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Latest News For You | For Agency Professionals
Early Childhood is a Time of Exploration
Parents are a primary influence in a child’s life…especially the life of a young child. During these early years children build their fundamental sense of trust with the world around them and even though they may not speak until they are one or two, they are hearing (and absorbing) more than one might guess. Keeping a child safe, fed, warm and nurtured is not always easy, but it is the responsibility of parents to do just that. This section of our Web site offers a review of resources, programs, services and tips that will help you take care of your child. The final page in the section, Support for Parents, offers resources to lean on as you journey through the early childhood years.
Keeping Your Child Safe
Understanding the developmental milestones in a child’s life will make it easier to care for them. The American Academy of Pediatrics provides an overview of what you can expect your child to be capable of doing as he or she goes through the preschool years. Learn more >>
While “accidents will happen”, many are avoidable with proper planning. Over the years a great deal of thought has gone into keeping babies safe. Before bringing babies and toddlers into your home, spend some time looking around and remember that children have a keen sense of curiosity. They love to put things in their mouths; will poke their fingers into electrical outlets without a thought; climb stairs without any notion of the power of gravity; etc…Be sure to baby-proof your home and never travel in a car without fastening your baby securely into a car seat.
NJ Programs that Strengthen Families and Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect
Every county in the state now provides Early Childhood Services that are geared to prevent child abuse and neglect by educating parents and getting them the assistance they need to take care of their children. These services fall under three main headings:
- The Home Visitation Program provides services to families challenged by complex health-related and/or social problems. This program focuses attention on pregnant women and children up to age five.
- Early Care and Education Centers work with families to build the life skills and protective factors that have proven to be effective in preventing child abuse and neglect.
- The Children’s Trust Fund supports a variety of child abuse prevention programs in local communities.
Find out what programs are available in your county >>
Child Abuse is Unacceptable - If you suspect abuse dial 877-652-2873 day or night.
The Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) is New Jersey's child protection and child welfare agency. Its mission is to ensure the safety, permanency and well-being of children and to support families. Each year, DYFS contracts with many community-based agencies throughout the state to provide services to children and families. Such services include counseling, parenting skills classes, substance abuse treatment, in-home services, foster care and residential placement.
DYFS is also responsible for investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect and, if necessary, arranging for the child's protection and the family's treatment. The Child Abuse Hotline (State Central Registry) receives all reports of child abuse and neglect 24-hours a day, 7-days a week Any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or acts of abuse should report this by calling the Hotline at 1-877 NJ ABUSE (1-877-652-2873). If the child is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 as well as the Child Abuse Hotline. A concerned caller does not need proof to report an allegation of child abuse and can make the report anonymously.
Find the contact information of your local DYFS Office here.
DYFS also operates:
- Three Residential Treatment Centers for youth with intensive behavioral health needs. Find contact information for these centers.
- Four Regional Diagnostic Treatment Centers which offer a comprehensive program for the evaluation, treatment, and prevention of physical and emotional injuries caused by physical/sexual abuse or neglect. Specially trained doctors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers work with children in a comforting setting. Find the Treatment Center in your region.
- County-based Child Advocacy Centers that offer a multi-disciplinary approach in providing comprehensive, culturally competent child abuse prevention, intervention and treatment services to children who are victims of child abuse or neglect. Contact the Center in your area.
Need Help? – Dial 2-1-1
You are encouraged to dial “2-1-1” 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need help in understanding and finding available assistance services. Language translation and TTY services are offered to any caller. You can also search our database for services in your local community or Chat Live with an experienced community resource specialist. 2-1-1 will help identify with you the best local resources to fit your individual needs during times of financial distress or for life’s everyday situations. This service is FREE of charge and is supported by local United Ways of New Jersey and NJ state government.
If you know of additional resources that would be appropriate to include in this section, please let us know by contacting us via e-mail at info@nj211.org.
Sources for this page include:
http://www.state.nj.us/dcf
http://www.aap.org
http://familydoctor.org
Page last modified 7.25.09
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KEEPING YOUR CHILD HEALTHY - |
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