|
Latest News For You | For Agency Professionals
Finding Your Way to Adulthood
Transitioning from childhood to adulthood is filled with challenges. Along with the physical changes that are occurring, one is learning how to navigate the world around them and coming to a better understanding of themselves in the process. Here are some general resources and services available in our state that were created to assist you.
Sometimes it just helps to talk to someone.
If something is concerning you and you don’t have someone you feel comfortable discussing it with, try reaching out to the 2NDFLOOR - a confidential and anonymous helpline for NJ's youth and young adults ranging in age from 10 to 24. It is open 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. Youth can either call the helpline using a toll-free number, 888-222-2228, or access the interactive Web site. Calls to the 2NDFLOOR youth helpline are anonymous and confidential except in life-threatening situations.
The service is designed for listening, helping and guiding youth with their concerns. The phone lines are staffed by licensed professionals and trained volunteers (who are closely supervised and guided by social workers and professional counselors.) Hearing impaired callers, can reach 2NDFLOOR at the following TTY number: 732-264-1703.
Other Resources that Offer Opportunities for Recreation, Education, Support and More
In an effort to protect children and strengthen families, our state has developed community programs and services that address varying needs. Following are brief descriptions of youth based programs that are available. Find these services in your area.
- Family Friendly Centers
Family Friendly Centers (FFC) offer a wide range of services to enhance after-school programming for elementary and middle-school students and their families. These centers work with their host schools and communities to provide services in the core areas of education, recreation, social services and enrichment. The programs stress parental participation as well as partnerships among school and community stakeholders to meet the particular needs of the students and parents.
- School Based Youth Services Program
The School Based Youth Services Program (SBYSP) sites are located in each of the 21 counties in or near schools in urban, rural and suburban communities. The programs are open to all youth ages 10 -19 enrolled in the school that is home to the SBYSP, and provide services before, during and after school and throughout the summer. Major services include: mental health and family services; health services; substance abuse counseling; employment services; pregnancy prevention programs; learning support services; referrals to community based services; and recreation.
- Outreach to At-Risk Youth
This is a new initiative that is part of Governor Jon Corzine’s crime prevention plan. It is designed to prevent crime and deter gang involvement by providing enhanced recreational, vocational, educational, outreach or supportive services to youth, ages 13 to 18, with the option to serve youth until age 21. Programs are located in communities with demonstrated high crime and gang violence.
- Family Empowerment Program
The Family Empowerment Program (FEP) is a unique intervention program that targets students and families with intergenerational distress related to substance abuse. It provides a comprehensive intervention that integrates direct family system and adolescent development services with school and community resources. Related issues include substance abuse, mental health, academic performance and attendance, violence, gangs and juvenile justice involvement. The goal of the program is to maintain the student in school, while facilitating positive change that reduces risk factors in both student and family.
- Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Initiative
The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Initiative uses education, counseling and health services to reduce the birth rate among teens in high school. Any youth, at-risk or not, enrolled in the school that is home to the APPI program is eligible for services. Risk factors include sexual abuse or neglect at home, low school achievement, poverty, substance abuse or living in a home where siblings or relatives gave birth during their teen years. Referrals can come from peers, family members, guidance counselors, or foster families. Students also may enroll themselves.
- Parent Linking Program
The Parent Linking Program is designed to ensure the development of life skills and graduation of teen parents. It is also a collaborative effort with Prevent Child Abuse NJ to prevent abuse and neglect of young children, providing parenting education and on-site child care for teen parents enrolled in the School Based Youth Services Program (SBYSP).
State and local Health Resources
Health insurance is available for eligible children under 18 years of age. NJ FamilyCare is a medical insurance program offered through the state that provides free or low cost health insurance to uninsured children 18 years old or younger and certain low-income parents who live in New Jersey. Lawful permanent residents or those in a qualified immigrant status may be eligible, regardless of their date of entry into the United States.
NJ FamilyCare provides full health coverage through your choice of participating Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and covers almost every healthcare need including doctor visits, hospitalizations, lab test, x-rays, eyeglasses, mental health services, prescription drugs and even dental care for most children and some adults.
Eligibility is based on monthly income and household size (which includes parents, stepparents, and children under 21). Assets are not a determining factor and no one is turned down due to a pre-existing medical condition. To start the enrollment process, visit the NJ FamilyCare Web site where you can apply online or download an application. You can also apply over the phone by calling 800-701-0710.
Medicaid Extension for Young Adults (MEYA)
Medicaid Extension for Young Adults (MEYA) provides continued Medicaid coverage for adolescents who meet the eligibility requirements and are living in a DYFS paid placement on their 18th birthday. This free coverage is available until the young adult reaches the age of 21 regardless of income. For more information call 888-235-4766.
Newark School-Based Health Centers
Newark School-Based Health Centers provide comprehensive health services specifically for children and youth ages 0-21. Centers are conveniently located in neighborhood schools. Services include: well baby checks; physicals, immunizations; behavior and learning concerns; mental health services; dental and vision care. Contact your local Newark public school for more information.
When it comes to physical expression…think before you act.
Family Planning Programs
Family Planning is a preventive health service that provides quality, low cost, and easily accessible reproductive health care to women and men during their reproductive years. Teens are welcome and can receive confidential care. Learn more and find a Family Planning Agency near you.
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of New Jersey
These organizations seek to improve the health and safety of women, prevent unintended pregnancies, and assist individuals and families in making informed choices. To find a planned parenthood center near you call 800-230-PLAN (7526) or click here.
Birthright International
Birthright provides caring, non-judgmental support to girls and women who are distressed by an unplanned pregnancy. Using its own resources and those of the community, Birthright offers positive and loving alternatives. Birthright presents many services and refers for many more. The organization provides friendship and emotional support, free pregnancy testing and maternity and baby clothes. It also gives information and referrals to help clients meet legal, medical, financial, and housing needs. All Birthright services are free, confidential, and available to any woman regardless of age, race, creed, economic or marital status. Birthright operates a 24-hour North American hotline, at 1-800-550-4900. Find a location near you.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV
The state’s Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Program strives to prevent and reduce the effects of STDs in New Jersey through prevention, education, screening, treatment, and surveillance. If you have questions you want answered, call the NJ STD/HIV Hotline at 800-624-2377. Find a screening clinic near you.
Finding the path that is right for you
Transitions for Youth
This state-wide initiative is designed to address the many needs of youth transitioning to adulthood. TFY serves the most vulnerable populations of young people such as youth involved in foster care, juvenile justice and the mental health system. Its goal is to ensure that these young people have knowledge of the resources available to them to transition from youth to adulthood. Services include: Life Skills Training, Aftercare, Education and Employment, Housing, Healthcare, Addiction Services, Youth Advocacy, Financial Assistance for Independent Living, and Permanency services. Learn More >>
New Jersey Youth Corps Helps those who have left high school before graduating.
New Jersey Youth Corps is a state-administered, locally operated program designed to assist young adults (ages 16-25) who have left high school prior to graduation and prepares them for employment in the workforce. This program is a voluntary and full-time commitment through which Corps members spend half their time working toward a high school equivalency diploma (GED) and the remainder in community service and/or work experience projects. Additionally, personal and career counseling and support services are provided to help transitions to higher education, vocational training, employment, military or national service To learn more: Vist their Web site or call New Jersey Youth Corps at
609-292-2060.
Are you battling a personal demon? Here are some resources that may help.
Find the help you need to handle a drinking problem
AL-ANON and ALATEEN, are national groups that offer support and information for families, friends and others needing the services of Alcoholics Anonymous and Teen Al-Anon. Learn more about them and find a group in your area here.
Is food consuming your thoughts?
Eating disorders frequently appear during adolescence or young adulthood and are more likely to be experienced by women and girls, (although an estimated 5-15% of those who suffer from these disorders are male.) An eating disorder is marked by extremes. It is present when a person experiences severe disturbances in eating behavior, such as extreme reduction of food intake or extreme overeating, or feelings of extreme distress or concern about body weight or shape.
A person with an eating disorder may have started out just eating smaller or larger amounts of food than usual, but at some point, the urge to eat less or more spirals out of control. Eating disorders are very complex, and despite scientific research to understand them, the biological, behavioral and social underpinnings of these illnesses remain elusive. They are treatable. Learn more >>
Feeling Stressed?
Learn what stress is, how your body responds to it and how you can control it in a healthy way. Take a
Stress-O-Meter quiz and find out if your level of stress is leading to more serious problems. All this and much more is available at Girlshealth.gov a website devoted to helping girls (ages 10-16) learn about health, growing up, and issues they may face. Promoting healthy and positive behavior in girls, the information is reliable and useful and is presented in a fun, easy-to-understand way.
Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Seek help before it is too late.
Suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death for young people ages 10 to 24; only accidents and homicides occur more frequently. Firearms remain the most commonly used suicide method among youth, regardless of race or gender. Research has shown that most adolescent suicides occur in the afternoon or early evening and in the teen's home. Don't battle thoughts of suicide alone. Individuals seeking immediate crisis assistance should call 800-273-TALK (8255).
Learn more >>
Local Resources
Cape May County
The Teen Directory that was recently published for Cape May County includes information about programs related to crisis; alcohol and drugs; clubs and activities; employment; education; and family services. Access it here.
Pick up the phone and dial 2-1-1 when you need help.
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 the database of 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.
If you know of additional resources that would be appropriate to include, please let us know by contacting us via e-mail at info@nj211.org.
Research Sources Included
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders/complete-index.shtml
http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/
www.plannedparenthoodnj.org
http://www.birthright.org
http://www.nj.gov/dcf/prevention/directory.html
http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/wfprep/edtrain/ged/Youth.html
www.njhelps.org
www.transitionsforyouth.org
http://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/children/suicidepre.shtml
http://uwcmc.org/teen-directory/
http://www.girlshealth.gov/feelings/stress/index.cfm
Page last modified 2.15.11
|
