MakeKidsCountNJ Campaign Goal 3:
All children will be free from abuse or neglect, living in safe, permanent homes and be supported to grow into productive adults.

Abused and neglected children are the most vulnerable of our citizens. When a child is hurt by those who are supposed to love and protect him, the state must step in. The state must also help parents before they hurt their children. When children must be removed from their families, the state, in essence, becomes the parent. Until a child can go back home or move into a permanent, adoptive family, the state must be a vigilant parent. An effective child welfare system will:

• Keep all children safe from abuse or neglect.
• Provide preventive and treatment services so all families can protect and care for their children.
• Safeguard children in out-of-home placement and ensure they are well-cared for in all respects.
• Make foster care temporary, with children returning to their own families or moving into adoptive ones, whenever possible.
• Provide troubled youth with preventive and treatment options to keep them out of detention.
   

Click on the links below to learn more.

Are Children Safer?

Child Welfare Update, January 2005

DYFS Reform Funding Supports Array of Staffing Services

The Enforceables of the DYFS Reform Plan

Child Welfare Update, March 2005