Shows
DCF on the AirEpisode 27: Family Support OrganizationsIn this episode of DCF On The Air, host Jason Butkowski discusses the vital role of Family Support Organizations (FSOs) in supporting youth mental health and the entire family unit. Joined by guests Rachel Helt, Richard Dodd, and Jennifer Edwards, the conversation explores how FSOs provide comprehensive support to families, emphasizing the importance of lived experience, community collaboration, and addressing mental health stigma. The episode highlights the positive outcomes for families involved with FSOs and New Jersey's leadership in integrating these services into a cohesive system of care.2025-07-1834 minDCF on the AirEpisode 26: ReunificationWhat is reunification? What steps are taken to prioritize reunification with a family? In this episode, we are talking with our staff at CP&P and a resource family to talk about the importance of reunification and what supports are available.2025-06-2047 minDCF on the AirEpisode 25: Data ASIThis conversation explores the transformation of NewJersey's child welfare system through a data-driven approach. The discussion highlights the historical context of data utilization, the importance of evidence-based practices, and the state's leadership in national child welfare data initiatives. Key case studies, such as kinship placement and the NJ4S program, illustrate the practical application of data in improving outcomes for families. The conversation also addresses innovative strategies for disseminating data and the implications of the Family First Prevention ServicesAct.2025-05-1633 minDCF on the AirEpisode 24: NJ Task Force on Child Abuse and NeglectIn this episode, we sit with the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect to discuss the importance of creating a statewide system to address child maltreatment and its decades of continuing progress in helping children across New Jersey.More Information on NJTFCAN -https://www.nj.gov/dcf/providers/boards/njtfcan/2025-04-1150 minDCF on the AirEpisode 23: Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) TransitionIn this episode we are discussing the collaborative efforts of DCF (I/DD) & DHS (DDD) around how to support youth with developmental disabilities to transition into the adult care system. We talk about what supports are available and what resources families can utilize to help with this transition. Need to learn more about the I/DD Transition?CSOC.Director@dcf.nj.gov – answers general questions about CSOC.DCF-CSOC.Guardianship@dcf.nj.gov –for questions aboutguardianship of youth 18-21 with I/DD. DD.Transition@dcf.nj.gov – for questions about the transition process to t...2025-03-141h 00DCF on the AirEpisode 22: NJ211In this month's edition of On the Air, we are joined by NJ211, who are an information-based organization with the purpose of providing resources in times of crisis to residents of New Jersey.2025-02-1456 minDCF on the AirEpisode 21: Family Connects NJ UpdateIn this episode we are providing an update on Family Connects NJ after launching the program in five counties last January. We're talking impact of the program and what we have to look forward to with the expansion into 6 additional counties.
2025-01-1737 minDCF on the AirEpisode 20: One Simple WishIn this heartwarming holiday episode of "DCF on the Air," we delve into the impactful work of One Simple Wish, a remarkable New Jersey-based non-profit dedicated to granting wishes for children in foster care and vulnerable families.
Join your host Jason Butkowski as we explore the inspiring stories behind the wishes, talk to the people who make them happen, and learn how this community-driven initiative is changing lives, one wish at a time.2024-12-1348 minDCF on the AirEpisode 19: Supporting New Jersey's Youth with 2NDFLOOR
Join us for another episode of "DCF On The Air," where we dive into the pressing issue of youth mental health in New Jersey. We're thrilled to partner with 2NDFLOOR, an extraordinary helpline that offers anonymous and confidential support to the youth of New Jersey 24/7. Through a heartfelt conversation with the team at 2NDFLOOR, we explore:
The severity of the youth mental health crisis in NJ, where 1 in 3 teen boys and 3 in 5 teen girls experience persistent sadness.
The journey of the 2NDFLOOR helpline, now having touched over a million young lives with trauma-informed care.
How the...2024-11-1555 min
Speak Our MindsEmpowering Families and Voices with Lived Experience: A Conversation with Christine Beyer, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Children and FamiliesThe New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) is the state’s first Cabinet-level agency focused exclusively on serving and supporting at-risk children and families. Today, Heidi welcomes Christine Beyer, Commissioner of the NJ DCF, to the podcast. Together with its partners, the NJ DCF works to increase kinship placements, strengthen family connections, prevent maltreatment, and promote family stability. They strive to integrate consumer voices in every program, foster accountability, maximize federal support, provide an inclusive system of care for youth, and prioritize both staff safety and professional satisfaction. Join the conversation as Christine shares insights into her ro...2024-11-0432 minDCF on the AirEpisode 18: Adoption RegistryIn this episode of DCF on the Air, we're shedding light on New Jersey's adoption registry. Dating back to 1977, the adoption registry plays a pivotal role in connecting adoptees with their roots, emphasizing the significance of access to available birth information for adoptees. We talk to our staff within our Office of Adoptions to share insights of adoption and the steps being taken to support adoptees and birth families.
2024-10-1836 min
New Jersey State News and Info Daily"Thriving New Jersey: A Comprehensive Guide to the Garden State's Advancements in Healthcare, Education, and Sustainable Growth"New Jersey, often referred to as the Garden State, is a vibrant and diverse state located in the northeastern U.S. with a rich tapestry of cultural history and significant contributions to national development. Its landscape includes sprawling suburbs, bustling urban centers like Newark and Jersey City, and significant historical sites. Central to New Jersey's current events is its dynamic approach to policy, education, healthcare, and local governance.The New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) plays a pivotal role in the welfare of the state's younger residents. DCF's recent initiatives, including the collaboration with community nursing...2024-09-1703 minDCF on the AirEpisode 17: Office of Education - DCF Regional Schools
We will be talking with Kelley Michalowski, Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Education to talk about our OOE Regional Schools. With her, she has special guests Miluska Gamarra-Yanez from our Cherry Hill Campus and Renee Freeman from our Union Campus, to give their perspective of the OOE programs. We'll focus on the supports and services that are available and what makes DCF classrooms unique in how they support their students.
2024-09-1345 minDCF on the AirEpisode 16: Division on WomenIn this episode of "DCF on The Air," host Jason Bukowski sits down with leaders from New Jersey's Division on Women (DOW) within the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Since its inception in 1974, the DOW has been a steadfast advocate for women's rights and interests.
We'll dive into the pivotal milestones of DOW, tackling paramount issues such as:
Domestic violence
Sexual violence
Employment readiness
Intersectionality
Discover the essential role of culturally specific providers in aiding survivors, the transformative "Domestic Violence Housing First" model, and a look ahead at DOW's future goals...2024-08-2346 minDCF on the AirEpisode 15: The Office of Family VoiceDescription: Tune in to our latest episode as we delve into the groundbreaking work of the Office of Family Voice within the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF). Learn how this office, inspired by Commissioner Beyer’s listening tour, is prioritizing family involvement in decision-making and fostering shared leadership.
Episode Highlights:
Understanding the mission and goals of the Office of Family Voice.
Initiatives by the DCF Youth Council to support youth transitioning to adulthood, mental health, and access to case records.
Celebrating significant achievements like the Sibling Bill of Rights and th...2024-08-0257 minDCF on the AirEpisode 14: Family Preservation & Reunification ServicesWelcome to a new episode of DCF On The Air! This episode shines a spotlight on the transformative work of the Office of Family Preservation and Reunification Services (OFPR) within New Jersey's child welfare system. Our focus is on how OFPR is revolutionizing family services to keep families intact and prevent out-of-home placements.
Join us as we discuss:
The mission to support families as intact units and prevent out-of-home placements.
Comprehensive services offered by OFPR, including family preservation programs, in-home family support, and visitation services.
How these services are tailored to meet the unique needs of...2024-06-1445 minDCF on the AirEpisode 13: New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) UpdateIn this episode, we provide an insightful update on the New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) program, which is dedicated to delivering mental wellness and prevention services to students and families across New Jersey schools.
Join us as we discuss:
The success of NJ4S in engaging thousands of families with tier one services.
The integration of NJ4S into the existing youth mental wellness infrastructure and the importance of building strong relationships with schools and community stakeholders.
The tiered approach of NJ4S, including universal supports, evidence-based programs, and individual counseling.
The significance...2024-05-241h 01DCF on the AirEpisode 12: Family Success CentersDCF | Family Success Centers (nj.gov)
In this episode of "DCF On the Air," we explore the pivotal role of Family Success Centers in New Jersey's child welfare system. The New Jersey Department of Children and Families is shifting towards a prevention mindset, reallocating resources from reactionary child protective services to upstream prevention. Learn how Family Success Centers offer tailored, in-community supports designed to build resilience and strengthen family connections. Discover how these centers provide a welcoming environment where family voices and shared leadership are prioritized, allowing parents to direct the work of the centers. Join us...2024-04-2432 minDCF on the AirEpisode 11: Truth To TransformationIn this episode of DCF On The Air, we will be talking to the codesigners of DCF's documentary "Truth To Transformation" ahead of the film's debut at the Garden State Film Festival this March!
Truth to Transformation is an unflinching and powerful look at child welfare in America through the eyes of three people who experienced firsthand the trauma and complexities of being a part of the foster care system. Through their voices, lived experiences, and willingness to co-design the future, NJ’s child welfare system is being transformed into a children and family se...2024-03-081h 06DCF on the AirEpisode 10: Universal Home Visiting / Family Connects NJFamily Connects NJ, DCF's Universal Home Visiting program launched in January 2024! Its mission is to improve the physical and emotional well-being of infants, children, and their families by providing supports like parent education, home visit assessments, and more.
We'll be talking to Brandie Wooding, Ericka Dickerson & Dr. Sanjna Shah to talk about how this program will best help new families. 2024-02-1631 minDCF on the AirEpisode 9: New Year's Resolutions with the Office of Staff Health & WellnessIn our first 2024 episode for DCF On The Air, we will be talking with Nancy Carre-Lee & Nooge Hartsfield in our Office of Staff Health & Wellness about New Year's Resolutions.
How can we make wellness an intention through our work with families and staff, and what does it look like in practice? 2024-01-2625 minDCF on the AirEpisode 8: Food SecurityThis month at DCF on the Air, we're welcoming Mark Dinglasan and Dr. Jenny Schrum from the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate to talk about how they're using healing-centered practice and a trauma-informed lens to transform the ways they're supporting families throughout the state -- including many connected to the child welfare system -- who are challenged by food insecurity.2023-11-1547 minDCF on the AirEpisode 7: Housing SupportsSecure housing impacts everyone and we will be talking to KerryAnne Henry, Director of the DCF Office of Housing and a representative from the Department of Community Affairs to talk about available housing support programs such as Voucher Programs, KFT, and other supports like LIHEAP that help families in need.
2023-10-1322 minDCF on the AirEpisode 6: ReunificationWe'll be talking to DCP&P Deputy Director Clinton Page about reunification -- how DCF is honoring its commitment to support reunification as the primary goal in family separations, how kinship caregivers can help support that goal, and avenues for post-reunification support and connecting bio parents to the prevention continuum in NJ.
2023-09-1524 minDCF on the AirEpisode 5: The Family First ActIn this episode of DCF on the Air, we welcome DCF First Deputy Commissioner Katherine Stoehr to discuss child maltreatment prevention efforts in New Jersey and the federal Family First Prevention Services Act which prioritizes proactive, innovative, in-community prevention services in child welfare jurisdictions throughout the nation.2023-06-1040 minDCF on the AirEpisode 4: The Children's System of Care (CSOC)
In this episode, we hear from Mollie Greene, DCF Assistant Commissioner for the Children's System of Care (CSOC), the public behavioral and emotional health system for anyone under the age of 21, regarding work to provide deep-end therapeutic support to children and their families in their homes and in the community during a historic youth mental health crisis happening nationally.2023-05-2648 minDCF on the AirEpisode 3: Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACEs)
In this episode, we're talking with Dr. Rebecca Bryan, Executive Director of the DCF Office of Resilience, around the groundbreaking work happening through her office around Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACEs), and what they can mean for the lifelong health and social connections of individuals who experience both.
2023-04-2833 minDCF on the AirEpisode 2: The NJ Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) Network
In this episode of DCF on the Air, we’re talking with Sanford Starr, DCF Assistant Commissioner for Family and Community Partnerships, about a new mental wellness initiative coming to NJ’s schools and communities, the NJ Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) network.
2023-04-0627 minDCF on the AirEpisode 1: Safe, Healthy and ConnectedIn our first episode of the DCF on the Air podcast, we will be talking with NJ DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer about her vision for the Department's work -- ensuring that all New Jersey residents are safe, healthy and connected.2023-03-1732 minDCF on the AirWelcome to DCF on the AirHost Jason Butkowski offers a brief introduction to DCF on the Air, the new podcast from the New Jersey Department of Children and Families to share the story of the department's efforts to revolutionize child welfare in the Garden State.2023-03-0602 min
Resilience ConversationsResilience Conversations | feat. Dave Ellis | Doing The Work Series Ep 1Join Ginger and Rebecca as they talk with Dave Ellis as they discuss how he is doing the work in the area of Child Services at the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.
Who is Dave?
Consumate senior executive, change agent and strategist. Strong leadership skills in operations, short and longterm strategic planning, human capital management, training, development, community building/engagement, partnerships and organzational leadership.
You can connect with Dave at dave.ellis@dcf.nj.gov
You can connect with Ginger and Rebecca at resilience@essdack.org
2022-04-2147 min
The Unique Family PodcastEp. 7 Why Parents Should Name a Temporary GuardianThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused a number of children to be removed from the home if parents incapacitated by COVID-19. I worry what would happen if I can’t care for my child because of the virus.
Many families have now considered earlier than expected idea of estate planning. One of the most important things to consider is naming temporary guardian or caregiver for their child.
As COVID-19 infection rates spike across the country, if you your spouse or coparent fall ill or can provide 100% care for your child in New Jersey Department of children and families DCF recommends a ch...2020-11-1603 min
Building Opportunity in DelawareHow Faith Communities Build Opportunity | Rev. Edwin EstevezRev. Edwin Estevez, senior pastor of Grace Church UMC and the Riverfront Church in Wilmington, talks about the role of the faith community in building opportunity. The son of Guatemalan immigrants, Estevez grew up in North Jersey and is now a proud Delawarean. With his leadership, Grace Church is launching a kitchen incubator to empower people struggling with poverty to learn culinary and restaurant skills, transforming the church campus into a green, energy-efficient example of "creation care," and opening Grace Cafe, a welcoming "third space" for conversation and reflection over a cup of coffee. Our nine-episode Building...2020-02-2841 min
National Child Welfare Workforce Institute (NCWWI)[Learning Exchange] Peer Mentoring, Crisis Response & Resilience-building: NJ DCF’s Worker2Worker ProgramLearn about the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, Division of Child Protection & Permanency Worker2Worker (W2W) Program is a confidential peer-counseling helpline and support approach for to help manage the unique stressors of frontline child welfare practice. W2W provides a 7-day-a-week helpline reflective of a Reciprocal Peer Support model. The program offers clinical care telephone assessments, a network of referral/treatment services, and psychological first aid with crisis response services following traumatic events.2017-04-1954 minNational Child Welfare Workforce Institute (NCWWI)[Webinar] Peer Mentoring, Crisis Response & Resilience-building: NJ DCF’s Worker2Worker ProgramLearn about the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, Division of Child Protection & Permanency Worker2Worker (W2W) Program is a confidential peer-counseling helpline and support approach for to help manage the unique stressors of frontline child welfare practice. W2W provides a 7-day-a-week helpline reflective of a Reciprocal Peer Support model. The program offers clinical care telephone assessments, a network of referral/treatment services, and psychological first aid with crisis response services following traumatic events.2017-04-121h 27National Child Welfare Workforce Institute (NCWWI)[Learning Lab] New Jersey Fellows: Building Capacity in "Managing by Data" to Improve Leadership, Frontline Practice & Case OutcomesLearn about the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (NJ DCF) Fellows Program that provides an opportunity for DCF staff (supervisors, managers & quality coordinators) to utilize data that supports improved case practice (on the ground, at the front line, & throughout the organization) and outcomes for children and families2013-05-0957 minNational Child Welfare Workforce Institute (NCWWI)[Webinar] New Jersey Fellows: Building Capacity in "Managing by Data" to Improve Leadership, Frontline Practice & Case OutcomesLearn about the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (NJ DCF) Fellows Program that provides an opportunity for DCF staff (supervisors, managers & quality coordinators) to utilize data that supports improved case practice (on the ground, at the front line, & throughout the organization) and outcomes for children and families2013-05-021h 27