and young adults preparing to leave DYFS supervision (60% of sample). As mentioned previously, the cost of living in Ocean County is a barrier to many young people seeking independence, even those earning entry level, professional salaries. Educational, life skills training, and employment‐
related services were considered at least somewhat available by 43 to 57% of the respondents. Over 40% of the sample indicated that affordable housing Ranking/prioritization of the following ser‐
options are not available and 30% indicated that vices, in order of the need for them in Ocean supportive housing services are not available. County. Prioritization of services is shown in the table at right. Affordable Housing Options Focus Group Results The Aging Out/Aging In Committee convened on March 23, 2011 to serve as a focus Page 52 Life Skills Training Average rating 4.3 3.1 Employment Services 2.9 Educational Services 2.55 Supportive Housing Services 2.4 Target Service Area: Transitional Services for Youth Preparing to Leave DYFS Supervision group. The Committee echoed survey findings that local housing options and supportive housing services are both sorely needed in Ocean County for Ocean County youth, and felt that these services should be the top two priorities. This is especially important for youth who do not have a natural support system, are socially isolated and economically disadvantaged, and, thus, are at greater risk for repeating the cycle of child abuse and neglect. The Committee discussed at length the challenges to development and maturity for youth who have been in placement, both treatment and resource care. Scrutiny is placed on these youth’s behaviors, which can stifle or, at worst, pathologize normal developmental expressions. For example, adolescent dating is against program rules for safety reasons but this would be accepted in community and family home settings. Preparing for youth for adulthood between 16 and 21 years of age is a very limited amount of time to accomplish many goals that a typical youth has been naturally, gradually working towards throughout childhood (i.e. identifying career goals, understanding money management, building peer relationships). Innovative approaches to housing and programming for youth and young adults are cited as a need by the Committee. Most services utilized during the adulthood transition fall either in children’s services (i.e. YCM, CMO, treatment homes) or adult service systems (i.e. ICMS, DVR, adult partial care), and have not been developed specifically for young adults’ needs and interests. Page 53 Target Service Area: Domestic Violence Page 54 Target Service Area: Domestic Violence Services Domestic Violence Offenses
2006
2007
2008
2009
In New Jersey during 2009, there were 73,709 domestic violence offenses reports by the police, 22,295 arrests made, and 3,193 restraining orders issued. In all areas, this reflects an increase from 2008. In just under one third of the offenses, children were pre‐
sent (27%) or involved (4%). In‐
jury resulted from about 3 out of 10 offenses reported. Alcohol or drugs were involved in 27% of all cases. Injury resulted from 27% of offenses. In 19%, prior court or‐
ders had been issued against the alleged offender. Ocean ranks fifth among counties in the number of domes‐
tic violence offenses, 7th in ar‐
rests, and 2nd in restraining or‐
Total
Atlantic
Bergen
Burlington
Camden
Cape May
Cumberland
Essex
Gloucester
Hudson
Hunterdon
Mercer
Middlesex
Monmouth
Morris
Ocean
Passaic
Salem
Somerset
Sussex
Union
Warren
73,749
5,378
4,664
3,795
6,814
1,185
3,353
5,245
3,010
4,569
489
3,136
5,026
5,403
2,599
5,733
4,105
663
2,202
989
4,096
1,295
71,901
5,265
4,381
3,708
6,225
1,200
3,309
4,550
2,988
4,341
697
3,084
4,882
5,650
2,473
5,256
4,154
767
2,194
1,374
3,884
1,519
70,613
5,198
4,299
3,667
6,615
1,103
3,268
4,701
3,187
4,069
691
2,706
4,490
5,284
2,445
5,156
4,094
722
2,145
1,423
3,785
1,565
73,709
5,698
4,385
3,981
7,043
1,205
3,596
5,381
3,212
3,861
587
2,889
4,686
5,317
2,591
5,126
4,224
806
2,327
1,318
3,875
1,601
Rate per
1,000
8.5
21.1
4.9
8.9
13.7
12.5
23.1
6.9
11.2
6.5
4.5
7.9
5.9
8.3
5.3
9.1
8.6
12.2
7.2
8.7
7.4
14.6
ders issued. In 2006, its offense ranking was second behind only Camden. Harassment comprises the majority of offenses (50%), fol‐
lowed by assaults (37%). However, the rate of offenses per capita is just over the state average (9.1 in comparison to 8.5) and ranks 7th among counties. There has been domestic violence related homicides nearly every year in Ocean since 1998. In 2004, there was an unusually high number of 5. A national survey found that 50% of men who frequently assaulted their wives also frequently assaulted their children. Several smaller studies found that 50‐60% of mothers who engage in child abuse and neglect have been victims of domestic violence. Domestic Violence Related Homicide Offenses in Ocean County
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Page 55 Target Service Area: Domestic Violence Services Survey Results Ranking/prioritization of the follow‐
In the survey given to DYFS staff, 67% indicated ing Domestic Violence services, in that Transitional Housing for families experiencing do‐ order of the need for them in Ocean mestic violence is extremely needed in Ocean County. Emergency Shelter and Advocacy were cited as an ex‐
County. Average rating treme need by 53% each. Two thirds of the sample felt that all services are at least somewhat available and ac‐
Transitional Housing cessible. Barriers include transportation, waitlists, and 3.36 restrictive eligibility requirements. As seen in the table at Emergency Shelter 2.6 right, Transitional Housing services are prioritized as the Advocacy (legal, employment) 2.1 greatest need for service development. Domestic vio‐
lence related services were prioritized 4th of the eight Counseling 2.0 target service areas. Focus Group Results On March 22, 2011, a focus group was held with the existing Domestic Violence Working Group that is convened by Family Court. Attendees included law enforcement officers from four municipalities in Ocean County, domestic violence advocates, Family Court Intake staff, the Office of the Prosecutor, and the Acting Presiding Judge of the Family Court. The CIACC Coordinator, HSAC Coordinator, and DYFS Regional Planner also attended for the focus group. All domestic violence services are in danger of funding cuts. As of May 1, all hotline and emer‐
gency services will be decreased by half. Transitional housing is minimal (8 slots), also limited by fund‐
ing. In addition, there are eligibility requirements that limit the delivery of services. When families util‐
ize either the emergency shelter or transitional housing program, children receive supportive services and linkages as needed. In addition, Peace: A Learned Solution is available for children between 3 and 10 and other groups are available for 11—13 year olds and 14‐17 year olds. There is one domestic violence liaison to serve both Ocean County DYFS local offices. This staff person, affiliated with the same agency who operates the emergency shelter, hotline, child program, and Domestic Violence Response Team, reviews 40 to 50 family situations with DYFS each month. A sugges‐
tion was made to expand this to one liaison in each office. There is a level of unresolved ambiguity to what degree domestic violence within a home constitutes a safety risk to the children and child abuse and neglect can be substantiated. The group acknowledged a major barrier to service delivery for families experiencing domestic violence is the shame, embarrassment, and learned helplessness that often impedes the ability and will‐
ingness to seek help. Even those who seek law enforcement intervention may not readily accept the ser‐
vices of the Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) through Providence House, which can provide them short term counseling, advocacy through the court process, and linkage to other community re‐
sources. Law enforcement officers are trained in Domestic Violence protocol through the Police Acad‐
emy and are provided palm cards with contact information for the Emergency DV shelter and hotline. The group would like to see the DVRT available to respond with police to all suspected domestic vio‐
Page 56 Target Service Area: Domestic Violence Services lence situations. Individuals will speak to advocates more candidly, and may be more willing to admit child involvement in events so that the children can receive services. There is also a 10‐day gap between law enforcement response and court date, in which time many victims are unsupported, without follow up, their own issues become exacerbated, and they are likely to drop the case. Legal advocacy was identified as a priority gap. Family Court Intake gives general information about the court processes for Restraining Orders and criminal charges to victims orally, which could be given in writing. The victim does not require legal representation. An advocate is available to victims at Superior Court, but only in Barnegat and Brick municipal courts. The group also noted a trend of younger individuals charged with Domestic Violence offenses or issued restraining orders. Youth do not tend to take the offenses or orders seriously or understand the gravity of the behaviors that they are exhibiting. A youth who is under restraining order from a fel‐
low school mate can no longer attend the same school. Despite bullying being a major area of focus in schools, dating violence and harassment are on the rise yet do not appear to be included in bullying cur‐
riculum. Young victims of dating violence or harassment have a higher likelihood of teen pregnancy, increasing the risk for child abuse and neglect. An increase in Spanish‐speaking families was also recognized by the group. As in many service delivery systems, linguistically appropriate or translation services are limited at this point. Another barrier is substance abuse on behalf of the victim, which excludes the individual from many assistance programs. Page 57 Target Service Area: Services for Special Needs Children Page 58 Target Service Area: Services for Youth with Special Needs Disability Status of Civilian Noninstitutionalized Population
2009
2008
2007
2006
With a disability
13.8%
13.1%
15.1% 5+ with a disability
15.2%
Under 18 years
3.9%
3.1%
4.5% 5 to 15 years
4.1%
18 to 64 years
10.4%
9.0%
10.6% 16 to 64 years
10.3%
65 years and over
34.1%
36.2%
35.3% 65 years and over
37.0%
New Jersey has one of the lowest rates of individuals with a disabil‐
ity, ranked 49th of 52 states and territories in 2008. Information reported on Disability Statistics Cornell University lists NJ at 9.8% compared to 12.1% nationwide. The state ranks 46th on youth (5 to 15 years) with 4.2%, one per‐
centage point below the national rate of 5.1%. Anecdotally, it is well known that there are sizable clusters of indi‐
viduals—many of them children—who are diagnosed with autism in Ocean County. The most recent American Community Survey (2009) indicates that 3.9% of children under 18 living in Ocean County experience a disability. The Census Bureau defines disability as a long‐lasting sensory, physical, mental, or emotional condition or conditions that make it difficult for a person to d o f u n c t i o n a l o r participatory activities such as seeing, hearing, walking, climbing stairs, learning, remembering, concentrating, dressing, bathing, going outside the home, or working at a job. Based on 2010 population, this reflects 5,155 youth. There are slightly more special education enroll‐
ments from Ocean County than the statewide average (16.1% versus 15.4%). Of students aged 3 to 21, the classification rate is 18.4% in Ocean (16.8% NJ 2007). There are 8 approved schools for students with disabilities in addition to in‐district programs. In light of the minimal data available in this area, the Commission for Individuals with Disabili‐
ties has begun planning for an in depth needs assessment of the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families and caregivers. The process is slated to begin in the summer of 2011. Survey Results While participants recognized a demand in Ocean County for these services (see below), avail‐
ability and accessibility were largely unknown by 15 to 58% of the sample. Perceived barriers included waiting lists, eligibility requirements, and financial issues. It was prioritized low in comparison to other target service areas. The needs of families in Ocean County are unique. Certain behaviors may be more or less prevalent here, Ex‐
Some‐
and thus the need for services to address those behav‐
tremely what Not I Donʹt iors is unique. This question should be evaluated inde‐
pendent of the availability of the service. Needed Needed Needed Know Social Skills Groups for Special Needs Youth 33% 40% 13% 13% (specialized recreation, afterschool programs, etc.) Assistive Technology for Special Needs Youth (home 27% 40% 13% 20% and vehicle modification, etc.) Respite: providing a brief break to the caregiver of a 40% 40% 7% 13% child with special needs, in or out of home In Home Supports: behavioral or physical health re‐
60% 33% 0% 7% lated (visiting nurse, behavioral assistant) Support Groups for Families with Special Needs 47% 33% 7% 13% Youth Page 59 Target Service Area: Services for Youth with Special Needs Focus Group Results A meeting was convened specifically for the purposes of this needs assessment around the needs of children with special needs. Invitations were extended to Special Education Parent Teacher Associations, the NJ Parent Teacher Association, Ocean County Commission for Individuals with Dis‐
abilities, Regional Family Support Planning Council #6, Division of Developmental Disabilities, Direc‐
tors of Special Services within school districts, and local community‐based agencies who serve youth with special needs. Eight participants, both families and professionals, attended with three Ocean County Department of Human Services staff. The group discussed the services that exist in Ocean County for youth with special needs, Ocean County’s strengths and weaknesses in this area, and priority service needs. The findings and recommen‐
dations are as follows: Strengths •
Family Support Center of NJ is local, provides training, application assistance, information and referral, etc. for families. •
Division of Disability Services (DDS) offers telephonic information and referral services. •
Reduction of Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) caseload since families with “low vulnerability” were transferred to DDS in 2009. •
Self directed service initiatives by DDD. •
Many resource manuals and online databases are available to families and professionals, but these are not coordinated and marketing is not robust. •
TheTrainingCalendar.org is hosted by the Family Support Center of NJ and lists all family and professional workshops from a variety of sources that are held throughout the state. •
Networking opportunities in various advisory councils, commissions, and organizations. Weaknesses Page 60 •
Minimal advertising/marketing of available programs. •
Family stress and frustration due to the intense caregiving needs. •
A lack of one‐on‐one, hands‐on assistance to coordinate services. •
Burdensome, confusing, overwhelming paperwork and application processes (i.e. DDD, Social Security Administration). •
Lack of cross training between DDD and DYFS workers. •
Services are fragmented between DDD contracted agencies, schools, community agencies, etc. •
Waiting lists for contracted/funded services. •
Many services have fees that preclude families with financial limitations/hardship. •
Funding for the Special Needs Respite Network through The Children’s Home Society was eliminated. •
Parents are unable to participate in support groups and events due to intense caregiving needs. •
No locally‐based, virtual support groups for parents. Target Service Area: Services for Youth with Special Needs Service Priorities 1. Cross training between DDD, community agencies serving youth with developmental disabilities, schools, DYFS and DCBHS, being sure to include front line staff as opposed to administrative/
supervisory staff only. 2. New ways to outreach and provide networking opportunities to parents, such as the development of an online site that features coordinated social networking, resource database, events listing, chat/ dis‐
cussion board, and other functions for parents and caregivers with access to providers as well. 3. Information provided on services for special needs children to all DYFS case workers. The group agreed to meet to follow up on their recommendations after six months. Page 61 Target Service Area: Early Care and Education Page 62 Target Service Area: Early Care and Education Executive Summary As part of the Needs Assessment of At Risk Children and Families required by the NJ Depart‐
ment of Children and Families, the Child Care Planning Committee of the Human Services Advisory Council took this opportunity to assess the early care and education needs of families in Ocean County. This assessment will also serve as an update to the Child Care Plan, required by the NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development. During the fall of 2010, the Child Care Planning Committee worked diligently to create two sur‐
vey tools for the purposes of this assessment. One was designed for family respondents and the other for providers of child care services. The objectives of these surveys was to determine the child care ar‐
rangements utilized by Ocean County families, the services provided by local providers, and the chal‐
lenges experienced by both groups to obtaining or providing affordable and high quality child care by/
for all of the families in Ocean County who need it. The Committee agreed to incorporate focus groups as needed based on the robustness of the survey results. Ultimately, no focus groups were utilized. The Family Survey was open from December 8, 2010 through March 31, 2011. A link was emailed to the Human Service mailing lists, child care providers in the county, and County of Ocean departments for voluntary distribution to staff. Hard copies were also distributed to child care providers for distribution to families. Community based organizations and child care providers were encouraged to post the link on their websites and include it in any newsletters shared with families. In total, 197 in‐
dividuals shared their input through this survey. The Provider Survey was open from January 7 through March 31, 2011. A link was emailed to child care providers in the county on January 7 and February 25, 2011. Hard copies were also sent to all providers on both dates. In total, 55 of the 280 eligible organizations completed a survey. On February 22, 2011 and April 14, 2011, the Child Care Planning Committee convened to ana‐
lyze the survey results, record their findings, and identify actionable steps for the Committee to focus their efforts on in the next five years. The primary focus of the Child Care Planning Committee for 2011 – 2015 will be on facilitating training for families and providers, encouraging Family Friendly employ‐
ers, and increasing participation on and by the committee. Committee Members Very special thanks are owed to the Child Care Planning Committee members who participated in this needs assessment and planning process: Maureen Lawrence, Chair, The Children’s Home Society of NJ Iris Devrous, Lakewood Multicultural Pre School Donna Doherty, OCEAN, Inc. Head Start Violet LaGrotteria, Ocean County Board of Social Services Carmen LoVerde, Jane Addams Day Care Sandra McDonnell, NJ Division of Youth and Family Services Page 63 Target Service Area: Early Care and Education Katie Opauski, Saint Francis Community Center Karen Wilson, Kangaroo Kourt Department of Human Services staff: Jamie Hart, Children’s Inter Agency Coordinating Council Kathy Jaworski, Human Services Advisory Council Susan Mascola, Human Services Advisory Council Kelly Mitchell, Advisory Commission on the Status of Women Early Care and Education in Ocean County Child care centers In New Jersey, there are 4,209 licensed child care centers, with capacity to serve 353,706 children (data as of June 2010 Kids Count). In Ocean County, there are 180 centers located throughout the county, in nearly every municipality. Family child care providers In addition, there are 2,938 family child care providers statewide, each serving up to 5 children for a maximum total of 14,690. There are 90 registered family child care providers in Ocean County. Pre School Programs Across New Jersey, 49,940 children are enrolled in preschool, 10.3 in half‐day programs and 90% in full day programs. There are 26% of children ages 3 to 5 not enrolled in nursery school, pre‐
school, or kindergarten programs (much lower than the national average of 40%). In Ocean County, the municipalities of Eagleswood, Lakehurst, Lakewood, Little Egg Harbor, Ocean Gate, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, Stafford, and Tuckerton receive pre‐school funding aid from the NJ Department of Educa‐
tion, Division of Early Childhood Education. Assistance for Low Income Families WFNJ & Post Transitional Child Care Parents who receive Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and participate in the Work First New Jersey initiative are entitled to free child care assistance while engaged in those pro‐
grams, working or participating in an approved job or training activity. Post Transitional Child Care may be available for extended period of 24 months after completion of these programs if the child/
children and under 13. A co‐pay or fee may be assessed. NJ Cares for Kids New Jersey Cares for Kids program helps low and middle income families pay for the cost of Page 64 Target Service Area: Early Care and Education child care if they are eligible. Parents must work at least 30 hours per week in a full‐time or two part‐
time jobs, attend college or a training program full‐time, or hold a part‐time job and a part‐time school schedule equaling full time. Parents pay a portion of the child care cost, based on their income and fam‐
ily size, NJCK pays the balance up to the state maximum. Families earning up to 200 percent of the fed‐
eral poverty level qualify for subsidies under the New Jersey Cares for Kids Program. These subsidy amounts vary depending on the family’s household income. After one year, a family remains eligible with an income up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level. Child care providers may accept the sub‐
sidy amount only or charge a supplemental fee in addition, payable by the family. Early Employment Initiative The Early Employment Initiative is an alternative to Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) that provides up to thirty days of intense job search and assistance with one time expenses that would assist the family to get back to work. Child care assistance is also available for individuals who utilize this program. Head Start Head Start promotes school readiness for children, ages three to five, in low‐income families by offering educational, nutritional, health, social and other services. To be eligible, family income must be 100% or below the federal poverty level. Head Start programs promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutri‐
tional, social and other services to enrolled children and families. Programs actively engage parents in their childrenʹs learning and help them in making progress toward their educational, literacy and em‐
ployment goals. Significant emphasis is placed on the involvement of parents in the administration of local Head Start programs. Programs for At Risk Families DYFS Post Adoption Child Care Post Adoption Child Care funds are to help facilitate the adoption of children in foster place‐
ment. The program is available for children in foster care whose adoption was finalized after December 31, 2004. Child care can continue without co‐payment until August 31 of the contract year of the child’s sixth birthday or the start of kindergarten. To be eligible the parent(s) must be employed full time or engaged in school or training full time. DYFS Kinship Navigator Child Care Kinship caregivers have taken on the responsibility of caring for their relatives’ children. A vari‐
ety of support services and financial aid are available to kinship caregivers and their children, as well as help to navigate other government assistance programs that may be of interest. This program helps Kin‐
Page 65 Target Service Area: Early Care and Education ship caregivers with paying for child care. Financial eligibility depends on the caregiverʹs age, house‐
hold size and the total income of the family unit. Findings and Recommendations of Previous Child Care Plans Family Issues In 2000, six key issues were identified within a focus group among families utilizing child care assistance programs for low income families. In 2006, focus groups were held with families utilizing as‐
sistance as well as those who do not qualify. Each key issue from 2000 was discussed. Families felt that a lack of affordable care, lack of trained staff, and a lack of flexible child care availability persist. On a positive note, the number of child care options had increased which improves convenience of location and reduces the transportation issue. Transportation between schools and before/after care remains an issue in some cases. As opposed to seeking child care providers to care for children during mild illness, in 2006, parents felt that employers should be flexible to allow parents leave to care for their children during this time. Provider Issues Eight key issues were identified among providers of child care in 2000, which included the is‐
sues identified by families as well as behaviorally challenging children and State regulations as a barrier to quality and cost‐effective service delivery. In 2006, providers focused in on managing behavioral chal‐
lenges, providing affordable care while maintaining a quality business, staff training, and navigating State regulations. Family child care providers also highlighted challenges engaging with resistant par‐
ents. Coordinating transportation with school districts was also seen as a bigger issue for family child care. Recommendations of 2000 and 2006, and Follow Up of 2011 Issue: Lack of Affordable Child Care Child care directory with a rating system to be given out at hospitals, libraries, The Children’s Home Society of NJ, and the One Stop Career Centers. Active advocacy through petitions and letter writing campaigns to local officials through parents, child care providers, and HSAC regarding affordable child care. An affordable benefit plan to foster staff retention. DYFS needs to change ratios. Regulations need to be realistic and have a purpose in providing a safer environment. The recommendation of a child care directory with a rating system was not followed through, as it is difficult to develop a realistic system. Advocacy has been conducted through the HSAC Legislative Ad‐
vocacy Committee upon request by the Child Care Committee. A letter was written regarding addi‐
tional financial obligations put on child care centers to meet environmental testing requirements. The former director of the CCR&R approached child care centers regarding employee benefit plans, but steps were not taken in follow up to this information gathering due to the economic recession. Staff‐
Page 66 Target Service Area: Early Care and Education child ratios were not discussed with the licensing entity. Issue: Lack of Trained Staff More training should be available to staff. Staff should be certified not only in curriculum but in CPR as well. DYFS (now DCF Office of Licensing) should reduce the ratio in infant rooms. Expand trainings towards teachers not only Directors and Assistants. More variety in training needed. Have trainings in evening hours. Create a list of available trainers. Benefit program needed to hold on to staff. Staff needs to be recognized as professionals. Trainings have been increased since this issue was noted. The Early Learning Council has organized several workshops, some in the evenings, on such topics as autism spectrum disorders and child nutri‐
tion. Child care professionals, parents, and other interested parties have been invited. The Council is in the process of reorganization. In addition, the Child Care Resource & Referral Agency facilitates many workshops and seminars for child care providers, and maintains a list of speakers. Part of licensure for child care centers is CPR training for staff. It is unknown whether or not staff ratios in infant programs were discussed with the Office of Licensing. Issue: Behavior of Children and/or Parents Educate parents through workshops, seminars, trainings. Build relations and communication with parents. Put more staff in rooms, which is costly. Create behavioral modification plans with parents. Train Child Care professionals on how to deal with parents and children with behavioral problems. Have a parenting handbook including a parent code of conduct. In 2005, New Jersey implemented a nationally recognized evidence‐based service delivery model for children and youth with behavioral challenges. This increased the assistance available to families experi‐
ence difficult to manage behaviors in children typically five years and older. Exceptions have been made for younger children. The CCR&R developed an Early Learning Council who has organized several workshops each year, open to parents and child care staff, on topics that include difficult to manage behaviors. The Council is in the process of reorganization. Most child care centers have the ability to create behavioral modifica‐
tion plans with families. Page 67 Target Service Area: Early Care and Education Issue: Lack of Child Care for Sick Children Parents need a back up plan. Create a call list of providers who would care for ill children. The Child Care Resource and Referral Agency maintains a list of all registered child care providers and keeps current on the menu of services each offers. All Ocean County residents may call the CCR&R for information and referral during regular business hours. As part of training offered to parents from the CCR&R, parents are strongly advised to create a back up plan for a variety of situations where regular arrangements may be unavailable. Issue: Lack of sufficient choice of child care by location and not enough child care available in general. Parents should research child care options. Outreach employers to get their perspective on the child care issue and determine if employers need training on the child care issue and their role and responsibility in general. CCR&R parent training recommends that parents research child care options to coincide with the par‐
ents’ daily routine. The Child Care Committee has been developing a postcard marketing campaign de‐
signed to encourage local businesses to be “Family Friendly Employers.” It is hoped that this will be released in stages during 2011 and 2012. Issue: Lack of Transportation Parents need to open a dialogue with the school districts. The County should endorse all Family Child Care Providers as a bus stop for school children. This issue was not addressed at a County level. Direct communication between family and school was deemed to be more appropriate. Issue: State Regulations Reimbursements. View child care providers as professionals. Credentialing hours should count towards CEUs. As for State regulations, the function transferred with DYFS to a newly created Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing in 2006. State funding for low income family assistance programs, however, rests with the Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development. As noted above, issues with State regulations have been addressed via the Legislative Advocacy Committee of the HSAC. Early Care and Education in 2011: Priority Issues and Plan for 2011 ‐ 2015 At the Child Care Planning Committee meeting of April 14, 2011, the committee identified train‐
ing as the primary issue upon which the committee may have maximum positive impact. While publi‐
Page 68 Target Service Area: Early Care and Education cally supported programs for child care and early education are limited, it was felt that the current eco‐
nomic times are not optimal for advocacy in the way of increasing assistance to families, expanding pro‐
grams, or revising regulations. There have been many gains in the number of providers in Ocean County, the convenience of their locations, and levels of service available for families since the original Plan in 2000. Facilitating Training for Families, Providers, and Stakeholders Interested in Early Care and Education Based on the Family Survey, workshop topics of interest include: difficult to manage behaviors, child development, and how to encourage school readiness at home. Based on the Provider Survey, workshop topics of interest include: managing difficult behaviors in children such as behavioral chal‐
lenges and learning disabilities; and assisting families who do not speak English and those who experi‐
ence homelessness, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence. The Child Care Committee will investi‐
gate combining its efforts with respect to facilitating training with the Early Learning Council, which has been under reorganization. Encouraging “Family Friendly” Employers in Ocean County The Child Care Committee will continue its campaign regarding Family Friendly Employers. Many Family Survey respondents expressed the importance of employer flexibility around child care and family responsibilities, and indicated that their ideal child care arrangements included partnership with their employer to balance personal and professional obligations. The Committee will focus on out‐
reach and education to major employers in the area. Increasing Participation on the Child Care Planning Committee Several survey respondents expressed an interest in the follow up that would take place after data has been collected and analyzed. Also, many provider respondents indicated that they would be willing to participate in new projects that would improve the early care and education available for chil‐
dren and families. The Child Care Planning Committee will use this exposure in the community as an opportunity to recruit membership and develop a mailing list, while sharing the results of the surveys and planning process. The mailing list will be used to share information about upcoming events, grant opportunities, research in early care and education, and resources for young children and families. Page 69 Target Service Area: Delinquency Prevention Page 70 Target Service Area: Delinquency Prevention School Incident Rate Per 1,000
Students by County, SY07-08
School Incidents in Ocean County
2003 - 2004
State To tal
Substances
2004 - 2005
Weapons
vandalism
Essex
2005 - 2006
B ergen
2006 - 2007
So merset
2007 - 2008
Unio n
M o rris
2008 - 2009
P assaic
Sussex
Violence
Ocean
Hudso n
0
200
400
600
800
M iddlesex
Hunterdo n
Total School Based Incidents dropped by 19% from 1,269 in the 2001‐2002 School Year to 1,046 in the 2008‐2009 School Year. This is twice as dramatic as the decrease statewide (12.6%). Without consideration for stu‐
dents involved in multiple incidents, this reflects a rate of 13.4 incidents per 1,000 students. Ocean is about average for the rate of incidents compared to other counties, which M o nmo uth
Camden
B urlingto n
Salem
Glo ucester
Warren
M ercer
A tlantic
Cumberland
Cape M ay
range from 9 to 21. Violent Incidents remain the most frequent type of 0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
incident reported at about 60% of the total incidents. Substance Abuse and Vandalism account for ap‐
proximately 20% of incident reports each, and Firearms are still last under 5%. NJ Middle School
Risk and Protective Factor Survey 2007
Prevalence of Selected
Delinquent Behaviors
Ocean
The 2007 NJ Middle School Risk and Pro‐
tective Factor Survey asked its sample of students to self report their involvement with several behav‐
NJ
iors. For selected delinquent behaviors, several Attacking Someone with Intent to Harm
8.4%
9.2%
Attempting to Steal a Vehicle
0.9%
0.9%
Being Arrested
2.4%
2.8%
Being Drunk or High at School
2.7%
3.1%
gun to School directly speaks to the feeling of Carrying a Handgun
2.0%
1.6%
safety that students feel while at school. However, Getting Suspended
were more prevalent in Ocean that in the state as a whole, as seen in the table below. Taking a Hand‐
13.2%
12.7%
it is important to note that the magnitude of this Selling Drugs
0.6%
0.9%
difference between Ocean and New Jersey is less Taking a Handgun to School
1.1%
0.4%
In a Gang, with or without a name
4.7%
5.9%
than one percentage point. Page 71 Target Service Area: Delinquency Prevention In 2009, juvenile arrests decreased to 2,096 or less than 2% of the youth population. The number of juvenile arrests in Ocean County and New Jersey at large has steadily decreased over time, particularly since 2003. Ocean County currently ranks 12th among counties in the state for juvenile arrests, down from 8th in 2006. Uniform Crime Report data shows that the total of juvenile arrests in Ocean County decreased by 42.5% from 3,648 in 2003 to 3,062 in 2006 to 2,096 in 2009. This trend is aligned with, but of Juvenile Arrests by County,
2009
significantly greater magnitude than the overall statewide decline of 22% over the same time period. 2009
Statewide
Camden
Essex
Monmouth
Mercer
Bergen
Passaic
2006
Rank
48,923
1
7,271
2
3,977
3
3,921
3,601
5
6
3,581
4
3,153
Middlesex
2,781
9
Union
Hudson
Atlantic
Burlington
Ocean
Morris
Somerset
Gloucester
Cumberland
Cape May
Salem
Sussex
Warren
Hunterdon
2,439
2,413
2,156
2,143
2,096
1,754
1,695
1,492
1,457
842
578
566
368
344
10
Considering the increase in youth population in Ocean yet the decrease of arrests, it could be inferred that the extent of juvenile delinquency in the county has declined. Ocean County’s percentage of juvenile arrests is compared to the percentage of youth population in the chart below. All factors being equal, the proportions should be about the same. 7
Proportion of Juvenile Arrests to Youth Population, 1990 2009
12
11
8
7%
14
6%
16
5%
15
13
4%
17
19
18
3%
20
1%
21
0%
Juvenile Arrests
Youth Population
19
90
19
93
19
96
19
99
20
00
20
01
20
02
20
03
20
04
20
05
20
06
20
07
20
08
20
09
2%
Page 72 Target Service Area: Delinquency Prevention About 150 youth are admitted to Juvenile Detention each year and about 20 or fewer juveniles are sentenced to serve a commitment to the custody of the NJ Juvenile Justice Commission. Utilization of Detention has decreased, due to several changes: legislation that heightened the seriousness of offense alleged in order to detain a youth, the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) beginning in 2007, and the implementation of a Risk Screening Tool to standardize detention use by level of risk exhibited by a youth. Annual admissions to Detention have declined from 242 in 2005 to 143 in 2010. The Average Daily Population in 2009 was 18 juveniles and, in 2010, was 12.5 juveniles. Average length of stay in Detention decreased from 34.8 days to 31.7 days (2003 to 2010) and two thirds of juveniles are released within 30 days. According to the Ocean County JDAI One Day Detention Snapshot, 62.5% of detained youth exhibited one or more indicators of mental health concerns. 37% were currently or previously involved with the Division of Youth and Family Services. Juvenile crime comprises about 12% of the total arrests in Ocean County. The following is a synopsis of crime in Ocean County, taken from the 2009 Uniform Crime Report: “VOLUME/RATE •
A total of 11,354 Crime Index Offenses were reported to the police of Ocean County during 2009, a 11 percent decrease when compared to 2008. •
Violent crimes decreased 12 percent while the nonviolent crime category decreased 11 percent. •
The crime rate for Ocean County was recorded at 20 victims for every 1,000 permanent inhabitants, a decrease of 11 percent compared to the previous year. •
Murder remained the same in 2009. Rape decreased from 54 in 2008 to 52 in 2009. •
Robbery decreased from 214 in 2008 to 201 in 2009. Burglary decreased from 2,362 in 2008 to 2,074 in 2009. •
Aggravated assault decreased from 525 in 2008 to 448 in 2009. •
The total value of property stolen in Ocean County amounted to $12.7 million, of which 14 percent was recovered. Page 73 Target Service Area: Delinquency Prevention ARRESTS/CLEARANCES •
There were 18,282 persons arrested during 2009, a decrease of 9 percent when compared to 2008. •
Adult arrests decreased 8 percent to 16,186 and juvenile arrests decreased 19 percent to 2,096 in 2009. •
The total clearance rate for Index offenses was 17 percent; juveniles were responsible for 16 percent of those cases.” Survey Results Please rate Delinquency Prevention Services: Extremely Somewhat Not delinquency prevention services are Needed Needed Needed needed in Ocean County. The majority felt Need 40.0% 53.3% 0.0% Somewhat Not these services are not available (42.9%) and Available Available Available were not aware of the accessibility of these 0.0% 21.4% 42.9% services (66.7%). Compared to other target Availability Somewhat Not service areas it was rated lowest, equal to Accessible Accessible Accessible Early Care and Education. Accessibility 0.0% 25.0% 8.3% Focus Group Survey participants indicated that I donʹt know 6.7% I donʹt know 35.7% I donʹt know 66.7% Families exposed to community violence, socially isolated families, young single parents, and individuals with a history of maltreatment are at greater risk for child abuse and neglect. These are risk factors prevalent among youth involved in delinquency and a cycle that may pervade as these youth reach adulthood and start their own families. In turn, delinquency prevention and services to reduce recidivism among juvenile offenders may prevent child abuse and neglect. Summary of the 2009 ‐ 2011 Comprehensive Youth Services Com mission (YSC) Plan & 2011 Plan Update Through the analysis of various data points at each critical intervention point of the juvenile justice system (prevention, diversion, detention, disposition, and re‐entry), the YSC plan culminates in service priorities for utilizing State Community Partnership and Family Court funding through the NJ Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC). The service priorities are as follows: •
Delinquency prevention workshops for youth and their families
•
Diversion programs such as shoplifting, bullying, anger management, life skills, etc.
•
Family Crisis Intervention Unit (FCIU)
•
Bias Intimidation
•
Home Detention/ Electronic Monitoring programming as alternatives to secure detention
•
Mentoring for juvenile offenders
•
Adolescent substance abuse services, both outpatient and short term inpatient
•
In home counseling and expedited psychological and psychiatric services
•
Evaluation and counseling for special needs offenders (i.e. youth with sexual acting out and fire Page 74 Target Service Area: Delinquency Prevention setting behaviors)
•
Partial care/ after school programming
•
Service learning programming
•
Community service programs
•
MDT coordinator and small client specific
Each year, the YSC provides a plan update to the JJC, which indicates any changes to the service priorities and funding allocation with rationale. The 2011 Plan Update stated: “Most of the recommendations have stayed the same with some minor revisions in Detention Alternatives that are to be addressed through the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) Innovations planning. All indicators have pointed to the need for more of the existing services identified in the 2009 Plan and Application with the exception of a gender‐specific group program and a bias‐intimidation treatment program, for which referrals have dwindled.” A focus group was held during the regularly scheduled Youth Services Commission (YSC) meeting on April 13, 2011. The group reviewed background data, the results of the last Comprehensive YSC Plan and plan update, and the survey results. The group agreed that, to prevent or address child abuse and neglect, the following existing service priorities are most significant:: Delinquency prevention workshops, diversion programs, Family Crisis Intervention Unit, adolescent substance abuse services, services for special needs offenders particularly sex offenders, service learning programs, and community services opportunities. The group also noted the need for services and support for parents, especially for parents of very young children around child development and boundaries. The expansion of such programs as Probation Orientation, Strengthening Families, Family Functional Therapy, and Family Success Centers would provide support to parents concurrent with services for youth. Page 75 Service Priorities At the conclusion of all focus groups, the Planning Committee reconvened to identify all service priorities among all target service areas and finalize the overall ranking. The Early Care and Education activities—also serving as Ocean County’s Child Care Plan Update for 2011—were considered independently. [It is important to note that this target service area was prioritized last, tying with delinquency prevention services.] Thus, there were 49 service priorities identified across 7 target service areas. Considering the survey respondents’ ranking of the target service areas and the ranking of services within each area through the survey and focus groups, an overall service ranking emerged. The Planning Committee analyzed the full list for thematic categorization, weighted the groupings by service area and service rankings, and produced the following 16 service priorities in priority order: 1. Substance Abuse Treatment Services There is a general lack of continuum of care for substance abuse issues available in Ocean County. A common problem in Ocean’s human service delivery system is that tremendous population growth has not been accommodated by equivalent service development. The survey respondents prioritized adult services over youth services, and inpatient modalities over outpatient. Adolescent substance abuse services are also recognized as prevention to delinquency. There are no inpatient programs located in Ocean County, and few outpatient providers that are subsidized with public funds. 2. Specialized Therapies There is a dearth of outpatient behavioral/ mental health care available in Ocean, again primarily due to population growth. Specialized therapies are even less available and accessible, including trauma‐informed care, domestic violence counseling, play and sand therapies for very young children, integrated services for individuals dually diagnosed with developmental disabilities and mental health needs, services to address special needs offending (i.e. sexual offending, fire‐setting), in home supports (behavioral or physical health related) for special needs youth, and assistive technologies for youth with special needs. 3. Safe, Affordable Housing The cost of living in Ocean County is notably expensive. This affects all individuals living here, but especially families, youth and young adults preparing for independence after resource care or behavioral health treatment, and families seeking transitional housing after experiencing domestic violence. Without a middle to upper middle class salary (or two incomes for Page 76 Service Priorities, continued families), housing costs far exceed the benchmark of affordability. 4. Support for Parents In several focus groups, the participants recognized that natural community supports for new parents have diminished in the last few generations. New families who do not have extended family support are more isolated and are at an even greater disadvantage. There are few local resources to support at‐risk new parents (particularly fathers) with training on parenting skills, child development, boundaries and limitations, and realistic expectations. There are even fewer parenting skills training for parents of children with behavioral challenges or special needs. The availability to coach and mentor parents to implement skills in practical settings would be optimal. Mutual aid support groups, short term parenting classes, and drop in centers are available in some systems for parents with varying degrees of voluntary participation. New ways are needed to outreach and provide networking opportunities among parents utilizing the technology entrenched in modern culture, especially for parents of special needs youth who have limited time away from care giving responsibilities. 5. Transportation Assistance Transportation is paramount to accessing any human or social service and is one of the biggest barriers cited in this needs assessment to accessing many services. However, there are several measures in place. Ocean County has a local transportation system that is limited to the most densely populated areas due to the sheer size of the county. Many community based agencies leverage NJ Transit funds to provide transportation services within a limited range to consumers of particular programs. Transportation programs are available to consumers with disabilities. A coordinated approach to transportation would be very useful to maximize resources. 6. Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter For victims of domestic violence, emergency services are vital for safety and to begin the break the cycle of abuse. The Emergency Shelter provides a safe, confidential place for victims and their children to seek respite from the alleged abuser, and includes the provision of a hotline and outreach services. Severe funding cuts will impact these services in the near future. 7. Services for Transitioning Youth There has been much improvement in the transition processes in place for youth involved in special education, child protection, and children’s behavioral health systems. However, formalized life skills training, employment services, and educational services are needed but Page 77 Service Priorities, continued not readily available and accessible for these youth and young adults. Many transition services fall either in the purview of the children’s system or adult system and, thus, are not optimally suited for transition age individuals who need a blend of both philosophical practices. Transition services should be provided early on, especially for youth in out of home placement, and with innovative and developmentally appropriate approaches for youth in this age range who require varying levels of support. 8. Professional Cross Training Opportunities At risk families and families with intense care giving responsibilities rely on professionals for system navigation guidance, without regard to the artificial delineations of service systems based on funding and professional jargon (silos). Best practices indicate that holistic approaches to serving families that take into account their multifaceted needs are more effective in the long term. In order to achieve this paradigm, cross training must be available for staff. There is a cross training project through the CIACC among professionals in schools, DYFS, and children’s mental health programs that includes information on the education of homeless students. There is cross training through the Mental Health Board for mental health providers on an array of topics (i.e. Medicaid, social services, veterans services). Other opportunities identified are: DDD and DYFS, children’s behavioral health and social services, disability services, child care providers and human/social services. 9. Respite for Children with Special Needs Families with children with special needs experience intense care giving responsibilities that often lead to high levels of stress, frustration, and compassion fatigue. A fragmented service system compounds these issues. This increases the risk for behavioral issues in the child and child abuse and neglect. Respite programs through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) are very limited. The typical families receives a few hours of respite each month, or less if the child has physical health or medical needs. There are exceedingly few full day, overnight, and multi‐day respite programs. While the care giving is similar for a family with a child with developmental disability and a family with a child with behavioral/mental health challenges, there are no respite programs in the behavioral/mental health system. 10. Domestic Violence Advocacy Services, including the Domestic Violence Response Team Advocacy services for individuals who experience domestic violence are being significantly cut in the current fiscal year. This includes the availability to co‐respond with law enforcement to assist victims of prosecutable offenses. Currently the response is voluntary at the Page 78 Service Priorities, continued acquiescence of the victim, and police and court representatives would like to see this service mandatory to increase the support for and follow through demonstrated by victims. It is also recognized that there is no legal advocate service available specifically for victims of domestic violence (and other legal aid is not supplied commensurate with the demand), which would empower victims and potentially end the cycle of abuse in more families. 11. Specialized Recreational Activities Youth with challenging behaviors, mental health issues, and special needs require enhanced supports to participate successfully in recreational and social activities that are so important in developing a social system and interpersonal skills. These services also offer an opportunity for respite for parents and guardians. There is little coordination of services within this umbrella, limited awareness of available services, and a perception of a lack of programs. 12. Diversion Programming Services that divert youth from the juvenile justice system can be effective to reduce further involvement, recidivism, and the host of other negative consequences that accompany these situations. There are some primary prevention programs in the county through schools, the substance abuse system, and the juvenile justice system. Juvenile justice also sponsors a limited number of secondary prevention and diversion programming. Services to address the perpetration of dating violence and harassment among youth was also identified as a gap. Concurrent with this needs assessment, Ocean County is undertaking a collaborative planning initiative between juvenile justice and children’s mental health that will explore the systems in depth. 13. Acute Mental Health Care for Youth While the values of the children’s behavioral health system of care encourage early intervention and community‐based care provided in the least restrictive environment, an acute mental health continuum of care should be available as well to address youth in emergent crises. The Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services (PESS) in Ocean is one of the busiest in the state and waits for the medical clearance, disposition, and placement (if needed) process to complete may take in excess of 24 hours. This service was not designed for the needs of youth specifically. Mobile outreach through PESS and Mobile Response and Stabilization Services, as less intensive alternatives to Screening, are in place and highly utilized. Page 79 Service Priorities, continued 14. Basic Health Care The need for access to basic health care services is very important for families, but has been deemed less of a priority in light of recent and pending changes. In July 2008, Governor Corzine signed legislation to mandate for health care coverage of all children and youth, either private or public, by July 2009. This was accompanied by an expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, NJ Family Care, so that families with incomes at 350% of the federal poverty level or less can receive some degree of subsidized health insurance, and families above that income level can buy in to the program. Implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act will further increase the number of individuals with health insurance coverage. In addition, the Federally Qualified Health Centers in Ocean County have expanded. There are currently three locations, and another to open in the southern part of the county soon. 15. Food Assistance While there are many efforts made to provide individuals and families with food or assistance to get food when they are impoverished, there is little overarching coordination and uniformity to this service area. The availability of and accessibility to food assistance is perceived to be favorable. There are publically funded food assistance programs, countywide organizations dedicated to food pantry services, many faith‐based organizations and civic minded businesses that participate in food donations, as well as discounted or wholesale groceries. 16. Service Learning and Community Service Opportunities for Youth in Contact with Juvenile Justice An effective strategy to reducing recidivism among juveniles is offering service learning program models and community service opportunities for youth. These connect youth with their communities in a positive way that encourages problem solving and decision making skills, positive role models, interpersonal skills, and prosocial attitudes. “Service‐Learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.” There is a very limited availability of slots for youth to participate in structured programs of this type in Ocean County. Page 80 Sources Advocates for Children of NJ. (2011). Kidscount 2011: The state of our children. Retrieved from http://
www.acnj.org/admin.asp?uri=2081&action=15&di=1931&ext=pdf&view=yes Advocates for Children of New Jersey. (2008). When adulthood must come early: The plight of youth aging out of foster care and New Jersey’s efforts to help them. Annie E. Casey Foundation. Kids Count Data Center: Data by state. Retrieved from http://datacenter.kidscount.org/data/bystate/StateLanding.aspx?state=NJ. Carter, J. (2004). Domestic violence, child abuse, and youth violence: Strategies for prevention and early interven‐
tion. Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse. Retrieved from http://www.mincava.umn.edu/link/
documents/fvpf2/fvpf2.shtml. Goldman, J., Salus, M. K., Wolcott, D., & Kennedy, K. Y. (2003). What factors contribute to child abuse and neglect? In A Coordinated Response to Child Abuse and Neglect: A Foundation for Practice. Washing‐
ton, DC: US Dept of Health and Human Services, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect. Retrieved from http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/foundation/foundatione.cfm. Monarch Housing Associates. (2011). 6228 Homeless students in New Jersey. Retrieved from http://
monarchhousing.org/2011/03/20/6228‐homeless‐students‐in‐nj/. Monarch Housing Associates. (2011). Ocean County homeless students ‐ September 1, 2009 to August 31, 2010. Retrieved from http://monarchhousing.org/wordpress/wp‐content/uploads/2011/03/
OceanHomelessStudents10.pdf National Academy for State Health Policy. (2011). Children’s health insurance “covering all kids states:” New Jersey. Retrieved from http://www.nashp.org/node/1242. National Center on Family Homelessness. (2009). America’s youngest outcasts: State report card on child homelessness. Retrieved from http://www.homelesschildrenamerica.org/pdf/report_cards/long/nj_long.pdf. National Service Learning Clearinghouse. (2011). What is service learning? Retrieved from http://
www.servicelearning.org/what‐service‐learning. NJ Department of Children and Families. Child welfare statistics and data. Retrieved from http://
www.state.nj.us/dcf/home/childdata/index.html NJ Department of Children and Families, Division of Child Behavioral Health Services. NJ0536.1 County Profile Report. NJ Department of Children and Families, Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council. (2007). Adolescent suicide in New Jersey: Data overview and prevention activities. Retrieved from http://www.state.nj.us/dcf/
about/commissions/suicide/AdolesSuicideRpt_Feb07.pdf NJ Department of Children and Families, Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council. (2011). New Jersey Page 81 Sources, continued Youth Suicide Prevention Plan 2011—2014. Retrieved from http://www.state.nj.us/dcf/behavioral/
prevention/preventionplan.pdf NJ Department of Education. DOE Data. Retrieved from http://www.state.nj.us/education/data/. NJ Department of Education. Violence, vandalism and substance abuse in New Jersey schools. Retrieved from http://www.state.nj.us/education/schools/vandv/. NJ Department of Education. Homeless education: Homeless definition. Retrieved from http://
www.state.nj.us/education/students/homeless/definition.htm. NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, Center for Health Statistics. (2006). Marriages, divorces and domestic partnerships 2005. Retrieved from www.nj.gov/health/chs/stats05/marrdp05.pdf. NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, Center for Health Statistics. (2008). Health insurance of New Jersey residents, 2000—2007. Retrieved from http://www.state.nj.us/health/chs/documents/hic00_08.pdf . NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, Office of Injury Surveillance and Prevention. (2007). Ado‐
lescent Suicide in New Jersey. Retrieved from http://www.nj.gov/health/chs/oisp/documents/
ad_suicide07.pdf. NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Addiction Services. (2008). 2007 New Jersey middle school risk and protective factor survey. Retrieved from http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/das/news/reports/
surveys/2007%20NJ%20Middle%20School%20Pride%20Report%20062308.pdf. NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Addiction Services. (2005). Ocean County chartbook of so‐
cial indicators. Retrieved from http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/das/news/reports/epidemiological/
Ocean%20County%20Chartbook%20of%20Social%20Indicators.pdf. NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Addiction Services. (2010). 2009 substance abuse overview: Ocean County. Retrieved from http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/das/news/Substance%20Overview/
Oce.pdf. NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development. (2001). Experimental small area health insurance estimates by county, 2000. Retrieved from http://www.wnjpin.state.nj.us/OneStopCareerCenter/
LaborMarketInformation/lmi02/Sahie_NJ00.xls. NJ Family Care. County enrollments. Retrieved from http://www.njfamilycare.org/enroll/
enroll_chart.html. NJ Juvenile Justice Commission. (2011). JDAI annual data report 2010. NJ State Police. Uniform crime reports. Retrieved from http://nj.gov/njsp/info/stats.html. NJ State Police. (2010). Uniform crime report 2009: Domestic violence reports. Retrieved from http://
www.state.nj.us/njsp/info/ucr2009/pdf/2009_sect_11.pdf Page 82 Sources, continued Ocasio, K., & Van Alst, D. (2009). Keys to achieving resilient transitions: A program to reduce substance use and promote resiliency in youth aging out of foster care. Rutgers School of Social Work Institute for Families. Retrieved from http://socialwork.rutgers.edu/Libraries/IFF_Docs/
Brief_Report_on_Keys_to_Achieving_Resiliant_Transitions.sflb.ashx. Ocean County Board of Health. County of Ocean, State of New Jersey County Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services Plan for 2009. Ocean County Department of Human Services, Children’s Inter Agency Coordinating Council. (2010). County Service Needs Assessment FY2011. Retrieved from http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/ocdhs/ciacc/
ciaccindex.html. Ocean County Department of Human Services, Children’s Inter Agency Coordinating Council. Systems Review Committee Data, 2006—2011. Ocean County Department of Human Services, Human Services Advisory Council. (2006). Priority popu‐
lations plan. Retrieved from http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/ocdhs/hsac/index.html. Ocean County Department of Human Services, Mental Health Board. (2009). Mental health plan update 2009. Retrieved from http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/ocdhs/mhb/index.html. Ocean County Department of Juvenile Services, Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative. One day deten‐
tion snapshot. Ocean County Department of Juvenile Services, Youth Services Commission. (2008). Comprehensive youth services commission plan 2008‐2011. Ocean County Planning Department. (2011). Ocean County data book 2010. Retrieved from http://www.planning.co.ocean.nj.us/databooktoc.htm US Census Bureau. American community surveys. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/acs/www/. US Census Bureau. American fact finder. Retrieved from http://factfinder2.census.gov/main.html. Census 2010. US Census Bureau. 2010 Census data. Retrieved from http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/. US Census Bureau. Population estimates. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/popest/estimates.html. US Census Bureau. Population estimates: New Jersey by towns. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/
popest/cities/files/SUB‐EST2009_34.csv. US Census Bureau. Subject definitions. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/acs/www/
Downloads/2006/usedata/Subject_Definitions.pdf. US Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ). Page 83 Sources, continued (2011). Child and adolescent healthcare: Selected findings from the 2010 national healthcare quality and disparities reports. Retrieved from http://www.ahrq.gov/qual/nhqrdr10/nhqrdrchild10.htm. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—Poverty Guidelines 1999. Retrieved from http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/99poverty.htm. 2009. Retrieved from http://aspe.hhs.gov/POVERTY/09poverty.shtml. 2011. Retrieved from http://www.coverageforall.org/pdf/FHCE_FedPovertyLevel.pdf. US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Federal definition of homelessness. Retrieved from http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/homelessness/definition. Survey Inventory Sources NJ Division of Addiction Services. (2009). Prevention directory 2010. Retrieved from http://
www.state.nj.us/humanservices/das/prevention/provider/PrevDir2010.pdf. NJ Division of Addiction Services. Treatment agencies in Ocean County. Retrieved from http://
samsdev.rutgers.edu/dastxdirectory/txdirmain.htm. NJ Mental Health Association. NJ Mental Health Cares. Retrieved from http://
www.njmentalhealthcares.org Ocean County Board of Health. Adolescent resource guide. Retrieved from http://www.ochd.org/SiteData/
docs/GOLRD/3654ceae4296f0fb/GOLRD.pdf. Ocean County Department of Human Services, Children’s Inter Agency Coordinating Council. (2010). Services for children in Ocean County: A navigation guide. Retrieved from http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/ocdhs/
ciacc/Childrens%20Services.pdf. Ocean County Department of Human Services, Office for Individuals with Disabilities. (2010). 2010‐2011 Ocean County housing resource guide. Retrieved from http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/ocdhs/oftd/housing.pdf. Ocean County Department of Human Services, Office for Individuals with Disabilities. (2010). Resource guide 2011. Retrieved from http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/ocdhs/oftd/oftd%20resources.pdf. Ocean County Department of Human Services, Mental Health Board. (2010). Mental health resource direc‐
tory. Retrieved from http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/ocdhs/mhb/MH%20Resource%20Directory%
202007_2008.pdf. Ocean County Library. Ocean County resource directory. Retrieved from http://theoceancountylibrary.org/
link2topic/OCResource/directory.htm. Ocean Partnership for Children. Ocean resource net. Retrieved from http://www.oceanresourcenet.org Rutgers University Law School, Special Education Clinic. New Jersey resources for children and families. Retrieved from http://specialeducation.rutgers.edu/resource_dir.pdf. Page 84 Appendix A Survey Form Page 85 Children's Services Needs Assessment 2011
1. About this survey
The New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) is collaborating with the Ocean County Human Services
Advisory Council (HSAC) to conduct a needs assessment focused on at-risk children and families. This survey is
designed to gauge perspective about service needs, gaps, and barriers to accessing services.
This tool focuses on services in five required target areas: 1) basic needs, 2) substance abuse treatment, 3)
mental/behavioral health services, 4) transitional living services for youth preparing to leave DYFS supervision and, 5)
Domestic Violence Services. Ocean County's HSAC and CIACC Joint Planning Committee has elected to include
additional service areas of: early care and education, services for special needs children, and delinquency prevention.
This survey may take 20 minutes to complete.
First, you will be asked to rate a list of services within the target service areas regarding:
* need for the service in Ocean County
* availability of the service
* accessibility to the service
You will also be asked about barriers for each service, and to rank and prioritize the services as to the overall need in Ocean County.
An open ended question is included to provide you the opportunity to share your opinion about other areas of service need or other service
need issues not directly addressed in this survey.
1. Please indicate the category that best describes your role in the DCF system:
j
k
l
m
n
DCF Employee
j
k
l
m
n
School personnel
j
k
l
m
n
Other stakeholder
The information gathered from this survey will be used to enhance service planning. This survey is anonymous. Please do not provide your
name or any other personal information. For assistance, please contact the Ocean County Department of Human Services at 732-506-5374.
2. Needs
The needs of families in Ocean County are unique. Certain behaviors may be more or less prevalent here, and thus the
need for services to address those behaviors is unique.
This question should be evaluated independent of the availability of the service. Availability of services will be captured in
a different question in this survey.
Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children and Families 2011
Page
Appendix A - Stakeholder Survey Tool
1
Children's Services Needs Assessment 2011
1. Please rate the NEED for each service in Ocean County.
Population to be served should include children and families at risk of child abuse and
neglect, those who have been in contact with the Statewide Central Registry, and those
under DYFS supervision.
Extremely
Somewhat
Needed
Needed
Food Assistance
j
k
l
m
n
Basic Health Care
Not Needed
I don't know
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Safe, Affordable Housing
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Transportation Assistance
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Inpatient Substance Abuse Services for Adults
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Inpatient Substance Abuse Services for Youth
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Detoxification Programs
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Outpatient/IOP Substance Abuse Services for Adults
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Outpatient/IOP Substance Abuse Services for Youth
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Acute Mental Health Care for Adults
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Outpatient/Community Based Mental Health Care for Adults
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Acute Mental Health Care for Youth
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Outpatient/Community Based Mental Health Care for Youth
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Employment Services for Transitioning Older Youth (age 14-21)
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Educational Services for Transitioning Older Youth (age 14-21) (GED Prep, etc.)
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Life Skills Training/Services for Transitioning Older Youth (age 14-21)
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Affordable Housing Options for Transitioning Older Youth (age 14-21)
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Supportive Housing Services for Transitioning Older Youth (age 14-21)
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Transitional Housing for Families Experiencing Domestic Violence
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Advocacy (legal, employment) for Families Experiencing Domestic Violence
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Counseling for Domestic Violence
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Early Child Care and Education
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Delinquency Prevention Services
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Social Skills Groups for Special Needs Youth (specialized recreation, afterschool
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Assistive Technology for Special Needs Youth (home and vehicle modification, etc.)
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Respite: providing a brief break to the caregiver of a child with special needs, in or
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
programs, etc.)
out of their home
In Home Supports: behavioral or physical health related (visiting nurse, behavioral
assistant)
Support Groups for Families with Special Needs Youth
Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children and Families 2011
Page
Appendix A - Stakeholder Survey Tool
2
Children's Services Needs Assessment 2011
Comments
5
5
6
6
3. Availability
All of the following services are available to some degree in Ocean County. However, the supply of a particular service
may not match the demand for the service.
1. Please rate the current availability of each service in Ocean County.
Population to be served should include children and families at risk of child abuse and
neglect, those who have been in contact with the Statewide Central Registry, and those
under DYFS supervision.
Available
Somewhat
Available
Not Available I don't know
Food Assistance
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Basic Health Care
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Safe, Affordable Housing
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Transportation Assistance
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Inpatient Substance Abuse Services for Adults
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Inpatient Substance Abuse Services for Youth
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Detoxification Programs
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Outpatient/IOP Substance Abuse Services for Adults
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Outpatient/IOP Substance Abuse Services for Youth
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Acute Mental Health Care for Adults
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Outpatient/Community Based Mental Health Care for Adults
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Acute Mental Health Care for Youth
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Outpatient/Community Based Mental Health Care for Youth
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Employment Services for Transitioning Older Youth (age 14-21)
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Educational Services for Transitioning Older Youth (age 14-21) (GED Prep, etc.)
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Life Skills Training/Services for Transitioning Older Youth (age 14-21)
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Affordable Housing Options for Transitioning Older Youth (age 14-21)
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Supportive Housing Services for Transitioning Older Youth (age 14-21)
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Transitional Housing for Families Experiencing Domestic Violence
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Advocacy (legal, employment) for Families Experiencing Domestic Violence
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Counseling for Domestic Violence
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Early Child Care and Education
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children and Families 2011
Page
Appendix A - Stakeholder Survey Tool
3
Children's Services Needs Assessment 2011
Delinquency Prevention Services
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Social Skills Groups for Special Needs Youth (specialized recreation, afterschool
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Assistive Technology for Special Needs Youth (home and vehicle modification, etc.)
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Respite: providing a brief break to the caregiver of a child with special needs, in or
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
programs, etc.)
out of their home
In Home Supports: behavioral or physical health related (visiting nurse, behavioral
assistant)
Support Groups for Families with Special Needs Youth
Comments
5
5
6
6
4. Accessibility
Accessibility refers to the ease of utilizing a particular service. Cost, eligibility requirements, geographical proximity, and
hours of operation are some examples of factors in accessibility.
Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children and Families 2011
Page
Appendix A - Stakeholder Survey Tool
4
Children's Services Needs Assessment 2011
1. Please rate the accessibility of each service in Ocean County.
Population to be served should include children and families at risk of child abuse and
neglect, those who have been in contact with the Statewide Central Registry, and those
under DYFS supervision.
Accessible
Somewhat
Not
Accessible
Accessible
I don't know
Food Assistance
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Basic Health Care
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Safe, Affordable Housing
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Transportation Assistance
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Inpatient Substance Abuse Services for Adults
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Inpatient Substance Abuse Services for Youth
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Detoxification Programs
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Outpatient/IOP Substance Abuse Services for Adults
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Outpatient/IOP Substance Abuse Services for Youth
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Acute Mental Health Care for Adults
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Outpatient/Community Based Mental Health Care for Adults
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Acute Mental Health Care for Youth
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Outpatient/Community Based Mental Health Care for Youth
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Employment Services for Transitioning Older Youth (age 14-21)
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Educational Services for Transitioning Older Youth (age 14-21) (GED Prep, etc.)
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Life Skills Training/Services for Transitioning Older Youth (age 14-21)
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Affordable Housing Options for Transitioning Older Youth (age 14-21)
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Supportive Housing Services for Transitioning Older Youth (age 14-21)
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Transitional Housing for Families Experiencing Domestic Violence
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Advocacy (legal, employment) for Families Experiencing Domestic Violence
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Counseling for Domestic Violence
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Early Child Care and Education
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Delinquency Prevention Services
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Social Skills Groups for Special Needs Youth (specialized recreation, afterschool
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Assistive Technology for Special Needs Youth (home and vehicle modification, etc.)
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Respite: providing a brief break to the caregiver of a child with special needs, in or
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
programs, etc.)
out of their home
In Home Supports: behavioral or physical health related (visiting nurse, behavioral
assistant)
Support Groups for Families with Special Needs Youth
Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children and Families 2011
Page
Appendix A - Stakeholder Survey Tool
5
Children's Services Needs Assessment 2011
Comments
5
5
6
6
5. Barriers - Services for Youth Preparing to Leave DYFS Supervision
In the following set of questions, please identify which barriers to access apply to Services for Youth Preparing to Leave
DYFS Supervision.
1. What are the barriers to accessing Employment Services for Transitioning Older
Youth (age 14-21)?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
2. What are the barriers to accessing Educational Services for Transitioning Older Youth
(age 14-21)?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
3. What are the barriers to accessing Life Skills Training/Services for Transitioning Older
Youth (age 14-21)?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children and Families 2011
Page
Appendix A - Stakeholder Survey Tool
6
Children's Services Needs Assessment 2011
4. What are the barriers to accessing Affordable Housing Options for Transitioning Older
Youth (age 14-21)?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
5. What are the barriers to accessing Supportive Housing Services for Transitioning
Older Youth (age 14-21)?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
6. Barriers - Substance Abuse Treatment
In the following set of questions, please identify which barriers to access apply to Substance Abuse Treatment services.
1. What are the barriers to accessing inpatient substance abuse services for youth?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
2. What are the barriers to accessing detoxification services?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children and Families 2011
Page
Appendix A - Stakeholder Survey Tool
7
Children's Services Needs Assessment 2011
3. What are the barriers to accessing inpatient substance abuse services for adults?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
4. What are the barriers to accessing outpatient/IOP substance abuse services for
youth?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
5. What are the barriers to accessing outpatient/IOP substance abuse services for
adults?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
7. Barriers - Behavioral/Mental Health
In the following set of questions, please identify which barriers to access apply to Behavioral/ Mental Health Care.
1. What are the barriers to accessing acute mental health care for adults?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children and Families 2011
Page
Appendix A - Stakeholder Survey Tool
8
Children's Services Needs Assessment 2011
2. What are the barriers to accessing outpatient/community based mental health care for
adults?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
3. What are the barriers to accessing acute mental health care for youth?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
4. What are the barriers to accessing outpatient/community based behavioral/mental
health care for youth?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
8. Barriers - Domestic Violence
In the following set of questions, please identify which barriers to access apply to Domestic Violence services.
1. What are the barriers to accessing Emergency Domestic Violence Shelters?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children and Families 2011
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Appendix A - Stakeholder Survey Tool
9
Children's Services Needs Assessment 2011
2. What are the barriers to accessing Transitional Housing for Families Experiencing
Domestic Violence?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
3. What are the barriers to accessing Advocacy (legal, employment) for Families
Experiencing Domestic Violence?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
4. What are the barriers to accessing Counseling for Families Experiencing Domestic
Violence?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
9. Barriers
In the following set of questions, please identify which barriers to access apply to the following services.
1. What are the barriers to accessing Early Child Care and Education?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children and Families 2011
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Appendix A - Stakeholder Survey Tool
10
Children's Services Needs Assessment 2011
2. What are the barriers to accessing Delinquency Prevention?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
3. What are the barriers to accessing Social Skills Groups for Special Needs Youth?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
4. What are the barriers to accessing Assistive Technology for Special Needs Youth?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
5. What are the barriers to accessing Respite for Families of Special Needs Youth?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
6. What are the barriers to accessing In Home Supports for Families of Special Needs
Youth?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children and Families 2011
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Appendix A - Stakeholder Survey Tool
11
Children's Services Needs Assessment 2011
7. What are the barriers to accessing Support Groups for Families of Special Needs
Youth?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
10. Barriers - Basic Needs Services
In the following set of questions, please identify which barriers to access apply to Basic Needs services.
1. What are the barriers to accessing food assistance?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
2. What are the barriers to accessing basic health care?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
3. What are the barriers to accessing safe and affordable housing?
c
d
e
f
g
Transportation (public/private)
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children and Families 2011
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Appendix A - Stakeholder Survey Tool
12
Children's Services Needs Assessment 2011
4. What are the barriers to accessing transportation?
c
d
e
f
g
Waitlist
c
d
e
f
g
Ineffective Service
c
d
e
f
g
Other
c
d
e
f
g
Financial barriers
c
d
e
f
g
Unreachable provider
c
d
e
f
g
No Known Barrier
c
d
e
f
g
Eligibility requirements
c
d
e
f
g
Service unknown
c
d
e
f
g
Limited Hours
c
d
e
f
g
Services do not exist
11. Ranking and Prioritization
The following questions will ask you to prioritize the needs. The first questions will ask you to prioritize the services within
each area, and then you will be asked to prioritize the areas.
1. Please rank/prioritize the following Basic Needs services, in order of the need for
them in Ocean County.
Most Needed
Somewhat Needed
Needed
Least Needed
Food Assistance
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Basic Health Care
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Safe, Affordable Housing
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Transportation Assistance
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
2. Please rank/prioritize the following Services for Older Youth Preparing to Leave DYFS
Supervision (age 14-21), in order of the need for them in Ocean County.
Most Needed
Somewhat
Needed
Needed
Less Needed
Least Needed
Employment Services
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Educational Services
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Life Skills Training/Services
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Affordable Housing Options
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Supportive Housing Services
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
3. Please rank/prioritize the following Substance Abuse Treatment services, in order of
the need for them in Ocean County.
Most Needed
Somewhat
Needed
Needed
Less Needed
Least Needed
Inpatient Substance Abuse Services for Adults
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Inpatient Substance Abuse Services for Youth
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Detoxification Services
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Outpatient/IOP Substance Abuse Services for Adults
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Outpatient/IOP Substance Abuse Services for Youth
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children and Families 2011
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Appendix A - Stakeholder Survey Tool
13
Children's Services Needs Assessment 2011
4. Please rank/prioritize the following Behavioral/ Mental Health Care services, in order
of the need for them in Ocean County.
Most Needed
Somewhat Needed
Needed
Least Needed
Acute Mental Health Care for Adults
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Outpatient/Community Based Mental Health Care for
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Acute Mental Health Care for Youth
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Outpatient/Community Based Mental Health Care for
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Adults
Youth
5. Please rank/prioritize the following Domestic Violence services, in order of the need
for them in Ocean County.
Most Needed
Somewhat Needed
Needed
Least Needed
Emergency Shelter
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Transitional Housing
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Advocacy (legal, employment)
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Counseling
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
6. Please rank/prioritize the following service areas, in order of the need for them in
Ocean County.
Highest
Mid
Lowest
Priority
Priority
Priority
Basic Needs Services
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Substance Abuse Treatment
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Behavioral/ Mental Health Care
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Services for Transitioning Older Youth Preparing to Leave
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Domestic Violence Services
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Early Child Care and Education
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Services for Special Needs Youth
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Delinquency Prevention
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
DYFS Supervision
12. Comments
This needs assessment is focused around children and families at risk of child abuse and neglect, those who have been
in contact with the Statewide Central Registry, and those under DYFS supervision.
Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children and Families 2011
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Appendix A - Stakeholder Survey Tool
14
Children's Services Needs Assessment 2011
1. Please indicate other services/service areas that you feel are needed, whether they
exist, and whether there are barriers to accessing the service(s).
5
6
2. Please rate your experience with this survey:
Poor
Fair
Adequate
Excellent
Accessible to its intended audience
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Meaningful to the topic of children and families at risk of child abuse and neglect
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Relevant for Ocean County
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Thorough/ Comprehensive
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
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Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children and Families 2011
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Appendix A - Stakeholder Survey Tool
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Appendix B Service Inventory Page 86 Ocean County Needs Assessment of At Risk Children and Families 2011 Service Inventory Target Service Area: Basic Needs Assistance Safe, Affordable Housing Program: Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Agency: Board of Social Services (County Welfare Agency) Contact Info: 732‐349‐1500 Location: 1027 Hooper Avenue, Building 3, Toms River Manahawkin & Lakewood Satellite offices Population Served: Low income individuals and families with children under 18 Brief Description: This is a program designed to provide assistance to needy families with children which incorporates a five‐year lifetime limit on cash assistance and requires most recipients to participate in work‐related activities while providing child‐
care assistance and other support services designed to promote economic self‐sufficiency. Program: Special Response Agency: Board of Social Services (County Welfare Agency) Contact Info: 732‐349‐1500 Location: 1027 Hooper Ave., Bldg 4, Toms River Manahawkin & Lakewood Satellite offices Population Served: Individuals and families at imminent risk of homelessness Brief Description: Board administers a number of time‐limited programs to aid persons who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. Board provides emergency temporary housing. Help may be available from the agency through a variety of grants and funding streams whether or not persons are receiving public assistance and in some cases may provide payment of up to two months’ back rent or mortgage to prevent eviction or foreclosure. A small number of rent subsidy slots may be available to certain households. Other services such as food, clothing, mediations, and transportation are also provided. All cases are screened and referred to all other resources. The program is available on a 24‐hour basis through the existing Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 1
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Basic Needs Assistance Special Response Program. Funding is limited so assistance is not always available Program: Homelessness Prevention Agency: Board of Social Services (County Welfare Agency) Contact Info: 732‐349‐1500 Location: 1027 Hooper Ave., Bldg 4, Toms River Manahawkin & Lakewood Satellite offices Population Served: Individuals and families at imminent risk of homelessness Brief Description: Provides limited financial assistance to low‐ and moderate‐
income tenants and homeowners in imminent danger of eviction or foreclosure due to temporary financial problems beyond their control. Funds are used to disburse payments in the forms of loans and grants to landlords and mortgage companies on behalf of eligible households in danger of homelessness. Program: Utilities Assistance Agency: Board of Social Services (County Welfare Agency) Contact Info: 732‐349‐1500 Location: 1027 Hooper Ave., Bldg 4, Toms River Manahawkin & Lakewood Satellite offices Brief Description: Lifeline is a utility assistance program that offers $225 to persons who meet the eligibility requirements of the PAAD program or who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This includes utility customers (gas and/or electric) as well as tenants whose utility bills are included in their rent. Only one tenant in a household is entitled to this assistance. The Temporary Relief for Utility Expenses (TRUE) Program was established by the Board to provide one‐time relief for gas and electric bills to moderate income households who are experiencing a temporary financial crisis. The Affordable Housing Alliance administers the program. One of the eligibility requirements for a TRUE grant is that you must not currently be receiving or have received within the past year, any benefit through the USF or LIHEAP program. This program, which is administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, helps you pay for heating costs and may cover certain medically‐necessary cooling Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 2
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Basic Needs Assistance expenses. Even if your heat is included in your rent, you may qualify, if you meet the eligibility criteria. You may submit an application for LIHEAP from November 1st, through April 30th. The State of New Jersey created the Universal Service Fund (USF), administered by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), was created by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to help make energy bills more affordable for qualifying households whose annual household income is at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The program was designed so that households most in need receive the highest benefit by using a percentage of income formula. Benefits appear as a credit on the household electric and/or gas bill (capped at $1,800 per year). Administered by the BPU, the Winter Termination Program (WTP) protects specific categories of customers from having their gas or electric shut off between November 15th and March 15th. Those enrolled in specific programs (such as SSI, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, USF and Lifeline) are protected by WTP, and an additional “catch‐all” category is included for people unable to pay their utility bills because of circumstances beyond their control such as unemployment or illness. NJ SHARES is a non‐profit corporation that provides assistance to individuals and families living in New Jersey who are in need of temporary help in paying their energy bills. To qualify for NJ SHARES, a person or family must be facing a financial crisis and not be eligible for welfare or other income‐
based energy assistance programs. Recipients must also have a history of good‐faith payments of their utility bills. Applications for NJ SHARES grants can be made at any of the more than 150 participating social service agencies throughout the state. Upon approval, recipients may receive a one‐time grant of up to $700 for gas and up to $300 for electric (or up to $700 for an all‐electric home). This Program is designed to improve energy affordability for income eligible households through direct installation of free energy efficiency measures and education about steps everyone can take to save energy. Participants are asked to Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 3
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Basic Needs Assistance Program: Agency: Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Brief Description: Program: Agency: Population Served: Location: Population Served: Brief Description: Program: Agency: Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Brief Description: partner with the program to develop and carry out a household energy savings Action Plan. First Time Homebuyer Program OCEAN, Inc. 732‐244‐2351 40 Washington Street, Toms River Low to moderate income households O.C.E.A.N., Inc. is the administrator for the Ocean County Consortium’s First Time Homebuyer program. The program brings together County government agencies with many area lenders including O.C.E.A.N., Inc. in a cooperative effort to increase the opportunity for homeownership among the county’s low to moderate income households Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher NJ Department of Community Affairs 732‐255‐0818 1510 Hooper Ave., # 110, Toms River Low income individuals and families The housing choice voucher program is the federal governmentʹs major program for assisting very low‐income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. State Temporary Rental Assistance Program NJ Department of Community Affairs (609) 292‐4080 Elderly (62+), homeless families and individuals, families, disabled 75% of the participants admitted to the program must be extremely low‐income families (30 percent of area median income as defined by region and household size), in accordance with the income guidelines published annually by HUD. The remaining applicants shall not exceed 40% of low‐
income limits (by county) as defined in accordance with the HUD guidelines. The State Rental Assistance Program provides tenant‐based Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 4
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Basic Needs Assistance and project‐based rental assistance grants, comparable to the Federal Housing Choice Voucher Program and shall be terminated upon the award of a Federal subsidy to the same individual or household. Program: Habitat for Humanity Agency: Contact Info: 609‐978‐9984 | 668 Main St. (Rt. 9), West Creek 732‐818‐9500 | 1201 New Jersey 166, Toms River Location: Population Served: Low to moderate income individuals and families Brief Description: The Habitat program is committed to providing decent housing for qualified applicants. To be considered for selection the prospective applicant must meet the following criteria: Need (~170% FPL); Ability; Agreement to Partner. Partner families purchase the home from Habitat through a no profit, no interest loan. Families are responsible for paying the real estate taxes and insurance on the home. To qualify for home ownership, the prospective applicant must be willing to partner with Habitat by: Completing all Sweat Equity requirements by performing 300‐500 hours of volunteer service including working on your own home; Participating in Habitatʹs nurturing program which includes financial counseling, household management education, and maintenance of home and homeownerʹs association meetings. Basic Health Care Program: Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Agency: Ocean Health Initiatives Contact Info: Lakewood: 732‐363‐6655 Toms River: 732‐552‐0377 Stafford Site:732‐552‐0377 Location: Lakewood Site: 101 Second Ave, Lakewood Stafford Site: 333 Haywood Road, Stafford/Manahawkin Population Served: Individuals and families Brief Description: Ocean Health Initiatives is to empower the medically underserved residents of Ocean County with the tools they need to maintain optimum physical and emotional health, through the provision of quality, accessible and comprehensive primary health care, regardless of economic status or ability to pay. Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 5
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Basic Needs Assistance Program: Agency: Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Brief Description: Program: Agency: Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Brief Description: Program: Agency: Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Brief Description: Program: Agency: Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Center for Center for Health Education, Medicine and Dentistry (CHEMED) 732‐364‐6666 1771 Madison Ave., Lakewood Individuals and families The main purpose of FQHCs is to enhance the provision of primary care services in underserved communities. Ocean County Health Department 732‐341‐9700 175 Sunset Ave., Toms River Children and adults Communicable diseases, community health planning, dental care and education, child development, STI clinics, drug and alcohol abuse, municipal alliances, home health care, immunizations, lead screening, etc. Long Beach Island Health Department 732‐341‐9700 11601 Long Beach Blvd., Haven Beach Children and adults in Long Beach Township, Beach Haven, Ship Bottom, Surf City, Harvey Cedars & Barnegat Light Perinatal program, well child and adolescent program, safe syringe disposal, lead poisoning prevention, communicable disease, adult immunizations, adult health promotion, exercise and fitness, health education, etc. Charity Care ‐ New Jersey Hospital Care Payment Assistance Program Hospitals & NJ Department of Health & Senior Services Business office or admissions office of a hospital Lakewood, Brick, Toms River, Manahawkin Hospital care payment assistance is available to New Jersey residents who: 1. Have no health coverage or have coverage that pays only for part of the bill: and 2. Are ineligible for any Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 6
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Basic Needs Assistance private or governmental sponsored coverage (such as Medicaid); and 3. Earn less than 300% FPL (sliding scale charged) with less than $7,500 (individual) or $15,000 (family) in assets Brief Description: The New Jersey Hospital Care Payment Assistance Program (Charity Care Assistance) is free or reduced charge care which is provided to patients who receive inpatient and outpatient services at acute care hospitals throughout the State of New Jersey. Hospital assistance and reduced charge care are available only for necessary hospital care. Some services such as physician fees, anesthesiology fees, radiology interpretation, and outpatient prescriptions are separate from hospital charges and may not be eligible for reduction. Program: NJ Family Care/ Medicaid Agency: NJ Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services Contact Info: 1‐800‐701‐0710 732‐349‐1500 – County Welfare Agency 609‐492‐1212 – Long Beach Island Health Department 732‐341‐9700 – Ocean County Board of Health Location: http://www.njfamilycare.org/ Population Served: Children and some parents/guardians Brief Description: NJ FamilyCare is the State of New Jerseyʹs way of providing affordable health coverage for kids and certain low‐income parents/guardians. Children age 18 and younger may be eligible for NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid if their familyʹs total income before taxes is at or below 350% of the Federal Poverty Level. For example, in a family of four, that would be $6,432 per month. Parents may also be eligible if earned income is at or below 133% of the Federal Poverty Level ($2,444 monthly for a family of four). Applicants must be uninsured (although there are exceptions) and must be either citizens or legal immigrants who have documents that allow them to remain in the United States permanently. Parents/guardians must be legal permanent residents for at least 5 years in order to be eligible (This does not apply to children or pregnant women). There are Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 7
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Basic Needs Assistance exceptions to the 5 year rule for qualified aliens, such as refugees, asylees, etc. Food Assistance Program: Food Stamps/ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Agency: Board of Social Services (County Welfare Agency) NJ Division of Family Development Contact Info: 732‐349‐1500 Location: Toms River, Lakewood, Manahawkin Population Served: Low income Brief Description: This program is designed to promote the general welfare and safeguard the health and well‐being of low‐income individuals by raising their level of nutrition. When making food purchases, eligible individuals use their Families First card to pay for food purchases with funds available in their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) account. Program: Food Bank Agency: Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties Contact Info: 732‐918‐2600 Location: 3300 Route 66 Neptune Population Served: Individuals and families Brief Description: To provide access to food for as many people in need as possible in our neighborhoods. Program: Food Bank Agency: Ocean County Hunger Relief Contact Info: 732‐505‐HELP Location: Ocean County Population Served: The needy Brief Description: Ocean County Hunger Relief provides emergency food assistance for the needy people of Ocean County. The four day food package provided is intended as a stop gap measure, to give people time to obtain help from family, friends or social service agencies. Program: Free/ Reduced Price School Meal Program Agency: NJ Department of Education, US Department of Agriculture Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 8
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Basic Needs Assistance Local school districts Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Low income school students Brief Description: Schools send school meal applications home at the beginning of each school year. However, you may apply for school meals at any time throughout the school year by submitting a household application directly to your school. Your school will provide you with an application upon request. If you are earning at or below current Income Eligibility Guidelines, we encourage you to contact your school to fill out a school meal application. The school or local education agency will process your application and issue an eligibility determination. If you are receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, your child automatically qualifies for free school meals. Please contact your school to determine if you need to fill out an application. Program: Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program Agency: Ocean County Health Department Contact Info: 732‐341‐9700 175 Sunset Ave, Toms River Population Served: Pregnant woman and children Brief Description: WIC Program is to improve the nutritional status of infants, WIC mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their infants. WIC has historically promoted breastfeeding to all pregnant women as the optimal infant feeding choice, unless medically contraindicated. Program: Food Pantries Agency: A variety of local faith based and community organizations Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Brief Description: Program: Angel Food Ministries Agency: Angel Food Ministries Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 9
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Basic Needs Assistance Contact Info: 1‐877‐FOOD‐MINISTRY (1‐877‐366‐3646) http://www.angelfoodministries.com/ Location: A variety of faith based organizations throughout the county Population Served: No eligibility restrictions Brief Description: Angel Food Ministries is a non‐profit, non‐denominational organization dedicated to providing food relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States. Angel Food is available in a quantity that can fit into a medium‐sized box at $30 per unit. Each monthʹs menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $60. Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. The food is all the same high quality one could purchase at a grocery store. There are no second‐hand items, no damaged or out‐dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day‐old breads and no produce that is almost too ripe. Also offered are specialty boxes such as steaks, chicken and pork. Many participants in this bonus program appreciate the expanded choices. Additionally, there is no limit to the number of units or bonus foods an individual can receive, and there are no applications to complete or qualifications to which participants must adhere. Angel Food Ministries also participates in the U.S. Food Stamp program, using the Off‐Line Food Stamp Voucher system. Transportation Assistance Program: Ocean Ride Agency: Ocean County Department of Transportation Contact Info: 732‐736‐8989 or (877) 929‐2082 Location: Administration, 1959 Route 9, Toms River Population Served: Brief Description: Ocean Ride, includes two major services. the Reserve‐A‐Ride Program and local bus routes. Reserve‐A‐Ride provides door‐
to‐door, non‐emergency medical transportation service to seniors (age 60 and over) and person with disabilities. This service is offered by advanced registration basis primarily to destinations within Ocean County. Pre‐registration is required.
Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 10
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Basic Needs Assistance Local bus routes are available to the public. Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 11
Ocean County Needs Assessment of At Risk Children and Families 2011 Service Inventory Target Service Area: Substance Abuse Treatment Services Program: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services Unit Agency: Ocean County Health Department Contact Info: 732‐341‐9700 ext7535 Location: 175 Sunset Ave, PO BOX 2191 Toms River Population Served: Adolescents and adults Brief Description: The Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Unit distributes County and State funds for the treatment of substance use disorders for county residents with financial need. The unit staff is assisted in this effort by the Local Advisory Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (LACADA) and the Professional Advisory Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (PACADA). Together citizen advisory committees and staff advise the Board of Health on County policy for alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse in regards to education and treatment and to ensure county services are integrated with local and state efforts. Program: RIPTIDE Adolescent Addiction Intensive Outpatient Agency: Preferred Children’s Services Contact Info: 732‐367‐1710 or 732‐367‐4700 Location: Lakewood, NJ Population Served: Youth 13 – 17 Brief Description: RIPTIDE‐Academic education, family and individual counseling and aftercare services. Reaching Individual Potential Through Increasing Drug and Alcohol Education is designed to meet the unique needs of adolescents and to enhance and improve the quality of their life. Treatment is provided by Licensed Teachers, Social Workers and CADC Staff. Program: Adult Addiction Intensive Outpatient Agency: Preferred Behavioral Health of NJ Contact Info: 732‐367‐4700 Location: Lakewood, Barnegat Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 12
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Substance Abuse Treatment Services Population Served: Adults 18 and older Brief Description: 6 week program of group therapy, education services, family therapy and education and support group for adult clients who require a structured and intense level of care. Treatment is based on bio‐psycho‐social history, medical assessment and an individualized plan. Services are administered by a multidisciplinary team of social workers and addiction professional. Programs are located in both southern and northern Ocean County. Program: Adult Addiction Outpatient Agency: Preferred Behavioral Health of NJ Contact Info: 732‐367‐4700 Location: Lakewood, Barnegat Population Served: Adults 18 and older Brief Description: Individual, group family & couples assessment, treatment, and recovery services to individuals and their families. Program: Adult Addiction Outpatient Agency: Seashore Family Services of NJ Contact Info: 732‐920‐2700 Location: 270 Chambers Bridge Rd., Brick 226 Main St., Toms River Population Served: Adolescents Brief Description: Individual, group family & couples assessment, treatment, and recovery services to individuals and their families. Program: Adult Addiction Intensive Outpatient Agency: Seashore Family Services of NJ Contact Info: 732‐920‐2700 Location: 270 Chambers Bridge Rd., Brick 226 Main St., Toms River Population Served: Adolescents Brief Description: 6 week program of group therapy, education services, family therapy and education and support group for adult clients who require a structured and intense level of care. Treatment is based on bio‐psycho‐social history, medical assessment and an individualized plan. Services are administered by a multidisciplinary team of social workers and addiction Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 13
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Substance Abuse Treatment Services Program: Agency: Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Brief Description: Program: Agency: Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Brief Description: Program: Agency: Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Brief Description: Program: Agency: Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Brief Description: professional. Turnaround Substance Abuse Education Program Ocean Mental Health Services 732‐349‐5550 Bayville 12‐17 Years old Turnaround is a concentrated service to effectively combat substance abuse in the target population of adolescents twelve through seventeen years old. It is a unique treatment concept that involves group dynamics and skills training for both the adolescent and his/her family. Turnaround supports family unity. These topics include chemical dependency, self‐esteem, anger control, cognitive restructuring, assertive communication, problem solving, goal setting, and dysfunctional family roles. Adolescent & Adult Addiction Outpatient AGAPE Counseling Services 609‐242‐0086 Lanoka Harbor Adolscents, adult, men/women, pregnant, DUI/DWI offenders, criminal justice clients Adolescent & Adult Addiction Outpatient Lighthouse at Ocean County 609‐489‐0787 400 North Main Street, Manahawkin Alcoholics Anonymous 800‐245‐1377 Various Adults Alcoholics Anonymous® is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 14
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Substance Abuse Treatment Services recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self‐supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. Program: Alanon & Alateen Agency: Contact Info: 888‐425‐2666 Location: Various Population Served: Friends and family members Brief Description: For over 55 years, Al‐Anon (which includes Alateen for younger members) has been offering strength and hope for friends and families of problem drinkers. Program: Narcotics Anonymous Agency: Contact Info: 732‐933‐0462 for meetings hotline 800‐992‐0401 Location: Various Population Served: Brief Description: Narcotics Anonymous is a nonprofit Fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem; recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. Narcotics Anonymous is an international, community‐
based association of recovering drug addicts with over 31,000 weekly meetings in over 100 countries worldwide. Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 15
Ocean County Needs Assessment of At Risk Children and Families 2011 Service Inventory Target Service Area: Behavioral Health Care Program: DCBHS System of Care Agency: Perform Care of New Jersey, Preferred Children’s Services, Ocean Mental Health Services, Ocean Partnership for Children Contact Info: 877‐652‐7624 Location: Mostly in home or in community Population Served: Youth age 5 through 21 Brief Description: DCF’s Division of Child Behavioral Health Services (DCBHS) serves children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral health care challenges and their families. DCBHS is committed to providing these services based on the needs of the child and family in a family‐centered, community‐based environment. Program: Family Support Agency: Ocean County Family Support Organization Contact Info: Deedra Eckoff, Director 609‐693‐4121 Location: Main Office 44 Manchester ave, Forked River, Bayville& Brick locations Population Served: Parent Support Groups and Youth Support Groups Brief Description: The FSO is a nonprofit organization made up of parents and community members whose mission is to ensure that every Ocean County family who have children with special emotional and behavioral needs is given community based resources and support in a family friendly, child centered, culturally competent manner Program: Child and Adolescent Outpatient Mental Health Services Agency: Ocean Mental Health Services Contact Info: 732‐575‐1111 or 877‐621‐0445 Location: Bayville and Manahawkin Population Served: All ages Brief Description: Individual, group and family counseling and psychiatric evaluations and medication monitoring Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 16
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Behavioral Health Care Program: Agency: Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Brief Description: Bayside Partial Care Program Ocean Mental Health Services 732‐575‐1111
160 Route 9, Bayville 08721 ages of 12 and 17 years old Special programs address special needs. Bayside is a partial day program that helps youth between the address their emotional and behavioral needs with education, counseling and support. This program prevents unnecessary hospitalizations, or effectively transitions a youth from hospitalization to successful home living. Program: Child and Adolescent Outpatient Mental Health Services Agency: Preferred Behavioral Health of NJ/ Preferred Children’s Services Contact Info: 732‐367‐4700 Location: PO Box 2036 Lakewood NJ Population Served: All ages Brief Description: Individual, group and family counseling and psychiatric evaluations and medication monitoring Program: SAIL Partial Care Program Agency: Preferred Behavioral Health of NJ Contact Info: 732‐458‐1700 Location: PO Box 2036 Lakewood, NJ 08701 Population Served: ages 12 to 18 Brief Description: A partial care program for severely emotionally disturbed youth who are at risk for out‐of home placement. Program: Child and Adolescent Outpatient Mental Health Services Agency: Lakewood Community Services Corporation Contact Info: 732 901‐6001 Location: 500 West Kennedy Blvd, P.O. Box 675, Lakewood 08701 Population Served: All ages Brief Description: The LCSC is a community and social service agency that provides a large array of services in Lakewood, NJ Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 17
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Behavioral Health Care Program: Agency: Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Brief Description: Family Crisis Intervention Unit Ocean’s Harbor House (732) 281‐0822 808 Conifer Street, Toms River 10‐21 To provide a 24 hour crisis intervention service to juveniles and their families to juveniles and their families To divert cases involving family crisis from the courts through counseling and referrals courts through counseling and referrals To provide families with counseling, guidance and/or referral assistance needed to stabilize the and/or referral assistance needed to stabilize the immediate crisis Program: Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services Agency: Kimball Medical Center/ Saint Barnabas Health Care Sys Contact Info: 732‐886‐4474 Location: Lakewood, Toms River, Manahawkin Population Served: Adults/children Brief Description: The Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services program (PESS) provides crisis intervention services for residents, including screening for voluntary and involuntary hospitalization, mobile outreach, linkage to appropriate community resources, information and referrals. The hotline, answered by Crisis Intervention Specialists or Certified Screeners, is used to de‐escalate a crisis situation that demands immediate intervention. The goal is to relieve a patient’s distress and prevent psychiatric hospitalization through the use of clinical assessment, crisis intervention counseling, and the formulation of alternative treatment plans. If the nature of the call indicates that a face‐to‐face session with a Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services clinician is appropriate, arrangements will be made for the caller to visit PESS or a mobile outreach team at an alternate location. Program: Children’s Crisis Intervention Services (CCIS) Unit Agency: Monmouth Medical Center/ Saint Barnabas Health Care Sys Contact Info: 732‐923‐6999
Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 18
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Behavioral Health Care Location: Monmouth Medical Center. Long Branch Population Served: age 5 to 17 Brief Description: Children’s Crisis Intervention Services (CCIS) at Monmouth Medical Center is a 19‐bed, acute inpatient unit that serves in Monmouth and Ocean counties who have been screened for psychiatric admission through Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services (PESS). Program: 2nd Floor Youth Helpline Agency: 180 Turning Lives Around Contact Info: (888) 222‐2228. Location: Telephone and online www.2ndfloor.org Population Served: Ages 10 – 24 primarily Brief Description: 2NDFLOOR is a confidential and anonymous helpline for New Jerseyʹs youth and young adults. Program: NAMI Basics Agency: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Ocean County Contact Info: 732‐244‐4401 Location: Varity, check website Population Served: Parents/ guardians of youth with mental health needs Brief Description: NAMI Basics is the new signature education program for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illnesses. Program: Sexual Abuse & Assault Services Agency: Saint Francis Counseling Center Contact Info: N‐732‐370‐4010 S‐609‐494‐1090 Location: Ocean County Population Served: Victims/families of abuse or assault Brief Description: Ongoing therapy, community education programs. Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 19
Ocean County Needs Assessment of At Risk Children and Families 2011 Service Inventory Target Service Are: Youth Preparing To Leave DYFS Supervision Affordable Housing / Supportive Housing Program: Beacon House Agency: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton Contact Info: (732) 449‐5835 Location: 100 Beacon Boulevard, Sea Girt, NJ 08750‐1609 Population Served: Youth ages 17‐21 Brief Description: Transitional group home in Monmouth County for homeless youth ages 17‐21. Individual and group counseling is afforded on‐site. Program: Youth Shelter Agency: Ocean’s Harbor House Contact Info: (732) 929‐0660 Location: Administrative Office, 2445 Windsor Avenue, Toms River Population Served: Youth ages 10‐21 Brief Description: Oceanʹs Harbor House is a safe haven for youth, who have run away, are homeless or have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Program: Transitional Living Program Agency: Ocean’s Harbor House Contact Info: (732) 929‐0660 Admin/ (732) 281‐0822 Location: Administrative Office, 2445 Windsor Avenue, Toms River Facility, 808 Conifer St., Toms River Population Served: Youth ages 16‐21. DYFS referrals and other youth. Brief Description: The Transitional Living Program is an 18‐month program where youth live semi‐independently, have access to life skills training opportunities, and other supports. The goal is to transition into permanent housing. Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 20
Service Inventory: Target Service Are: Youth Preparing To Leave DYFS Supervision Educational Services Program: Chafee Scholarships Agency: Division of Youth and Family Services Contact Info: ‐ Location: ‐ Population Served: Youth in foster care who are preparing to transition to adulthood and youth 18‐21 who have already left foster care and need assistance Brief Description: 1) to identify children who are likely to remain in foster care until 18 years of age and to help these children make the transition to self‐sufficiency by providing services such as assistance in obtaining a high school diploma, career exploration, vocational training, job placement and retention, training in daily living skills, training in budgeting and financial management skills, substance abuse prevention, and preventive health activities (including smoking avoidance, nutrition education, and pregnancy prevention); 2) to help children who are likely to remain in foster care until 18 years of age receive the education, training, and services necessary to obtain employment; 3) to help children who are likely to remain in foster care until 18 years of age prepare for and enter post secondary training and education institutions; 4) to provide personal and emotional support to children aging out of foster care, through mentors and the promotion of interactions with dedicated adults; and 5) to provide financial, housing, counseling, employment, education, and other appropriate support and services to former foster care recipients between 18 and 21 years of age to complement their own efforts to achieve self‐sufficiency and to assure that program participants recognize and accept their personal responsibility for preparing for and then making the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Program: Center for Academic Excellence Agency: Ocean County College Contact Info: 732‐255‐0456 Location: Library Building, Room 124, College Dr., Toms River Population Served: Students of Ocean County College Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 21
Service Inventory: Target Service Are: Youth Preparing To Leave DYFS Supervision Brief Description: The Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) coordinates efforts to improve the academic experience of OCC students, with special focus on the first year experience (30 or less credits). The CAE provides an array of academic support services designed to engage students in learning opportunities, both in and out of the classroom, including: First Year Experience Course, Peer Mentors, Disability Services, Peer Tutors, Power Strategy Seminars, NJ Stars Enrichment Services, Testing Center, New Faculty Series. Program: GED Preparation Courses Agency: Saint Francis Counseling Center Contact Info: (609) 494‐8861 x 185 Location: Various high schools, libraries, and community based organizations throughout Ocean County Population Served: All residents of Ocean County Brief Description: Adult Basic Skills (ABE), GED prep and English as a Second Language (ESL) Beginner & Intermediate classes are offered throughout Ocean County. All classes provide case management for job/career assessment, job/career counseling, job readiness skills and life skills, computer classes and resume preparation. Childcare and transportation are available at selected sites. Classes and services are provided by the Ocean County Basic Skills Consortium through a grant from the NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development. Life Skills Training Program: Agency: Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Brief Description: Project Independence Preferred Children’s Services 732‐367‐1352 999 Airport Rd, Lakewood NJ Youth linked with DYFS, 16 ‐ 21 This program is designed to give adolescents a head start for responsible living as young adults. Each client is given a comprehensive independent living skills assessment to determine life skills proficiency levels. Intensive training is then provided through both educational groups and individual skills training sessions. Participation in the program is at least six (6) months long but can continue as long as the youthʹs Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 22
Service Inventory: Target Service Are: Youth Preparing To Leave DYFS Supervision commitment to obtaining the goal is evident. Employment Services Program: One Stop Career Center Agency: Contact Info: 732‐286‐6446 Location: 1595 Route 9, Toms River NJ Population Served: Individuals aged 16 and older Brief Description: Located throughout New Jersey, One‐Stop Career Centers offer services (free of charge) to help you develop the skills needed to succeed in a 21st century work environment. One‐Stop Career Centers are staffed with qualified professionals who can assist with obtaining employment or the training to meet the demands of our present workforce. Employment counselors can help explore career choices relating to interests and abilities and will help explore occupations that best utilize an individual’s skills in the current job market. The One‐Stop Career Centers also offer educational training programs in vocational and trade schools or on‐site at the One‐Stop, on‐the‐job training with local employers and apprenticeships in many fields. In addition, Job Search Readiness Workshops provide information on how to successfully look for a job, conduct in an interview, write a resume or learn about the local labor market. Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 23
Ocean County Needs Assessment of At Risk Children and Families 2011 Service Inventory Target Service Area: Domestic Violence Services Program: Providence House Emergency Shelter and Crisis Services Agency: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton Contact Info: 732‐244‐8259 or 1‐800‐246‐ 8910 (toll free) Location: Confidential Population Served: Victims of domestic violence, who are not co‐abusers or currently abusing substances Brief Description: For victims and their children in need of crisis counseling and/or a safe haven from abuse, as well as information, appointments and referral. Program: Transitional Living Program Agency: Dottie’s House Contact Info: Phone ‐ (732) 262‐2009
Location: 2141 Route 88 East, Suite 4, Brick Township, NJ 08724
Population Served: Women who are victims of domestic violence, and their children Brief Description: Providing safe housing for women and their children through a program that empowers them to become self‐sufficient and free from violence.
Program: Peace: A Learned Solution (PALS) Agency: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton Contact Info: Hotline: 1‐800‐246‐ 8910 | Office: 732‐244‐8259 Outreach office 732‐350‐2120 Location: PO Box 414, Whiting, NJ 08759 Population Served: Ages 3‐12 Brief Description: Helps children who have been exposed to domestic abuse to heal through various forms of creative arts Program: Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) Agency: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton Contact Info: Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 24
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Domestic Violence Services Location: Population Served: Brief Description: Program: Agency: Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Brief Description: Confidential or place of incident Victims of DV who request police intervention The Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) program was state mandated in 2000 with the knowledge that victims of domestic violence are often isolated and trapped in abusive relationships. Police officers provide protection to victims of domestic violence by arresting and processing the batterer, while volunteers help the victim to feel less isolated and alone. DVRT volunteers respond to the police department to provide emotional support, information on domestic violence, community resources and a safety plan. Sexual Abuse & Assault Services Saint Francis Counseling Center N‐732‐370‐4010 S‐609‐494‐1090 Ocean County Victims/families of abuse or assault Ongoing therapy, community education programs. Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 25
Ocean County Needs Assessment of At Risk Children and Families 2011 Service Inventory Target Service Area: Services for Special Needs Children Social Skills Groups, Specialized Recreation, After School Programs Program: Camp Discovery Agency: Contact Info: 732‐341‐1000 x8418 Location: Warren Point Road, Toms River, NJ Population Served: Brief Description: Program: Chariot Riders Agency: Contact Info: 732‐657‐2710 Location: 3170 Chariot Court, Manchester NJ Population Served: Pre‐K to Adult Brief Description: Chariot Riders Inc. is a registered non‐profit organization accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) that provides therapeutic horseback riding for physically and mentally challenged children and adults to improve the quality of their physical, emotional, mental and social well‐being! Our Ocean County Facility is located in Manchester, NJ and the Monmouth County Facility is located in Farmingdale, NJ Program: Commission on Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities Agency: NJ Office of Recreation Contact Info: (609) 984‐6654
Location: Population Served: Individuals with disabilities Brief Description: The Commission functions to promote and assist in the development and implementation of recreation and leisure services for individuals with disabilities in the communities Agency: Special Olympics Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 26
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Services for Youth with Special Needs Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Brief Description: 609‐896‐8000/ 732‐367‐1533 www.sonj.org Lawrenceville, NJ/ Toms River, NJ Special Olympics is a global organization that serves more than 3.4 million athletes with intellectual disabilities working with hundreds of thousands of volunteers and coaches each year. Since the establishment of Special Olympics in 1968, the number of people with and without intellectual disabilities who are involved with the organization has been growing, but the unmet need to reach more people with intellectual disabilities is staggering. Agency: Ocean County Parks & Recreation Contact Info: 732‐506‐9090 Location: 1198 Bandon Road, Toms River, NJ 08753
Population Served: All residents of Ocean County, NJ Brief Description: All residents of Ocean County, NJ can receive a free issue of our Parks and Recreation Newsletter. This quarterly publication lists all of our adult and kidsʹ programs, classes, sports events, trips, festivals and more! Program: Team Randy Agency: Contact Info: 732‐929‐1302
Location: 888 Briarcliff Rd., Toms River, NJ 08755
Population Served: 13‐18yrs Brief Description: Team Randy provides a maturing and fun filled summer for 20 Ocean County boys and girls. Team Randy is a travel camp. Program: Toms River East Little League Challenger Baseball Agency: Contact Info: 732‐929‐8671 Location: Toms River, NJ Population Served: Brief Description: Agency: YMCA Contact Info: 732‐341‐9622
Location: 1088 W Whitty Road Toms River, NJ 08755
Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 27
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Services for Youth with Special Needs Population Served: Brief Description: Programs at the Ocean County YMCA are designed to foster the four core values of caring, honest, respect, and responsibility. The Ocean County YMCA is more than fitness. . . weʹre a family. The Ocean County YMCA is for people of all ages, faiths, races, incomes, and abilities and is dedicated to building strong kids, strong families, strong communities. Financial assistance is available for memberships and programs through our Y Cares Annual Support Campaign. Program: Center for Independent Living Agency: MOCEANS Contact Info: (732) 505‐2310 Location: 1027 Hooper Ave, Building 6, 3rd Floor, Toms River NJ 08755 Population Served: Brief Description: To support and promote choice, independence and self‐
determination in the lives of all people with disabilities giving each individual full and equal access in the community. Assistive Technology for Special Needs Youth Program: Assistive Technology Advocacy Center Agency: Disability Rights New Jersey Contact Info: (800) 922‐7233 Location: 210 South Broad Street, 3rd Floor Trenton, NJ Population Served: Disabled Brief Description: DRNJ provides: information and referral, technical assistance and training, individual and system advocacy, legal and non‐
legal advocacy, and outreach and education. Support Groups for Families Agency: Family Support Center of New Jersey Contact Info: (800) 372–6510 (NJ only) or (732) 528‐8080 Location: 2516 Route 35, Manasquan, NJ 08736 Population Served: Families with individuals with disabilities Brief Description: The Family Support Center is a clearinghouse of up‐to‐date Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 28
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Services for Youth with Special Needs information on a national, state and local family support programs, services and disabilities. The Center offers a “One‐
Stop‐Shopping” approach to individuals seeking information on disabilities and services by providing them with easy access to a comprehensive array of services. Agency: Autism NJ Contact Info: 609‐588‐8200, 1‐800‐4‐AUTISM Location: 500 Horizon Drive, Suite 530, Robbinsville, NJ 08691 Population Served: People with autism and their families Brief Description: Autism New Jersey is a nonprofit agency providing information and advocacy, services, family and professional education, and consultation. Autism New Jersey encourages responsible basic and applied research that may lessen the effects of, and potentially prevent, autism. Agency: Autism Speaks Contact Info: (609)‐228‐7310
Location: 1060 State Road, 2nd Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540
Population Served: People with autism and their families Brief Description: Autism Speaks has grown into the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families
Agency: Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) Contact Info: 732‐785‐1099 | toll free at 888‐460‐7622 Location: 1999 Route 88, Brick, NJ 08724 Population Served: Parents of Children that have autism Brief Description: Parents Of Autistic Children (POAC), a nonprofit organization formed, is the educational leader for the autism community providing more free training than any other organization. Additionally, POAC provides recreational and support services to children with autism and their families. The costs of such services are prohibitive for most families Agency: Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 29
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Services for Youth with Special Needs Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Brief Description: 973‐624‐8100, 800‐654‐ SPAN 35 Halsey Street 4th floor, Newark NJ 087102 Information and referral , trainings and workshops, Respite and In Home Supports Program: Early Intervention Program & Special Child Health Services Agency: Ocean County Health Department Contact Info: 1‐888‐653‐4463. Location: 175 Sunset Avenue, P.O. Box 2191, Toms River, NJ Population Served: Children aged 3 and under Brief Description: The Early Intervention Program focuses on resources/ case management for families with children experiencing a developmental delay, disability, or has a diagnosis that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay Agency: Children’s Specialized Hospital Contact Info: (732) 914‐8751 Location: 94 Stevens Road, Toms River, NJ 08755 Population Served: Children Brief Description: We offer comprehensive care for children through inpatient, outpatient, and long term care services. Agency: Division of Developmental Disabilities Contact Info: 1‐800‐832‐9173 Location: PO BOX 726 Trenton NJ 08625 Population Served: Individuals with developmental disabilities
Brief Description: The New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) funds services for eligible individuals with developmental disabilities.
Agency: Division of Disability Services 1‐888‐285‐3036, 888‐285‐3036
Contact Info: Location: PO Box 700 Trenton, NJ 08625‐0700
Population Served: Disabled adults Brief Description: The Division of Disability Services (DDS) focuses on serving people who have become disabled as adults, whether through illness or injury. Such conditions are also called late‐onset Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 30
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Services for Youth with Special Needs disabilities. Also provides information and referral for families of individuals with developmental disabilities who are assessed as “low vulnerability.”
Agency: Special Children’s Center Contact Info: 732‐367‐0099 Location: 112 Clifton Avenue, #7, Lakewood, NJ 08701 Population Served: 3‐18yrs Brief Description: The Special Childrenʹs Center is a temporary home away from home for children with autism, cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities. Information & Referral and Other Services for Special Needs Youth Program: Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Agency: NJ Department of Human Services Contact Info: 1‐800‐335‐3863 or 609‐292‐0600 Location: Population Served: 21 or younger Brief Description: In the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Program, any illness can be “catastrophic” based on uncovered eligible medical expenses and the family’s income in a prior 12‐month time period. A catastrophic illness is any illness or condition, acute or chronic, for which expenses are incurred that are not fully covered by insurance, state, federal programs, or other sources and exceed the program’s eligibility threshold. Program: Office for Individuals with Disabilities Agency: Ocean County Department of Human Services Contact Info: 732‐506‐5374 Location: 1027 Hooper Avenue, Building 2, 3rd Floor, Toms River, NJ Population Served: Individuals with disabilities as well as to their friends and family Brief Description: The Ocean County Office for the Disabled works as an information and referral resource for the residents of Ocean County. The Office strives to provide assistance to individuals with disabilities as well as to their friends and family in order to empower them through knowledge Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 31
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Services for Youth with Special Needs Program: Agency: Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Brief Description: Special Education Services All local schools General Information: (877)900‐6960 Students aged 3 – 21 years The office implements state and federal laws and regulations governing special education to ensure that pupils with disabilities in New Jersey receive full educational opportunities. It provides statewide leadership through the development of policy and implementation documents and provides guidance to school districts and parents regarding the implementation of special education programs and services. Program: Section 504 Planning Agency: All local schools Contact Info: General information: 609‐989‐2854 Location: Population Served: Students (youth and adults) Brief Description: Section 504 is that section of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which applies to persons with disabilities. Basically, it is a civil rights act which prohibits discrimination against individuals with physical or mental disabilities who attend public or private schools funded with public dollars. Section 504 is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights (OCR). Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 32
Ocean County Needs Assessment of At Risk Children and Families 2011 Service Inventory Target Service Area: Early Care and Education Program: Child Care Resource and Referral Agency Agency: The Children’s Home Society of NJ Contact Info: 732‐557‐9633 Location: 1433 Hooper Ave, Suite 340, Toms River Population Served: Families Brief Description: Adoption options, Birth parent counseling, Child abuse prevention and treatment, Child care services, Community and neighborhood‐based services, Foster care, Pre‐ and post‐
natal services, School‐based youth services, Child welfare services, Early childhood and parenting services. Information and referral to families regarding child care options. Maintains child care subsidy program (NJ Cares for Kids) for low income families. Program: Child Care Center Agency: About 180 Sites in Ocean County Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Ages vary. Brief Description: Infant, toddler, and before/after school care. Program: Family Child Care Agency: About 100 Sites in Ocean County Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Ages vary. Brief Description: Infant, toddler, and before/after school care. Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 33
Ocean County Needs Assessment of At Risk Children and Families 2011 Service Inventory Target Service Area: Delinquency Prevention Program: Strengthening Families Program Agency: Saint Barnabas Institute for Prevention Contact Info: 732‐914‐3815 Location: Various throughout the county Population Served: Families with children aged 6 – 17 Brief Description: The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) is a nationally and internationally recognized parenting and family strengthening program for high‐risk families. SFP is an evidence‐based family skills training program found to significantly reduce problem behaviors, delinquency, and alcohol and drug abuse in children and to improve social competencies and school performance. Child maltreatment also decreases as parents strengthen bonds with their children and learn more effective parenting skills. Program: Family Success Center Agency: Lakewood Community Services Corporation Contact Info: 732 901‐6001 Location: Lakewood Population Served: All families Brief Description: “one‐stop” shops that provide wrap‐around resources and supports for families before they find themselves in crisis. Family Success Centers offer primary and secondary 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. Program: The White House Family Success Center Agency: Preferred Children’s Services Contact Info: 732‐886‐3764 Location: Lakewood Population Served: All families Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 34
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Delinquency Prevention Brief Description: “one‐stop” shops that provide wrap‐around resources and supports for families before they find themselves in crisis. Family Success Centers offer primary and secondary 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. Program: Tools for Teens and Adults Agency: Ocean County Library Contact Info: 732‐349‐6200 Location: Various library branches throughout the county Population Served: Teens & their parents/guardians, other interested residents Brief Description: The Ocean County Library presents unique workshops designed to equip teens as they deal with issues that trouble them while they mature into adults. The “Tools for Teens and Adults” workshops are presented in partnership with the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders; the O.C. Youth Service Commission; the O.C. Department of Health; the Superior Court of New Jersey, Ocean County Probation and Juvenile Supervision division; O.C. Library; the Municipal Alliance Project; and the N.J. Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. Program: Center for Kids and Family Agency: Saint Barnabas Health Care System – Community Medical Center Contact Info: 732.505.KIDS Location: Toms River & Forked River Population Served: Youth and their families Brief Description: The mission of the Center for Kids and Family is to respond to the growing physical, social, psychological and emotional needs of today’s family. The Center strives to assist families in meeting the varied and sometimes staggering challenges they face daily. Nurses, social workers and educators from the Center provide a variety of services and programs: anger management, bullying, shoplifting, violence prevention, health issues. Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 35
Service Inventory: Target Service Area: Delinquency Prevention Program: Agency: Contact Info: Location: Population Served: Brief Description: Student Assistance Coordinators (SAC) Local schools General info: 908‐451‐5367 Youth and their families Student Assistance programs are a comprehensive framework for the delivery of K‐ 12 universal, targeted and selected prevention/intervention strategies and programs. Student Assistance services are designed to reduce risk factors, promote protective factors and increase asset development. A Student Assistance Program utilizes both individual strategies for identified students and environmental approaches to improve the educational opportunity for all students and educators. Program: Family Crisis Intervention Unit Agency: Ocean’s Harbor House Contact Info: 732‐240‐3638 / 732‐929‐0660 Location: Toms River Population Served: Youth aged 10 – 17 and their families Brief Description: FCIU is staffed with trained family counselors. Their role is to provide immediate, short term crisis intervention counseling and then refer the family to an appropriate social service agency. FCIU directly handles matters in which juveniles demonstrate behaviors of truancy, runaway, incorrigibility, and other acting out behaviors. Referrals made to FCIU come from police, schools, parents, and other social service agencies. Ocean County - Assessing the Needs of At Risk Children & Families 2011
Appendix B - Service Inventory - Page 36
Appendix C Child Care Family & Provider Surveys Results Page 87 Child Care Family Survey Results This survey was emailed through the Human Services mailing lists, the Child Care Committee, and to County departments for voluntary distribution to staff. In addition, a hard copy was mailed to all child care centers and family child care providers in partnership with the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency, The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey. In total, 197 individuals began the survey. 89% completed all applicable questions. Demographics of the Sample The sample is fairly representative in demographic characteristics of participants expected from a survey to caregivers around children. More than one third of the participants are between 26 and 35 years of age. About 63% fall between 26 and 45 years. Please indicate your age range: Response Percent Response Count 16 to 20 years 1.0% 2 21 to 25 years 8.2% 16 26 to 35 years 35.6% 69 36 to 45 years 27.3% 53 46 to 55 years 14.9% 29 56 years or older 12.9% 25 Answer Options answered question
194 skipped question
3 More than 80% of the respondents are women. Please indicate your gender: Response Percent Response Count Female 83.3% 160 Male 16.7% 32 Answer Options Other 0.0% 0 answered question
192 skipped question
5 Aligned well with racial and ethnic identity of the county in general, 85% of respondents are white/Caucasian, 8% identify Latino/a, 4% black/ African American, and 3% other. How do you identify your race/ ethnicity? Check the best response. Response Percent Answer Options Response Count 1.6% 3.7% 7.9% 1.0% 1.0% 84.8% Asian/ Pacific Islander Black/ African American Latino/ Latina Multiracial Native American White, non‐hispanic Other (please specify) 3 7 15 2 2 162 2 answered question
skipped question
191 6 The majority of participants speak English as their native language. Five respondents indicated another native language, primarily Spanish. Is English your native language? Answer Options Yes No If no, please indicate your native language: Response Percent Response Count 95.3% 4.7% 184 9 5 answered question skipped question 193 4 The sample was also very representative of locations within the county. The majority reside in Toms River, the largest municipality. Residents of small and large municipalities are included in the survey, as well as residents from north, south, east, and west quadrants of the county. What town do you live in? Sorted by frequency # Toms River 43 % 20.5% Towns listed alphabetically # Barnegat 9 % 5.1% Jackson Lacey Little Egg Harbor Brick Tuckerton Stafford Barnegat Bayville Point Pleasant Manchester Lakewood Beachwood West Creek New Egypt Out of County Ortley/ SS Hts Waretown South Toms River Ocean Gate 27 15 14 13 12 9 9 8 7 7 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 1 1 14.8% 8.5% 8.0% 7.4% 6.8% 5.1% 5.1% 4.6% 4.0% 4.0% 2.3% 2.3% 1.7% 1.7% 1.7% 1.1% 1.1% 0.6% 0.6% Bayville Beachwood Brick Jackson Lacey Lakewood Little Egg Harbor Ocean Gate Manchester New Egypt Ortley/ SS Hts Out of County Point Pleasant South Toms River Stafford Toms River Waretown Tuckerton West Creek 8 4 13 27 15 4 14 1 7 3 2 3 7 1 9 43 2 12 3 4.6% 2.3% 7.4% 14.8% 8.5% 2.3% 8.0% 0.6% 4.0% 1.7% 1.1% 1.7% 4.0% 0.6% 5.1% 20.5% 1.1% 6.8% 1.7% Are there children 13 years of age or younger living in your household/ under your care? Answer Options Yes No Response Percent 70.9% 29.1% answered question skipped question Response Count 134 55 189 8 About 7 in 10 survey participants indicate that there were children aged 13 or younger currently under their care. Respondents with children under 13 were asked to complete additional questions about their child care arrangements. The demographics of this group, again very representative of the county as a whole, are as follows: Please indicate your age range: Response Percent Response Count 16 to 20 years 0.8% 1 21 to 25 years 8.3% 11 26 to 35 years 45.9% 61 36 to 45 years 35.3% 47 Answer Options 46 to 55 years 6.8% 9 56 years or older 3.0% 4 answered question
133 skipped question
1 Please indicate your gender: Response Percent Response Count Female 87.9% 116 Male 12.1% 16 Other 0.0% 0 Answer Options answered question
132 skipped question
2 How do you identify your race/ ethnicity? Check the best response. Answer Options Asian/ Pacific Islander Black/ African American Latino/ Latina Multiracial Native American White, non‐hispanic Other (please specify) Response Percent Response Count 2.3% 3.1% 10.7% 0.8% 0.8% 82.4% 3 4 14 1 1 108 2 answered question skipped question 131 3 Two indicated another ethnicity, one being American and the other White, Spanish, and Native American. Is English your native language? Answer Options Yes No If no, please indicate your native language: Response Percent Response Count 93.9% 6.1% 124 8 4 answered question skipped question 132 2 Three who indicated another native language indicated Spanish. Household Information Most participants are the child’s biological or adoptive parent. A small but significant group also represent grandparents. The other response was childcare provider. What is your relationship to the child(ren) under your care? Answer Options Biological or adoptive parent Resource parent Stepparent Grandparent Other relative Non relative Other (please specify) Response Percent Response Count 93.8% 0.8% 0.8% 3.9% 0.8% 0.8% 123 1 1 5 1 1 1 answered question skipped question 128 6 Compared to the general population of families with children, this sample reflects a slightly lower proportion of married couple families (71.4% versus 78%) and slightly higher proportion of single parents (28.7% versus 22%). What is the parental structure in your household? Check the response that best describes your household. Answer Options Married/ domestic partnership with both parties in the home Stepparent/ Blended family Single parent/guardian (divorced, separated or never married) with full custody Single parent/guardian (divorced, separated or never married) with joint or partial custody Single parent/guardian, widowed Other (please specify) Response Percent Response Count 69.8% 92 1.6% 2 22.5% 29 5.4% 7 0.8% 1 0 answered question skipped question 129 5 As a consistency check, participants were asked if they participate in making child care arrangements. The overwhelming majority do (94.6%). Do you participate in making child care arrangements in your family? Response Percent Answer Options 94.6% 5.4% answered question skipped question Yes No Response Count 122 7 129 5 Child Information Two thirds of the participants with children under 13 shared detailed information on their child/children. 44% have one child, 40% have two children, and 16% have three children (or more). The average child age is 5.12. The median (or age in the center of distribution) is four. The mode (or most frequent response) is three years. 46% of the sample shared information about 2 or more children. 5% of the sample shared information about 3 children. Ages of children 13 years of age or younger: Answer Options Response Percent Response Count Up to 12 months 9.9% 15 13‐24 months 5.3% 8 9.9% 14.6% 11.9% 11.3% 5.3% 8.0% 4.0% 6.0% 5.3% 4.0% 0.7% 3.1% total children 15 22 18 17 8 12 6 9 8 6 1 6 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 151 The average number of hours in care is 18.4. The median (or value in the center of distribution) is 10 hours. The mode (or most frequent response) is the range of 6 to 10 hours. Number of hours this child spends in care each week (not including school) Response Percent Response Count 12.4% 17.4% 22.4% 5.6% 6.2% 3.1% 3.7% 9.9% 8.7% 5.6% 3.1% 1.9% answered question 20 28 36 9 10 5 6 16 14 9 5 3 161 Answer Options None Up to 5 6 to 10 11 to 15 16 to 20 21 to 25 26 to 30 31 to 35 36 to 40 41 to 49 50 60 Many respondents utilize a combination of child care arrangements per child. One third of the children under care of the survey respondents attend a child care center. One in five children is supervised at home with a parent/caregiver and 16% are watched by an unpaid person in the family home for at least a portion of the day. Other common arrangements are supervision by an unpaid person in that person’s home (13.2%) and Head Start (13.7%). What kind of childcare arrangements apply? Answer Options Response Percent 32.0% Child Care Center Family child care provider (paid person in provider's 9.6% home) 3.6% Early Head Start 13.7% Head Start 10.7% Pre‐Kindergarten 3.6% Private School/ Tutoring Program 21.3% With myself/ my spouse/partner in the home 6.1% Paid person in my home (i.e. nanny) 10.7% Structured before/after school program through school 3.6% Structured before/after school program, non‐school 1.0% Child is home alone 15.7% Unpaid person (family/friend) in my home 13.2% Unpaid person (family/friend) in their home Other (please specify) answered question Response Count 63 19 7 27 21 7 42 12 21 7 2 31 26 5 197 Of the 20 children identified with special needs, seven respondents indicate the nature of the needs: tantrums, hearing and ADHD, ADHD and sensory processing disorder, autism, special education school, and two wrote in speech. Considering the 16% rate of classification among Ocean County school students, the number of children with special needs may be underrepresented in this sample. Does this child have any special needs? Answer Options Yes No If yes, please specify: Response Percent Response Count 9.6% 90.4% 20 185 answered question 205 About 54% of the participants calculate their child care costs on a weekly basis, and 46% calculate it monthly. Combining the responses into the same format, more than half of the cost per child is $200 or less monthly. One in five children’s care costs between $401 and $800 monthly (or $101 to $200 each week). No families in this survey pay more than $1,200 per month ($300 per week). How much do you pay for the childcare arrangement(s) for this child per month? COMBINED Response Percent Answer Options 52.5% 14.5% 20.5% 12.5% 0.0% answered question Up to $200 $201 to $400 $401 to $800 $801 to $1,200 More than $1,200 Response Count 105 29 41 25 0 200 Monthly Cost for Child Care Arrangements, per
child
$801 to $1,200
$801 to $1,200
12.5%
$401 to $800
$401 to $800
20.5%
More than $1,200
More than $1,200
0.0%
Up to $200
Up to $200 52.5%
$201 to $400
$201 to $400
14.5%
The majority of respondents indicated that they found out about the child care program(s) that they currently utilize through word of mouth (59.4%). A large group utilized other informal mechanisms (i.e. passing by, 31.1%). Other responses included recommendations from family or friends, or other professionals in the family’s life. How did you find out about the childcare program(s) that you are currently using? Check all that apply. Answer Options Word of mouth Passing by Newspaper Phonebook Internet/ Website Referral from employer Child Care Resource & Referral Agency (The Children's Home Society of NJ) Other community organization Local school district Other (please specify) Response Percent Response Count 59.4% 31.1% 1.9% 0.9% 9.4% 5.7% 63 33 2 1 10 6 15.1% 16 2.8% 11.3% 3 12 12 answered question skipped question 106 28 Other (please specify) Church (nursery school) Walked in & interviewed the owner & staff myself,my husband or my mother are with them pediatrician foodstamp case worker my mother told me about headstart program referred by family member used to work there sons girlfriend they are not in daycare Family member Friend The majority felt that selecting child care arrangements was an easy decision to make (79%), and most feel it will have a positive impact on their child/children (54.4%). Please describe how you feel about the process of selecting childcare arrangements. Check the best response. Answer Options It was an easy decision, and I am confident that it will Response Percent Response Count 54.4% 62 have a positive impact on my child(ren) It was a somewhat easy decision to make It was a somewhat difficult decision to make It was a very difficult decision to make and I'm not confident that it will have a positive impact on my child(ren) 24.6% 18.4% 28 21 2.6% 3 answered question skipped question 114 20 Most participants rated their child care programs highly on several factors of quality. The lowest rating can be seen in Affordable Cost. Interestingly, a sizable group did not feel that coordination with other child care centers was applicable to their arrangements, which may reflect the large number of survey respondents who utilize natural supports to provide child care. Please rate your childcare program(s) on the following factors: Answer Options Affordable Cost Located Conveniently Cleanliness Quality Environment Fun for Children Accessible/available when Families Need It Well‐known and Respected in the Community Coordinated with Other Community Organizations Coordinated with Other Childcare Centers Linked with Local School(s) Needs Improvement OK Good Very Good N/A Rating Average 17 2 1 1 1 22 10 5 2 5 21 16 15 20 18 52 83 90 89 87 6 6 7 6 6 2.96 3.62 3.75 3.76 3.72 Respon
se Count 118 117 118 118 117 3 5 26 78 5 3.60 117 1 6 22 80 8 3.66 117 1 10 17 67 20 3.58 115 4 9 14 44 41 3.38 112 1 10 23 55 22 3.48 skipped question 111 16 All survey respondents are at least somewhat satisfied with their child care arrangements. Most are very satisfied. Comments: “Time spent with Nana could be more educational but it's free so I can't complain” “Very Happy with the Service provided my child, however I would love it to be less expensive.” “would like to find someone i can trust so i can work more” “Children Specialized Hospital” Occupational Situation While most survey respondents are employed (72%) and engaged full time (66.1%), one in five indicated that they primarily care for their children. Few respondents indicated that they have an alternate schedule, such as weekend, night, or rotating shifts. Other responses to work/school schedule included: part time school, nearly full time employment; 2 jobs ‐ 32.5 hours per week & 8 hrs per week; I go to School at night a few nights a week every semester; I’m on state help and go to their program; I work part time and attend school full time; retired; fulltime till unemployed. What is your major occupational situation; what do you spend the majority of your time doing? Check the best response. Response Percent Answer Options Employed Self‐employed/ business owner Enrolled in a training program Studying in a school or university Full‐time caring for my child(ren) 72.0% 3.4% 0.8% 4.2% 19.5% answered question skipped question What is your work/school schedule? Check all that apply. Response Count 85 4 1 5 23 118 16 Answer Options I don't work or attend school Full‐time Part‐time Seasonal Weekday Nights/ Weekends Rotating Shifts Other (please specify) Response Percent Response Count 17.8% 66.1% 16.9% 2.5% 12.7% 8.5% 1.7% 21 78 20 3 15 10 2 7 answered question skipped question 118 16 Family Friendly Employers Most survey respondents do not have any special arrangements with their employer or school so that they can care for their children. Four descriptions of such arrangements included: I have to use my sick & vacation time to take care of my child when an issue arises; schedule is flexible; and I go to school at night because I cant afford to pay for childcare. Do you have special arrangements with your employer/ school so that you are able to care for your child(ren) as you work or attend class (i.e. work from home, bring child to work/class)? Response Response Answer Options Percent Count No Yes If yes, please describe: 88.9% 11.1% answered question skipped question 96 12 4 108 26 There were 33 respondents who shared the kind of special arrangements they would want their employer/school to implement. Flexible schedules were the most frequent request, followed by on‐site child care. The comments were as follows: work from home, bring child to work, flex. schedule There are some times, for example, working weekends, where bringing my son to work would not be a disruption at all. Being able to come in late so I could drop her at nursery school at 9. It would help to be able to work from home some days , when Grandma is not available to watch her. Flexible Work Schedule, Later work hours flexibility in work hours/schedule to accommodate for early releases due to inclement weather or school closings and holidays I would love it if they had daycare assistance. Meaning assist their employees with paying for such expensive but very much needed services. My employer is flexible and family oriented. affordable day care Affordable child care close to work or even at work!! On‐site day care More flexible schedule and ability to work from home. More flexible schedule. To work from home at least one day per week. Also flex hours ‐ come in later or leave early for appts and such A large amount of my time is documenting on the computer which I could do at home. Often this is not allowed. onsite daycare Would like a daycare at my job. I work for a school district. It would be nice if the district had an arrangement with a local child care center to possibly reduce costs, by working in conjunction with the school district's schedule. It would also be nice if employees' children could attend the school district at a reduced tuition amount. A DAYCARE IN MY WORK WOULD BE GREAT Care available on job location for children when needed (ie: during summer months when school is closed) after school child care at work place including transportation for child to get there. even if pay came out of paycheck or added to tuition. Longer hours during the day with 1 day a week off.......work 4 10 hour days and 1 day off instead of 5 8 hour days. Was refused dermtion to work through breaks and lunch to be able to get son from bus stop. 1/2 hour early start with a work through lunch option, then I wouldn't need child care. bring child to work daycare Childcare at work premises during special child meetings during school holidays and school vacation. i had to drop a few hours to go to school fulltime school during the week only work weekend low cost babysitting services Discounted daycare program and daycare program at facility where work I would like them to work around the hours that i need If it were a school I was attending i would like daycare lons capingdn i can not have children where i work Flexible hours to help with child care needs Starting work early and leaving early on certain days. The respondents were asked to rate how flexible and understanding their employer/school is to issues with child care. Nearly half rated their employer very highly. One in ten rated their employer as not at all flexible. Of the 79 respondents who shared information about the number of hours or days missed of work due to childcare difficulties in the last six months, 18 or 24% indicated none. There was an average 2.67 days absent among 76 respondents, responses ranging from 1 to 20 days. There were 62 respondents who indicated hours late or left early, for an average of 6 hours each. Responses ranged from one hour to 40 hours. Access to Child Care Of the 94 respondents to this question, 36 or 35.6% indicated that they need childcare for special events outside of the regular schedule (i.e. family situations, emergencies, etc.). The 24 quantitative responses of how many hours ranged from two to 32 hours, an average of 8. The majority of survey participants got all of the child care they needed in the last year (56.4%). Only 5.2% got some, a little, or none of the care they needed. The primary reason why care was not obtained was due to care not being available when the families needed it (60.4%). Did you get all of the child care you needed during the last 12 months (1 year)? Check the best response. Answer Options Yes, I got all of the care I needed I got most of the care I needed I got some of the care I needed I got a little of the care I needed No, I did not get any of the care I needed Response Percent 56.4% 38.5% 1.7% 0.9% 2.6% answered question skipped question Response Count 66 45 2 1 3 117 17 If you couldn't get all of the care you needed, please indicate the reason(s). Check all the reasons that fit your situation. Answer Options Response Percent 35.4% Cost of care was too expensive 41.7% Couldn't find anyone to care for my child(ren) 0.0% Care was too far away 60.4% Care wasn’t available when I needed it Care did not provide the quality environment that I want 8.3% for my child(ren) My child has special needs that couldn’t be 2.1% accommodated Other (please specify) answered question skipped question Response Count 17 20 0 29 4 1 1 48 86 Only one in ten respondents has backup child care when the regular care is unavailable. Most have back up care “sometimes” (42%). In light of the fact that it is rare that care has always been available in the last year (8.7%), back up care is essential. Unavailability of care is usually due to child sickness, school closure, provider inability to provide care, and/or inclement weather. Back up care within this sample usually refers to family, friend, or neighbor (62.7%) or one of the parents taking time from work/school through unpaid (39.2%) or paid (33.3%) leave. Do you have backup childcare when your regular care is unavailable? Check the best response. Answer Options Always Usually Sometimes Never Response Percent 10.0% 26.0% 42.0% 22.0% answered question skipped question Response Count 5 13 21 11 50 84 In the last 12 months, what are the reasons your regular childcare has been unavailable? Check all that apply. Answer Options Care has always been available in the last year Child(ren) has been sick Provider unable to provide care Child(ren) suspended due to disciplinary action School closure Bad weather; unable to take child to provider Response Percent Response Count 8.7% 50.0% 37.0% 0.0% 37.0% 28.3% 4 23 17 0 17 13 5 Other (please specify) answered question skipped question 46 88 Other responses included: no one available, holidays, care is at my house or with my mom, cost, childcare provider was sick. Who has cared for your child(ren) when your regular childcare arrangements are unavailable? Check all that apply. Answer Options Response Percent 5.9% Not applicable 9.8% Myself/spouse who doesn't work outside the home Myself/spouse stays home from work/school with child 33.3% and receives paid leave Myself/spouse stays home from work/school with child 39.2% and receives UNpaid leave 7.8% Hired nanny 62.7% Family, friend, or neighbor 0.0% Child stays home alone 0.0% Alternate childcare center or family home care provider Other (please specify) answered question skipped question Response Count 3 5 17 20 4 32 0 0 4 51 83 Other responses included: i take a sick or vacation time; my son goes to work with his father; Paid leave meaning sick or vacation time used; someone who doesn’t work. Cost and Income The family income supports child care arrangements in the majority of survey participants’ families (81.5%). Nearly just as many families receive subsidies (14.8%) as those who seek assistance from family or friends (12.0%). Please indicate how your childcare arrangements are paid for. Check all that apply. Answer Options Family Income Child Support Subsidy Scholarship Assistance from family/friends Response Percent 81.5% 5.6% 14.8% 0.9% 12.0% answered question skipped question Response Count 88 6 16 1 13 108 26 One in three households who responded to this survey access NJ Family Care. This is about the same proportion as the general population of Ocean County. Other commonly used public assistance programs among this sample include: Food Stamps (19.4%), WIC (15.6%), and Free or Reduced Price Lunch program (11.9%). Please indicate if your household utilizes any of the following programs. Check all that apply. Answer Options NJ Family Care Medicaid/Medicare NJ Cares for Kids WIC (Women, Infants & Children) Program Free or Reduced School Lunches Food Stamps Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Response Percent 34.3% 20.9% 5.2% 15.6% 11.9% 19.4% 5.2% 3.7% 3.7% Sample size Response Count 46 28 7 21 16 26 7 5 5 134 Survey respondents reflect an interest spread with respect to household income. More than one in three participants earn $75,000 or more annually. The median household income for families is about $76,000 in Ocean County. The federal poverty level for a household of two or three is $14,710 or $18,530 respectively. About 25% of survey respondents earn $20,000 annually or less. Please approximate the gross household income per year (before taxes). Check the best response. Answer Options $75,000 or more $50,000 to $74,999 $35,000 to $49,999 $20,000 to $34,999 $20,000 or less Response Percent 37.3% 15.3% 5.1% 16.9% 25.4% answered question skipped question Response Count 44 18 6 20 30 118 16 Despite the income spread, 54.3% indicated that the cost of child care is a burden on their family. Do the total costs of childcare create a hardship for your family? Check the best response. Answer Options Yes, extreme Yes, somewhat It is manageable No, none Response Percent 18.1% 36.2% 31.0% 14.7% answered question Response Count 21 42 36 17 116 skipped question 18 Geographical Proximity and Transportation Most participants do not require transportation for their child care arrangements (14.4%) or are able to manage the responsibility among the parents/guardians of the child (78.0%) or natural supports (22.0%). Very few participants indicated that transportation is provided or is shared with other caregivers. Very few indicated a cost involved in transportation for their child/children (10.7%). Who takes or drives your child(ren) to and from childcare? Check all that apply. Answer Options Response Percent 14.4% Care is in our home 78.0% I do or my spouse/partner does Shared responsibility/ carpool with other caregivers who 1.7% use the same childcare arrangement 22.0% Family, friend, or neighbor Transportation is provided by the provider or school 9.3% district Other (please specify) answered question skipped question Response Count 17 92 2 26 11 2 118 16 If you or your spouse/partner does not take your child(ren) to childcare, is there a cost involved? Answer Options Yes No Response Percent 10.7% 89.3% answered question skipped question Response Count 9 75 84 50 One in three participants utilizes child care arrangements that are on their normal route or commute, within 2 miles (32.5%). About 43% travel 2 to 10 miles out of the way to deliver their child to child care. The percentage is low, but it is interesting to note that some respondents are willing to add 40 miles or more to their daily commute due to child care. How many miles do you (your spouse, family, friend, or neighbor) travel to deliver your child(ren) to childcare, over and above your normal commute to/from your workplace or school? One way, per day Response Response Answer Options Percent Count Not applicable 2 miles or less 17.5% 32.5% 21 39 2 to 5 miles 5 to 10 miles 10 to 20 miles More than 20 miles 26.7% 17.5% 2.5% 3.3% answered question skipped question 32 21 3 4 120 14 Impact of Child Care Many survey respondents easily identified several positive impacts that child care has had for their child/children. The ability to work (73.9%), successful school transition (49.5%), and socialization (30.6) are the most common impacts. Over 30% of respondents indicated that they have had to take time off of work due to child care. Other responses included: It's been very hard but we are just barely getting by. But my child is happy with his daycare; she just started recently so n/a at this time; we are pleased with our childcare; financial hardship; my mother provides care in my household. What impact has childcare had on your household in the last year (12 months)? Check all that apply. Answer Options Response Percent I or my spouse/partner have been able to work and 73.9% support our family 17.1% I/we have been able to advance my/our education My child(ren) has met developmental milestones (i.e. 74.8% socialization, playing well with others, sharing) 49.5% My child(ren) has had a successful transition to school The provider as assisted me/us with issues caring for my 21.6% child at home The provider has given me/us information or provided 28.8% educational workshops on issues that are important to my family The provider has arranged for assessments for my 24.3% child(ren) 30.6% Our family has met and socializes with other families 8.1% I/we have limited work hours 31.5% I/we have had to take time off from work 3.6% I/we have had to quit a job 7.2% I/we have limited job performance 8.1% I/we are not able to fulfill career goals 3.6% I/we have trouble transporting my child to care I/we have concerns with my childcare environment/ 2.7% quality of care 0.9% I/we need a caregiver that is more consistent 1.8% I/we use too many different caregivers in a week It has been a source of arguments/discord between me 2.7% and my partner Other (please specify) answered question Response Count 82 19 83 55 24 32 27 34 9 35 4 8 9 4 3 1 2 3 5 111 skipped question 23 Participants were asked to share their ideal child care arrangements. Many shared their level of satisfaction with their current arrangements. Flexibility and greater affordability are two other common themes. Comments were described as follows: Good, other then the cost is a hardship at times. especially if there are unexpected bills such as car brakes down. It is also hard when you make 60 dollars more then eligibility for state assistance. Full Day Kindergarten Affordable and consistent I would like to be able to get her ready for nursery school and drop her off at 9:00 and ask Nana for help to pick her up after nursery school and watch her the rest of the day. Next year when she starts kindergarten I would like to be able to walk/drive her to school before work and be off in time to pick her up from school five days a week. Having childcare when needed to work/appointments and also for occasional free time. Fine. A little cheaper would be nice but we manage fine. The same facility because they are really good but we are in much need of assistance paying for it. I am a single parent with no child support coming in. It's very hard to make ends meet. For our family childcare is a concern during school breaks and summer. More summer programs available for full day children provided in the community that are affordable and provide transportation would be ideal. flexible hours and scheduling in a clean and updated environment that provides or has the option to provide meals Located at work so you could stop by at lunch and see the children Pay only for days and hours spent there. Educational, clean, cost efficient My child would have gone to public school for kindergarten this year but because it is only a 2.5 hour program, this did not meet our needs for child care nor education expectations. A full day program would be more beneficial. LOVE OUR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, BUT THE EXPENSE IS DIFFICULT we would like something affordable and an establishment that teaches as opposed to just "daycare". My toddler is currently enrolled in a Goddard School full time. Ideally, I would be able to work part time (2/3 days per week), and have him home with me the remaining time. I am extremely happy with the level of care, flexible hours, cleanliness, and educational program, but I would rather have my child with his parents for the majority of waking hours. I would like my child to be cared for in the home before and after school hours. SOMEONE WHO ME AND MY FAMILY CAN TRUST AND THAT MY CHILDREN CAN TRUST AND LOVE HER TOO. good as is Flexible hours, with the possibility of late or weekend or sick care if necessary. Organic/natural cleaning methods used as well as toys and equipment. WAPF food only given to kids and no junk food/sugar. No television in the rooms. Computers time limited to 20 min per child. Children are always first. Close to home. Good educational system based upon learning in a fun environment indoor and outdoors. Caring teachers. Very good. However, my children are 11 and grow bored easily when they are stuck there all day, when school is out. A service that was available with more flexibility to change days and times and possibly had evening care available too. At the moment for me to work the cost of care for two children exceeds the income of most of the jobs available and is not regulated to certain set days and times Care provided in my home by a grandparent Headstart is ideal. Couldn't ask for anything better. Ideal Not having to do it! Having my employer allow a flex schedule as to accommodate my needs and allow me to pick my child up from the bus Ones that are open late & not cost extra money for them to stay there. Be more private with discussion about my child, not all out in the open. Well now is very hard to say because the jobs that are out there want you to either work very early in the morning or later at night. And being a single mom of two kids its very hard to find a job because of that. Just as they are now; great, helpful and important in the development of my child. Full day or half day headstart program Headstart is perfect because it is a cost free program and we are on a fixed budget I am happy with the current situation. open until 6:30pm We have the best. Both parents are home full time no complaints good flexible with employers needs. we like it Its pretty good, I am satisfied. Good except for the closings. I still have to work so it makes it difficult. Having my child attend Tuckerton headstart has been a very rewarding experience for myself and my child. I feel very privalaged to have my child in the headstart program. staying til 530 helps. very well since i went back to work cause it makes it wasier for my mom to watch him. works great for us Childcare would be great if offered in the same town were we live. Also with half days in kindergarten elementary school doesn not provide. Before and after school program for kindergartens The childcare arrangement i currently have in place barneget head start is the best the headstart program im in would be ideal if it had wrap around services before and after because if i get a job i will have a change in programs as the hours wont work Headstart is the best program preschool children There good I watch my son for now until i can get a job or go to school there should be more flexible, hourly childcare available without set hours full day schedule with transportation provided they need to be cheaper One that was located near my work and that was discounted for state employees Looking Ahead To add to the predictive value of this survey, participants were asked to share if they felt that their child care arrangements would soon change. The sample was split fairly evenly. Of those who foresaw change, it was primarily due to the child beginning school (54.5%), an increase in the cost of care (20.0%), or change of employment (16.4%). Do you think your childcare needs will change within the next year? Answer Options Yes No Response Percent 45.7% 54.3% answered question skipped question Response Count 53 63 116 18 If yes, please indicate why. Check all that may apply. Answer Options Response Percent 14.5% New child arriving in the home 3.6% Moving to a new location 16.4% Change of employment 54.5% Child will be attending elementary school 20.0% Increase in the cost of care 10.9% Decrease in the cost of care My family will not be eligible for scholarship or subsidy 5.5% program any longer 5.5% Child will not be eligible for existing program Family member or non‐relative will be available to 9.1% provide care Family member or non‐relative will no longer be able to 10.9% provide care 1.8% Child will be old enough to look after him/herself Other (please specify) answered question skipped question Response Count 8 2 9 30 11 6 3 3 5 6 1 10 55 79 Other responses included: • Before & Aftercare will be needed • Older child will be attending middle school and will be too old for the current daycare. • I will be returning to work after maternity leave. Child care expenses will now be for 2 children for 45 hours per week • one child will be eligible for state program 3 and old to go to pre K • If she is put back in district (currently attending special education school) there is no before care available and I cannot afford the aftercare program available at Eagleswood Elementary and have no idea how I can continue my education. • summer expenses •
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There are no summer programs available for my 5 year old, (soon to be 6) that are affordable for our family. I will have to cut my hours at work due to this new hardship. Looking for jiob the person who watches her will be getting a job and i will have to leave a job. Child will be getting out of school earlier. I wil have to make alternate arrangements Perceptions of Child Care in Ocean County All respondents were requested to answer the following question, regardless of whether they care for children or not. The full sample echoed other findings that the cost of child care in Ocean County is not affordable for all families who need it. Many respondents were families with subsidy programs and agreed that the income eligibility guidelines are two restrictive and the waiting list too long. How do you feel about each of the following statements about childcare in Ocean County? Answer Options There are enough childcare providers in Ocean County Childcare providers are conveniently located in Ocean County The average cost of childcare in Ocean County is affordable The childcare available in Ocean provides a quality environment Income eligibility guidelines for subsidy programs are too restrictive The waiting list for subsidy programs is too long Other criteria for subsidy programs are too restrictive I agree I neither agree nor disagree I disagree I don't know Rating Avg Respons
e Count 60 32 32 43 1.32 167 80 34 21 29 1.29 164 20 30 94 21 2.19 165 68 49 15 28 1.32 160 59 33 19 53 1.11 164 65 29 20 50 1.12 164 50 33 22 58 1.12 163 answered question skipped question 113 14 Many of the survey participants were interested in workshops related to caregiving for children. Managing challenging behaviors was indicated by 67% of those who answered this question (29% of all). School readiness and general child development were also of interest. Other responses included: potty training assistance; Info helping children to deal with bullying and how to get through to a school administrator when this is happening. Would you be interested in information or attending a workshop on any of the following issues? Check all that apply. Answer Options Preventing childhood obesity Managing challenging behaviors in young children Response Percent Response Count 31.8% 67.1% 27 57 Parenting through a divorce How to select a quality child care provider Tips for choosing and preparing babysitters How to encourage school readiness at home Child development: milestones, ages and stages Other (please specify) 25.9% 16.5% 17.6% 37.6% 37.6% answered question skipped question 22 14 15 32 32 2 85 112 There were 26 respondents who shared additional concerns or comments about childcare in Ocean County. They are as follows: Too expensive. Why doesn’t the working Middle class get a break on the prices. You either have to be poor to get assistance or rich to afford daycare for one child. Forget if you have more then one child. It isn't fair. Hard working people who love their children get a raw deal. Childcare costs are very expensive! Childcare cost to much that its not worth working . The CHS list I’ve been on for 5 years, which is ridiculous. Each child shoe be fortunate enough to go to a Headstart program Although my situation with Tuckerton Headstart is positive, I cannot say that all child cares in Ocean County compare to it. I tried CHS but felt my need wasn’t fulfilled. Luckily, I was referred to Head Start. We need summer programs that are available for people who can not afford camp, sitters, other programs that cost too much money. Ocean Inc, has the best positive feedback. I was babysitting some boys and would take them to and from Ocean Inc, very satisfied with the building teachers and staff. Boys were very happy there, good environment. Need more summer programs available Great ideas thanks for asking us Thank you for all you have done for my child who (I feel) was misdiagnosed with high functioning autism. He has come along way with his social skills that were a major cancer. Childcare is too expensive, That is why most moms with more than 1 child cannot work full time(unless you have a degree and good job) I don’t know it is very good As of right now my first child is involved i a home based program with Ocean Inc. Headstart this is very convenient for us and at least my child is receiving some learning while she remains on the waiting list. As of next year there will be no home based program any longer which I am very upset about for my son’s sake. This is a great program for us right now because both of my children are on a waiting list for Headstart but with the home base they are receiving some care and learning while being on the waiting list. I think that childcare in Ocean county is very important in the lives of the parents and children. Child care plays a huge part in the family by allowing parents to work a full or part time job and/or gain an education or trade. Child care centers teach and help children to reach milestones on time, and provide a positive environment that enhances proper behavior, and socialization. In this day and age money is tight on everyone. A lot of people don't have jobs and/or have low paying jobs. Please raise the income eligibility it'll help everyone out instead of just the low class paying people. There should be more locations throughout Ocean County that give discounts to County employees/ reduced rates. The daycare facility we use is excellent we have had a very positive experience with them and our son it is difficult to be able to afford to expose our son to this though, it would be nice if the program for three and older was available at the daycare he is at and was for children who turn three in the current year rather than the cut off of Oct, our sons birthday being Dec means he will be almost 4yrs before he can get care without us paying for it privately I don't have concerns about childcare; I do have concerns with property taxes, real estate costs, and the high cost of living in Ocean County (and NJ) that make child care a necessity, and create a further financial burden on families. We looked at about 4 preschools and found the only one that was worth further looking into. Many were unsanitary, the children looked unhappy, the owner/coordinators seemed uninterested in showing us the facility, ad overall was an unpleasant experience. We ended up going with Goddard even though we truly cannot afford it. Our daughter is at an age where she is asking to go to school and we felt that she was ready to learn more than I was teaching her at home. Goddard seemed to be the only school that cared about their facility and how it was run. She has been there 2 weeks and loves it! I am a single parent but have been told I make too much to qualify for assistance but yet I can barely put food on the table & have to utilize the food bank in my town frequently. I feel like a bad parent because I am having difficulty but I get penalized for holding down a full time job (for the benefits) and going to school. You need to target the Mexican kids that get passed over. the childcare for children below school age is extremely expensive and a good provider costs a lot of money making it sometimes not worth going to work to pay out the majority of money earned to the daycare center Childcare is a challenge. It would be nice if her nursery school offered before care for an hour since her nursery school starts at 9 and i have to be at work at 8. I need to call on a family member to watch her for an hour and driver her to school each day. pretty soon I'll be asking another mom to watch her for the hour and drive her to nursery school with her kids, because Grandma won't be available. I’m not sure yet if that will cost money or not. After my son was getting too old for his regular babysitter, who watched children in her home, I pursued a pre‐K or other program. There was no room in the Headstart Program and the hours are very restrictive. I need to work full time for my child to be eligible for full time class, but full time class doesn't cover full time working hours. I don't know what criteria they have for moving children along their waiting list, but they weren't even able to give me a ranking as to where my child might be and told me not to call anymore. This leads me to believe that they choose children off the list based on some other criteria that they did not disclose to me. I pay 500 a month for my son to go part time to a preschool based out of our church, which may be for the best since I will deal with any financial hardship that keeps my son out of the public schools in Lakewood, which consistently have very poor grades in standardized testing. My concerns are that when you have two working parents, there is not much available to help these parents, because they are considered above the working poor level, but people who REFUSE to work, or who are not here legally get whatever they need, without so much as asking. Child Care Provider Survey Results This survey was emailed in partnership with the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency, The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey. In addition, a hard copy was mailed to all child care centers and family child care providers. In total, 55 individuals began the survey. 82% completed all applicable questions. Demographics of the Sample There was a fairly representative sample of child care providers by type. About 43% represent independent child care centers, 20% centers within a larger organization, and 31% family child care providers. The organization I represent is: Answer Options Independent Child Care Center Child Care Center as part of a larger organization Family Child Care Provider Other Other (please specify) Response Percent Response Count 43.1% 19.6% 31.4% 5.9% 22 10 16 3 6 answered question skipped question Ocean County Child Care Directors Survey
Other
6%
Independent Child Care Center
43%
Family Child Care Provider
31%
Child Care Center as part of a larger organization
20%
51 4 The mission of the organizations that completed the survey are: Head Start is a national program that promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families. Our Mission is to Nurture, Educate And Provide A Safe And Caring Atmosphere For the Children In Our Care. To provide a structured, nurturing and positive environment for optimal social, cognitive, emotional, and physical growth for children ages 2 1/2 to 6 years old. This is enterweaved with Christian morals. Our goal is to replace the home environment and not the school environment. To do that, we offer good old fashioned game playing and modern technology. The children all get assistance with homework and then are free to do what ever they choose. To serve and support all families that desire nurturing, stimulating early learning experiences for their children that incorporate biblical values and age‐appropriate activities among teacher who love and honor Christ. is a non‐profit school established as a mission outreach for the community. Our purpose is to help young children to become intellectually aware, emotionally secure, and socially adjusted in a safe and pleasant environment. It is the philosophy of the school to expose the children to basic religious concepts in an age appropriate manner. Our children are encouraged to realize they are loved and precious to God. Our goals are to develop the child's self concept, guide the child in the joy of discovery and learning, and encourage the child to be independent and make good choices and decisions. It is an honor, a privilege, and a tremendous responsibility to care for children. With this in mind, we provide only the best possible care available to every child that comes through our doors. Our school is a safe, secure, clean, happy environment for children to grow and learn. Every child is treated as a unique individual. He/she is given individual attention within a group, making it possible for each one to progress according to his or her individual needs and rate of development. Our staff members are loving, nurturing, specially trained professionals committed to maintaining the highest quality in early childhood programs. Staff training will be ongoing to seek new and innovative ways to learn and improve. Communication with parents is open, honest, and respectful, encouraging involvement and support. Parent s are informed regularly of their child's progress and development. Quality is what separates Goddard from the competition. We strive to provide the best in childcare and development. We are committed to Goddard's standards of excellence and will continually seek improvement to the quality of our programs. Our highest priority is providing every child with a loving and caring atmosphere conducive to the development of self‐esteem, confidence, creativity, and a love of learning. Treasured Angels shall provide the following: * A secure and nurturing learning emphasized environment to meet the needs of each individual child in an age appropriate manner. * Will provide a variety of learning opportunities which challenge all to meet and achieve individual potential. * Will meet or exceed the State Requirements set forth for Preschool/Childcare Centers. * Will continuously encourage, promote, and maintain a Staff current in training methods and information available. * Include parents as partners to encourage, assist and promote their child's individual needs. We provide each child the opportunity to become intellectually aware, emotionally secure and socially adjusted, with quality educational and play equipment. our primary purpose is to provide an envirnment conductive to discovering joy in learning and developing a self image for every child Dedicated to the promotion of sound physical. intellectual, social and emotional growth of children during their early formative years. Learning through play The philosophy of our school is based on the theory that children learn through play. Through play, both structured and unstructured, the curriculum is designed to make contributions to: • Mental Growth • Physical Growth • Emotional Growth • Social Growth We provide a program of diverse activities which are developmentally age appropriate, within an atmosphere that is warm, loving and supportive of each child's home life. All staff attempt to instill a feeling of self‐worth in each child. A major goal of the Center staff is to provide the children with a daily experience offering stability, emotional security and participation in a wide range of individual and group activities. A missing ingredient in many of the children's lives must be included in the daily plans...FUN!! Our children are from low‐to‐moderate income families. Parents/guardians must be working or training on a full‐time basis in order to qualify. We attempt to offer the parents/guardians support, encouragement and guidance, so they may be able to offer their child an environment which will enable the children to grow in competency, self‐sufficiency. It is our belief that children develop in a pro‐social atmosphere. Growth is a culmination of positive attitudes and interactions shared by parents, caregivers, and children. We strive to promote a successful learning experience for the development of the whole child‐cognitively, socially, emotionally, physically, and creatively. Our hands‐on‐approach allows children to be actively involved in the learning process, where they can explore, experiment, evaluate and discuss the results. We recognize and foster the individuality of each child. While promoting a positive self‐image, we assist the children in developing self‐confidence, self‐discipline and cooperation. TO PROMOTE SELF‐CONFIDENCE, SELF‐ESTEEM, AND EDUCATION IN A LOVING, CARING ENVIRONMENT. Explore and Learn Preschool is dedicated to providing quality education that is developmentally appropriate. By utilizing the toys that children use everyday and adding developmentally appropriate questions, children are able to expand their learning and understanding of skills that will enable them to be life long learners. Explore and Learn Preschool intends to provide the children in their care with creative experiences that will make them inquisitive about the world around them. The mission of our program is to provide safe, affordable, high quality child care for the students of our school. We strive to provide a safe age appropriate environment for discovering a joy for learning as well as curiosity for new and exciting material while developing positive social skills serve all children Toms River Nursery School and Kindergarten is a non‐profit parent cooperative school. We strive to invite curiosity, encourage creativity and inspire ideas for young children. Our educators set a stage that stimulates the need to ask questions and seek solutions while allowing the child freedom to develop his or her own style of work and play. We believe that children should be allowed to be children ‐ we incorporate learning through play ‐ The Honey Tree is committed to a standard of excellence in the care and eduacation of young children. It is our belief that the early childhood years are especially important in establishing and fostering cognitive, socail, and emotional growth. Provide a safe and academic enviornment for children to learn and grow. Certified teacher and experienced mother will nurture and provide developmentally appropriate education to your children in a warm and loving home daycare. A "total child" discovery place To provide the best childcare for all children. Quality care provided in a Christian environment. Quality care in a Christian environment. Quality care provided in a Christian environment. To assist each child in the development of his/her full potential by learning through play and implementing an environment balanced by healthy physical, emotional and social activities. Your childs home away from home Provide a loving and intellectually stimulating environment to nurture the young minds of tomorrow. To help children develope the same skills they need to compete with the kids who can afford to go to regular day care Dream Makers Family Day Care To promote self‐confidence, self‐esteem and education of our young in a loving, nurturing environment. To make learning fun and to teach kids as young as infants. To provide quality affordable child care Everyone grows at their own rate To help parents who need great childcare and affordability To provide safe environment for child while they play and learn The providers who participated in this survey represent 863 years of service to the families of Ocean County, an average of 15.7 years each. Child Care Services Provided & Families Served The most common service provided and utilized is Pre‐Kindergarten. It was surprising the number of providers who indicated their availability for evening and weekend care. While these numbers are small overall, they were thought to be even smaller. What is the current occupancy (how many slots are filled today), in the following categories: If your agency does not offer one of the services listed, please leave the field blank (do not enter zero). Answer Options Infant Care Toddler Care Pre‐Kindergarten Kindergarten Before/after school Care Sick Care Evening Care (8pm & later) Weekend Care Response Average 4.88 11.36 32.84 7.04 11.36 .00 .50 5.92 Response Total 166 443 1,412 183 409 0 6 71 answered question skipped question Response Count 34 39 43 26 36 10 12 12 49 6 These providers serve about 3,800 children in total from 3,500 families. The average child care center serves 107.8 children. The average family child care provider serves 3.6 children. How many total clients does your organization serve today? Answer Options Number of families Number of children Response Average 69.56 75.14 Response Total 3,478 3,832 answered question skipped question Response Count 50 51 51 4 About 75% of families live or work in the community where the child care provider is located. This was hypothesized to be a greater proportion, since most families do not commute over 5 miles out of the way to utilize the child care arrangement of their choice. What percentage of the families that you currently serve live and/or work in the community where your organization is located? Answer Options Percent: Response Average 72.94 Response Total 3,574 answered question skipped question Response Count 49 Please list other childcare‐related services your organization provides and the capacity of each: We provide Early Head Start services to 60 children. They receive a weekly visits for pregnant women and children up to the age of three in the clients home. Families attend socialization activities twice a month at the center and there are monthly parent meetings. I Have 2 Before school Children,that come in the morning to be bused. summer camp to chidren ages 6 ‐ 12 years of age. childcare on daycare only days and breaks. Care available on school breaks. Drop‐ins. We are trying to open on week end but need a couple more definits to pay a staff member. Summer camp 60/day Summer Camp program none Summer Camp for July and August. This involves water play everyday, performances and activities that are brought to out school. We have trips during the school year. Homework Club Computer Time Swim lessons before and after school childcare for students enrolled in programs in our school. Pre‐school 40 summer camp for ages 6‐13 years Social, physical, and educational development Emergency care/ some holidays 49 6 Common themes among the most valuable resources and greatest assets of child care providers include capable and experienced staff, and a safe, caring environment. 41 respondents shared this information. What are your organization's most valuable resources and strongest assets? clean family environment Our strongest asset is parent involvement. The most resource in my organization is communication and letting the children express themselves in a positive manner. Just letting them know that I'm listening too them and that to me is the strongest asset, knowing that some one is hearing what you are saying. Our program is a part day program and we still see a need for that in our area. Children who complete our program are well prepared for Kindergarten, our reputation and qualified teachers, with a very low turnover, are our best assets! Our teachers! Our commitment to excellence as we stand accountable before our Creator. Because we are a non‐profit organization operating a church our costs of operating are generally lower than other area child care programs, this results in our program beginning very affordable. My staff is my strongest asset. All lead teachers hold a college degree, have or had children attend our program, obtain more than the state mandated professional hours and generally enjoy their jobs and recognize the value of their work. We are a small, neighborhood school. Most of our staff have had children come through this school so they love it and know the program before starting. We have low staff turnover. Based in a church, we have large spaces available for indoor play and parent meetings. strong academic curriculum and strong teachers to back it. My strongest assets is my staff who have been with me for many years. Our most valuable resource is knowing that Children's Home Society helps pay for families who need help. I have taken trainings‐ ongoing. In August 2010 I received my CDA certification. I love being able to promote early learning and skills for children of all ages. I have lists of resources I share with parents. We recycle and do many projects from "junk". Our strongest asset is that we teach the children to help others who are less fortunate and do community service projects every month. We are a small center where the children get a lot of one on one. treated like family. School based lesson plans Strong advocates for the children and families in this area. We have a lot of experience, knowledge and outreach. Our Teachers and the families we serve. A confident, nurturing staff that establish a "family" feel for all of our families. ‐Family feel –Flexible –Accommodating ‐Fantastic teachers (who are going for their CDA credentials.) Most Valuable: The certified staff members and their expertise. Long term teachers; park like playgrounds; Swimming pool; FT Director and Assistant Director communication We are a non‐profit parent cooperative that offers parents a strong curriculum, certified teachers, and an opportunity for parents to be involved in their child's pre‐school experience. Our center is very friendly ‐ our staff has been employed for numerous years ‐ to add consistency to the child's care ‐ We are very family oriented and are very flexible with scheduling. We cater to the working family and will adjust our schedule to meet the needs of the client. A certified preschool through fifth grade teacher with over 14 years of child care experience (including 6 years spent teaching in bilingual public school preschool classrooms) will educate your children with developmentally appropriate lessons each day. There are two indoor playrooms and a large backyard with a outdoor play equipment and ample space to run. The playrooms are set up with space to build with blocks, dress up in the play kitchen/house, write at a writing table, experience circle, music, and story time, put together puzzles, create with art supplies and paint at an easel, play games with friends, and much much more. Weekly lesson plans are written differentiated for the age/developmental level of each child. The little school with home environment Organized curriculum and focus on development. The staff. We have the most loving, patient, and well educated staff members. My staff. my staff Loving and knowledgeable provider A family oriented learning experience with a tender and loving touch. We specialize in social, educational, and physical development. I provide a safe and secure environment and to have children learn through play. We have an excellent curriculum matching the Toms River school system and 4‐year degreed NJ State Certified teachers in all of our pre‐school rooms. CHS has been excellent when it comes to getting info about children (ex. ADHD/ADD) or anything else I need info or advice on. Providing quality affordable care and a positive role model for young families, esp young women A small school where all the teachers know all the students ‐ privately owned, family type atmosphere but academic and social. Our teachers One‐on‐one care, loving environment, preschool program, my own children in care. Backyard ‐ time spent with children Preschool only ‐ smaller classes Learning with play. Safety. Loving and caring environment. 36 survey respondents shared their priority areas of improvement. Themes included improving the playground area or other facilities to ensure safety of the children, as well as increasing enrollment and marketing to the community. The comments are as follows: What are your organization's priority areas of improvement? help with paying for equipment We would like to provide additional enrollment opportunities to the families of Lakewood. The area of improvement is the play ground area. I need to get playground equipment for the children. We would love to have more use of the physical space in the church that we are located in. Continuing Education for staff. Staying current with technology and research. We are currently fundraising for a new playground that will meet the 2012 OOL requirements and we will beginning the self assessment to being NAEYC approval. To be better able to serve the changing community. training of new people Moving my infant center to the Nursery School location so all children could be at one center. The econony has taken its toll and I really need to put the centers together. The problem has been knowing the cost will be high and I don't have the extra money to put out. Advertising openings for business. Getting the word out that FCC is more than babysitting. I am vested in providing a well balanced and age appropriate learning environment for children. I just choose to do it from my home not at a center. We need to see more staff training. I can only do so much and I think if there were more training available, they would do better. Update classrooms to be more energy efficient All t/a to be certified Programs for school aged children to achieve NAEYC accreditation. We need to improve our playground area to promote the most learning. We also need to continue educating our staff so that everyone has their CDA credentials by August. We will be needing to expand in the future to meet our growing families need for younger child care. Continue to maintain high standard of safety. The building is older and needs renovations. We have been upgrading the building slowly. structure Always looking to improve in many areas, always striving to bring the best program to little children. new playground organization as far as office work We would like to acquire a van (and extra car seats) so that we can transport children to and from activities/school routinely. We are also working on purchasing water and sand tables for indoors, creating a sand box for outdoors and buying a shed to hold more outdoor materials. Increase enrollment growing space Learning disabilities, emergency situations, behavioral, child abuse, neglect, violence I would love for the State to let us home daycare providers to have more then 5 children per day. I have a waiting list every year. Parents want and can only afford in home daycares. Playground equipment Staying organized with all the paperwork and caring for kids all at the same time. Along with everything else that needs to be done. Facilities, training To increase enrollment in a poor economy Enrollment Always to ensure every child's well being. To be able to take on more children because children are happier when other children are around. Increase enrollment somewhat . More technology. Revenue and Outreach The provider participants primarily operate from client fees (77.6%). About half are providers of state/ federal programs and one‐third accept subsidies. From what kind of support does your organization operate? Answer Options Client Fees Subsidies Supplemental Fees to Subsidies State/Federal Programs Municipal/School Programs Response Percent Response Count 77.6% 32.7% 10.2% 49.0% 2.0% 38 16 5 24 1 Fundraising Foundation Grants Corporate Donations Corporate Sponsorship Contributions from a Religious Organization Other (please specify) 24.5% 0.0% 2.0% 0.0% 2.0% 12 0 1 0 1 0 answered question skipped question 49 6 Providers were asked about the marketing and advertising that they do with regards to child care services. Most have a written brochure (81.8%), print ads/mailings (59.1%), and open house events (56.8%). It was surprising that so few utilize web based marketing, including websites and social networking (22.7%). What kind of written media materials/ newsletters does your organization have? How do you make your services known to the public? Answer Options Written brochures Regular newsletters Print ads/mailings Television/radio ads Open house events Company website Web‐based marketing Other (please specify) Response Percent Response Count 81.8% 52.3% 59.1% 6.8% 56.8% 50.0% 22.7% 36 23 26 3 25 22 10 7 answered question skipped question 44 11 Most providers utilize an array of methods to outreach staff and consumers. Printed materials sent home through the child are most common (87.0%), followed by verbal communications with caregivers at pick up or drop off (80.4%). The frequency of group parent meetings/events (28.3%) is viewed as low. While these events may not be well attended consistently and may take considerable effort on the part of the provider, the value in fostering a community among families is immeasurable. Four other responses included: website calendar, email, not applicable, and day to day contact with director in office. How does your organization keep its staff and clients up to date on activities and staff changes? Answer Options Letter/flyer sent home with child Regular newsletters In‐house bulletin board Verbal communications with caregivers One‐on‐one parent meetings Response Percent Response Count 87.0% 60.9% 63.0% 80.4% 56.5% 40 28 29 37 26 28.3% 65.2% Group parent meetings/events Regular staff meetings Other (please specify) 13 30 4 answered question skipped question 46 9 Staffing The majority of directors of child care programs have earned a bachelor’s degree. One in three is certified in early childhood education or development. Seven other responses included information about educational programs in progress or other certifications such as teaching and pastoral care. The average director possesses 17.8 years experience in child development and early childhood education, and has been in their current position for just over 9 years. What is your educational background? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count 9.3% 46.5% 18.6% 4 20 8 32.6% 14 11.6% 18.6% 5 8 7 AA/AS BA/BS Graduate Degree Certified in Early Childhood Education and/or Child Development Directors Academy None of these Other (please specify) answered question skipped question 43 12 The average provider who participated in this survey employs 11 direct care staff and 2 administrators, and has access to 23 volunteers and a board of 3 members. It was reported that 75% of staff and board members live in the community served by the organization. Of note is that 16 of the survey respondents who are family child care providers would not employ staff or have the same need for volunteers and a board of trustees. How many people are part of your organization, in the following categories? Answer Options Direct Care Staff Administration & other Staff Volunteers Board Members Other Response Average 10.77 2.40 22.79 3.23 .14 Response Total 420 60 319 42 1 answered question skipped question Response Count 39 25 14 13 7 39 16 About half of the staff of provider organizations is educated or certified in child development, early education, or a social/behavioral science. This includes those who degrees/certificates are in progress. It should be noted that two of the 29 respondents indicated a number that is not typical for a percentage, which may skew the average down somewhat. What percentage of your staff is educated or certified in child development, early education or another related discipline? Answer Options (i.e. social work, psychology, sociology, human services). You may count those whose degree or certification is currently in progress. Response Average Response Total Response Count 48.38 1,403 29 answered question skipped question 29 26 It was a pleasant surprise that many direct care staff have a considerable amount of tenure at the organization. The average is 7.5 years, ranging from one to 20 years of service. This is at odds with anecdotal reports that is it difficult to retain staff for child care direct services, which is often low paying. What is the average tenure of the direct care staff at your organization? Answer Options How long have most staff been employed at your agency, of those who work directly with children? Response Average Response Total Response Count 7.46 209 28 answered question skipped question 28 27 35 participants spoke to the training offered or encouraged by the organization. Most utilize free workshops offered in the community and by Children’s Home Society (CHS) the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency. CPR courses are common among providers. Providers of child care as part of a larger organization have access to additional training and workshops. Very providers maintain a training budget. Comments are as follows: We provide (and pay for) training opportunities with our staff. We have a line item in our budget to pay for this training. We believe that the better educated / trained our employees are the better able they are to do their jobs. Training in early child development. Out of pocket and student loans Staff training through various training classes offered at CHS, local colleges, Pt. Boro Recreation Center‐CPR training, early childhood events, POAC, video training, etc. Specific money is budgeted for staff training every year. Staff receives training via the local school districts professional development workshops. This is a privately funded program and is free to local area preschools and daycares, we usually receive 4 hours from this particular training. Family Strength and Children's Home Society's workshops are used as well as our local NAYEC affiliate. Also I have held workshops onsite, in which case the preschool pays the speaker directly from our Professional Development Budget to come and train staff, and finally the local hospital holds on going first aide and cpr classes. If there are charges incurred for training they are covered by our Professional Development Budget. Finally, I attend conferences sponsored by groups like PINJ and NJAEYC and I attended Early Child Care Education classes at Ocean County College I then train staff based on these experiences and coursework from Ocean County College. The preschool pays for half of the college course work, I pay for the remainder. Teachers are required to complete at least 20 hours a year and assistants must complete at least 10. Most of the trainings attended are free of charge, however the owner will pay up to a certain amount for those that aren't free. training is provided by classes offered at chs of nj, ocean naeyc and state naeyc conference. also strengthening families and inhouse classes. Some are free, some are paid for by the individual taking the class, some by the center. Out of pocket, take advantage of membership NJAEYC, trainings at CHS Training is done through first aid squads and CHS. I pay for the staff to attend the workshops. I pay for their training. They attend workshops, read articles, and discuss CHS training Through CHS, NAEYC or in house. Our center pays for the trainings and for the time at the trainings (unless they miss a class signed up for, then they must pay for the new class) I coordinate and provide in service workshops on site. However, if teahing staff members take courses offered (i.e., @ CHS, NAEYC, or at OCC), they are reimbursed once the course is completed. our company also offers tuition reimbursement for higher education if the classes are job‐related. free through our corporate center/children’s home society Each staff member is a member of NAEYC. They are encouraged to attend workshops given by NAEYC as well as workshops given by Children's Home Society, my Director's Club, Family Strength Associates, Inc. and any other that speak to our needs. All staff has been encouraged to obtain their CDA credential. All but NAEYC workshops (because they usually are free) and CDA classes are paid by the preschool. Staff is required to complete 12 hours of training. The Preschool also offers to pay for and arrange CPR and First Aid Training for all staff members. Teachers go to trainings provided byt he state and CHS. I pay for the trainings. I also provide trainings here at the center. In house workshops, educators provide workshops for staff in many areas, paid for by the school. Staff also attend workshops provided by various agencies training paid for by center ‐ we attend workshops ‐ both through organizations and our local school The Honey Tree pays for staff training workshops paid my director I am the only staff member. I paid for all my own education including state certification as a family care provider. CPR. 20 or more hours topic training per year. cost is paid by school. Staff are paid for orientation, generally one to two days. CPR and first aid offered to all. One hour a month of continuing education. All paid hourly. We utilize local Doctors and educators, who need to give back to the community. The come and lecture for free. I use book, literature and videos to educate my staff. Train through Ocean County Children's Home Society. Self payment. Attend training classes through CHS. You pay for your own classes. CHS provides training. I must have 20 hours a year. Training is okay. I feel I learn the same things every year. In house and seminars by CHS I go to trainings provided by CHS in Toms River. They are free. Training presently is limited to mandatory hours necessary to maintain certification. Certifying agency or provider pays for classes. Family strength, directors club, CHS organization ‐ paid for by school Owner pays for training. CHS and Family Strength. One line training. Goddard University. CHS training, self pay N/a By church. Training req taken. Training payed for by CHS Early Childhood Development Capability Most providers feel capable to manage challenging behaviors/situations among their children in care and families served. Families who do not primarily speak English are considered a difficult population by this sample. Children with challenging behaviors, learning disabilities, victims of child abuse and neglect, experiencing homeless, or experiencing domestic violence were also considered difficult to serve. It was a concern that more providers did not feel highly capable to manage suspicions of child abuse and neglect, as this is a required training area and the CCR&R provides support in this area as well. How capable do you feel that your organization would be to deal with each of the following situations, either with your existing staff or through connections with other organizations and community resources? Answer Options Children of families where English is not the native language Children of teen‐age parents Children with special health care needs Children with behavioral challenges (difficult to manage behaviors) Children with developmental delays/ learning disabilities Children who experience traumatic loss Children who were the victims of child abuse or neglect Suspected abuse or neglect of a child attending center Children of families experiencing homelessness Domestic violence Assisting families' access to I don't know Not capable Fairly capable Some‐
what capable Highly capable Rating Average Response Count 3 14 9 8 8 2.10 42 1 4 4 11 21 3.15 41 3 7 8 11 13 2.57 42 0 2 14 13 13 2.88 42 0 4 10 12 16 2.95 42 2 2 7 17 14 2.93 42 1 2 11 17 11 2.83 42 2 1 9 14 16 2.98 42 3 4 12 11 11 2.56 41 2 0 4 2 14 9 12 16 10 15 2.57 3.05 42 42 community resources Coordinating with early intervention Emergency situations (i.e. natural disasters, evacuations) 1 1 9 12 19 3.12 42 3 2 4 13 20 3.07 42 answered question skipped question 42 13 Emergency Preparedness Most providers have or are in the process of developing an emergency preparedness plan (95.1%). Of those who have or are, the majority are recent (92.3%). Most providers have or will notify local law enforcement of this plan (82.5%). Does your organization have an Emergency Preparedness Plan? Answer Options Yes No In development Response Percent 80.5% 4.9% 14.6% answered question skipped question Response Count 33 2 6 41 14 Has your organization's Emergency Preparedness Plan been updated in the last year? Answer Options Yes No Plan is currently being updated Plan is currently being developed Response Percent 61.5% 7.7% 23.1% 15.4% answered question skipped question Response Count 24 3 9 6 39 16 Have you notified the local law enforcement and/or office of emergency management of your plan? Answer Options Yes Plan to do so in the near future No Response Percent 45.0% 37.5% 17.5% answered question skipped question Response Count 18 15 7 40 15 Perspective on Ocean County Child Care Most respondents rated child care in Ocean County quite favorably, that it is plentiful, affordable, accessible, conveniently located, and of high quality. Survey respondents were in better agreement with respect to the ease of retaining quality staff as opposed to recruiting quality staff. Most providers echo findings in the family survey that subsidy programs are seen as too restrictive and too long a wait. The providers add that the maximum reimbursement rate from subsidy programs is not adequate. How do you feel about each of the following statements about childcare in Ocean County? Answer Options There are enough childcare providers in Ocean County There are enough affordable infant care programs in Ocean County There are accessible school age child care programs in Ocean County Childcare providers are conveniently located in Ocean County The average cost of childcare in Ocean County is affordable The childcare available in Ocean provides a quality environment It is easy to recruit quality staff It is easy to retain quality staff Income eligibility guidelines for subsidy programs are too restrictive The waiting list for subsidy programs is too long Other criteria for subsidy programs are too restrictive The maximum allowable reimbursement rate for childcare subsidies is adequate. I agree Neutral I disagree I don't know Rating Response Average Count 20 12 4 5 2.15 41 13 7 11 9 1.60 40 15 8 12 5 1.83 40 21 9 3 8 2.05 41 15 11 9 6 1.85 41 19 14 4 3 2.23 40 12 19 9 11 13 4 7 7 1.63 2.02 41 41 17 13 2 8 1.98 40 21 10 1 9 2.05 41 13 15 2 11 1.73 41 9 9 18 5 1.54 41 answered question skipped question 41 14 Of the 55 survey respondents, 16 (30%) indicated that they would y be interesting in taking on new projects, directly or indirectly related to their organization’s mission. Some examples given were community development and health promotion activities. Thirteen of these respondents shared the types of projects of interest. A few are interested in expanding their impact to families and the community at large. Several indicated an interest in enhancing the services their organization provides (i.e. after school program, curriculum development). We are looking for any opportunity to provide additional services to the Community of Lakewood and Ocean County. Not sure, am open to new ideas, but cannot guarantee anything because we are governed by a board of directors. An afterschool program for preschool and primary school children. Would need to have local school district provide transportation. we currently have taken on some new projects. We are one of the first 5 centers to roll out Strenthening Families Initiative (SFI) in Ocean County. WE recently rolled out a dental program and we currently brush teeth at school. We are in the process of rolling out a healthy foods campaign. Helping the newer staff members with rules the state holds us to and helping them with child devolment. Community involvement programs, child care advocacy I would love tot havet he opportunity to do some outside curriculum learning and development. Anything that helps us help children. not sure I would be interested in getting involved in any programs that are available to me. We are currently interested in taking on an Adopt‐A‐Spot in town. We are currently involved in a nutrition project with Children's Home Society Anything related to providing quality affordable childcare We would always be willing to help where needed. Twenty participants shared the kind of changes that they would like to see in the community in the next five years regarding child care. Themes included enhancing the service delivery system for at risk/ needy families, service/program development, and system innovations. Comments are as follows: funding available to more clients in need The community of Lakewood is in constant change. I would like to see more opportunities for at risk children to get the services they need. I would like too see programs to teach parents how to be parent to there children and how to take time out for some quality time. Have family programs that is mandatory to participate in funded programs Am not sure, as we are not childcare, only preschool. I would like to see more local and affordable training for staff, and a statewide system that tracks and certifies early childcare educators, Help to the centers to provide affordable childcare. I would like to see more funding to help parents pay for child care. I think Pre‐Schools in the public schools should not open only the special ed classes should be there. The pre‐schools in the public schools will hurt child care centers. Our staff would stay on longer. I have the last 3 staff who were hired only here between 2 years and 6 months. They are the ones who get cut when children leave because paorents can't afford to pay or other programs open such as the public school pre school. More funding given to childcare programs that receive State funding, so high‐quality teachers can be hired. More subsidy I would like to see less corporate daycare and more preschools who teach in a developmentally appropriate way. I want to see the Kindergartens doing age appropriate learning, so that expectation of a preschooler is not that of a first grader. I plan on building our reputation as a preschool that is developmentally appropriate (which we have started doing) and that our children are well prepared for Kindergarten. I also plan to work with the Kindergarten teachers on improving our weaknesses in preparing our children. Children and families understand the quality care they are getting and appreciate the fact that the children are being loved and cared for. All needs are met 100% of the time. I would like there to be more activities with local schools. more referrals I would like Ocean County to provide public preschool for all children. Our governor would have to change his current policies on this matter. Make family day care more visible Make it affordable for all children not just the wealthy. Have the state help out more so that the poor children can compete in the world with the rich and not get left behind. Better pay for the caregivers of family care providers to encourge more people to become family care providers. I would like the State to let us have more than 5 children per day with the help of an aide in our daycare. This is my job and I love what I am doing out of my home. We need better reimbursement through CHS and the ability for more moms to get assistance. I would be happy to work on these. Stricter regulations on QUALITY childcare. Centers that "get by" and do little to provide quality care would be looked into and closed if need be or given tools to improve. More family awareness programs on importance of early education. More affordable child care Appendix D Priority Ranking Form Page 88 Department of Children and Families
Needs Assessment for At-Risk Children and Families
Priority Ranking Form
OCEAN COUNTY 2011
DCF Priority Need categories: BASIC NEEDS, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT, TRANSITIONAL LIVING SERVICES FOR YOUTH LEAVING FOSTER CARE,
and DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT SERVICES
Overall
Ranking
#1
#2
#3
Priority Need Category
Substance Abuse Treatment
Services
Specialized Therapies
Safe, Affordable Housing
Sub-category
Substance Abuse Treatment
Behavioral Health; Domestic
Violence; Services for Special
Needs Youth; Delinquency
Prevention
Basic Needs; Domestic
Violence; Behavioral Health;
Transitional Living for Youth
Preparing to Leave DYFS
Existing Service(s)
Access Barrier(s) for
Existing Services
Gap(s) in Service
See service inventory
Waiting lists for all services,
and limited service providers
within the county which
exacerbates transportation
issues. Greatest barriers exist
for individuals with the most
serious needs in access to
inpatient and detoxification.
See service inventory
Trauma-informed care,
domestic violence counseling,
Some services do not exist and
play and sand therapies for
others have waiting lists.
young children, integrated
Private pay services are cost
services for youth dually
prohibitive. There is a lack of
diagnosed with developmental
capacity or no capacity locally
disabilities and mental health
to provide specialized
issues, services for address
therapies, and few providers
special needs offending (sex
who do who accept Medicaid/
offending, fire setting), in home
public funds, further
supports (behavioral or
exacerbating lack of capacity in
physical health related) for
community based outpatient
special needs youth, and
services.
assistive technology for youth
with special needs.
See service inventory
High cost of living in Ocean
County. Waiting lists.
Solution(s)
Inpatient and detoxification
Service development and
services are not available
expansion to address barriers
within Ocean County. Mommy
and gaps in Ocean County.
and Me programs.
Service development and
expansion to address barriers
and gaps in Ocean County.
Professional development and
training support for publically
funded providers.
Service development and
expansion to address barriers
and gaps in Ocean County.
Supportive housing for young Initiatives to increase the
adults and victims of domestic availability of jobs that pay
violence.
rates commensurate with cost
of living, and educational
supports to increase wage
potential.
Department of Children and Families
Needs Assessment for At-Risk Children and Families
Priority Ranking Form
OCEAN COUNTY 2011
Overall
Ranking
Priority Need Category
Sub-category
Existing Service(s)
Solution(s)
New ways to outreach and
provide networking among
parents utilizing technology
(social networking, etc.).
Service development and
expansion to address barriers
and gaps in Ocean County.
Ocean Ride
Transportation is not readily
available to all residential areas
in the county.
A coordinated approach to
transportation across human
service delivery systems.
See service inventory
Funding cuts pending; Target
population does not often feel
empowered to seek services.
Service development and
expansion to address barriers
and gaps in Ocean County.
Preservation of funding.
#4
Support for Parents
#5
Transportation Assistance
Basic Needs; and impacts
every other service area
#6
Domestic Violence Emergency
Domestic Violence
Shelter
#8
Gap(s) in Service
Parents and caregivers do not
readily utilize support groups
and workshops held through
Parenting skill courses specific
various programs, due to
for youth with challenging
intense caregiving
behaviors
responsibilities, other child care
needs, transportation, etc.
Behavioral Health; Services for
Special Needs Youth;
Transitional Living for Youth
See service inventory
Preparing to Leave DYFS;
Delinquency Prevention
#7
Access Barrier(s) for
Existing Services
Services for Transitioning
Youth
Behavioral Health; Transitional
Living for Youth Preparing to
See service inventory
Leave DYFS
Professional Cross Training
Opportunities
Basic Needs; Behavioral
Health; Services for Special
Needs Youth; Early Care &
Education
Services do not exist.
CIACC Education Partnership,
Mental Health Board
Fragmentation.
Professional Advisory
Committee
Transition services should be
provided early on, especially
for youth in out of home
Formalized life skills training,
placement, and with innovative
supported employment,
and developmentally
alternative education services.
approaches for youth in this
age range who require varying
levels of support.
Cross training between DDD
and DYFS, children's
behavioral health and social
Incorporate more county
services, within disability
advisory bodies into existing
services, and child care
cross training initiatives
providers and human/social
services.
Department of Children and Families
Needs Assessment for At-Risk Children and Families
Priority Ranking Form
OCEAN COUNTY 2011
Overall
Ranking
Priority Need Category
#9
Respite for Children with
Special Needs
#10
Domestic Violence Advocacy
Services, including DV
Response Team
#11
#12
Sub-category
Services for Special Needs
Youth; Behavioral Health
Domestic Violence
Existing Service(s)
Access Barrier(s) for
Existing Services
Gap(s) in Service
See service inventory
Waiting lists. Limited hours of
service per family.
Fragmentation. Cost
prohibitive.
See service inventory
Funding cuts to DV Response Legal advocacy for alleged
Team.
victims of domestic violence.
Specialized Recreational
Activities
Behavioral Health; Services for
See service inventory
Special Needs Youth
Diversion Programming
Delinquency Prevention;
Substance Abuse; Domestic
Violence
See service inventory
Solution(s)
Full day, overnight, or multiday
Service development and
respite programs. Respite for
expansion to address barriers
families with children with
and gaps in Ocean County.
behavioral health challenges.
Youth with challenging
behaviors, mental health
issues, and special needs
require enhanced supports to
participate successfully in
Fragmentation. Services do not recreational and social
exist. Cost prohibitive.
activities. There is little
coordination of services within
this umbrella, limited
awareness of available
services, and a perception of a
lack of programs.
Primary prevention programs
through schools, the substance
abuse system, juvenile justice Services to address the
system, as well as secondary perpetration of dating violence
prevention through juvenile
and harassment among youth.
justice, do not appear to be
coordinated.
Service development and
expansion to address barriers
and gaps in Ocean County.
Preservation of funding.
Enhanced service coordination.
Service development and
expansion to address barriers
and gaps in Ocean County.
Enhanced service coordination.
Service development and
expansion to address barriers
and gaps in Ocean County.
Department of Children and Families
Needs Assessment for At-Risk Children and Families
Priority Ranking Form
OCEAN COUNTY 2011
Overall
Ranking
#13
#14
Priority Need Category
Acute Mental Health Care for
Youth
Basic Health Care
Sub-category
Behavioral Health
Basic Needs
Existing Service(s)
See service inventory
Access Barrier(s) for
Existing Services
Wait times.
Gap(s) in Service
Children's screening services.
Solution(s)
DCF support for Psychiatric
Emergency Screening Services
to develop separate children's
screening units within hospital
Ers and increase mobile
outreach capacity.
See service inventory
Awareness of services.
Service development and
expansion to address barriers
and gaps in Ocean County
through Affordable Care Act.
Enhanced service coordination.
Service development and
expansion to address barriers
and gaps in Ocean County.
#15
Food Assistance
Basic Needs
See service inventory
While there are many efforts
made to provide individuals
and families with food or
assistance to get food when
they are impoverished, there is
little overarching coordination
and uniformity to this service
area.
#16
Service Learning and
Community Service
Opportunities for Youth in
Contact with Juvenile Justice
Delinquency Prevention
See service inventory
Limited availability.
Appendix E Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders Resolution Approving the 2011 Needs Assessment Report Page 89 Printer Friendly View
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