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If you are a youth under the age of 18 and homeless call the New Jersey Department of Children and Families toll-free hotline at 1-855-INFO-DCF (1-855-463-6323)
- Adolescent Housing Hub:
- Are you looking for a place to call home?
- The Adolescent Housing Hub helps young people locate safe and stable housing options throughout New Jersey. These programs can help you take the next step on the road to independence!
- What is “The Hub”?
- “The Hub” is a system that has been created for all Adolescent Transitional Housing Programs. These programs are located throughout NJ, and “the Hub” helps link up young people that are in need of housing with programs that have openings.
- How does it work?
- Young people or supportive adults can contact PerformCare and complete a consultation over the phone with one of their housing specialists. If you’re eligible for one or more housing programs, you’ll be contacted to set-up an interview.
- How do I take the next step?
- Talk with your DCP&P worker, DCBHS care manager, advocate, or another supportive adult in your life. Together you can plan a time to call. When you’re ready, contact PerformCare at 1-877-652-7624 and press "4" to access "The Hub".
- Click here for more information on the Adolescent Housing Hub
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Life Skills programs can help you prepare to get a job, manage money, get connected with other resources in your community, make plans for your future housing and education, and many other things that can help you live more independently. For more information on the Life Skills programs in your area, click on the link to your county on the list (on the right side of this page) and then click on "Life Skills Programs".
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Aftercare programs provide support services to young people between the ages of 18 and 22. They can help you find employment, housing and educational opportunities, and much more. See below for contact info for the Aftercare program in your area. For more information on the Aftercare programs in your area, click on the link to your county on the list (on the right side of this page) and then click on "Aftercare Programs".
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The Youth Permanency Programs (YPP) will assist youth who are at risk of aging out of the child welfare system without a caring adult. The YPP staff will provide you with intensive permanency related services to help you develop the skills that encourage safe, sustainable connections. You will be presented with the opportunity to maintain contacts with important people in your life. The YPP will help you with the resources, skills and supports to sustain a lifelong relationships with family or other caring adults. If you are interested in this program or would addition please contact the Office of Adolescent Services at 609-888-7100.
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CAFS-Youth Permanency Program- Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, Essex and Union Counties,
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The North Ward Center – Youth Permanency Program – Essex County
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Robin’s Nest-Life Long Connections - Camden, Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem, Atlantic and Cape May
- Medicaid Extension for Young Adults (MEYA)
- Did you know that you might qualify to receive health insurance through the state of New Jersey until you’re 26 years old?
- That’s right—if you were in foster care and receiving Medicaid when you turned 18, you may be able to receive Medicaid until you’re 26, regardless of how much money you make.
- How do I find out if I am eligible?
- Talk you your DCP&P case worker (if you have an open case), or call the Medicaid Extension for Young Adults (MEYA) at 1-888-235-4766.
- Pediatric Services/Well Baby Care
- Women’s Health/Prenatal Care
- Adolescent Health
- Internal and Family Medicine
- Geriatrics
- Foot Care
- Mental Health
- Dental Care
- Social Services
- Case Management
- Nutritional Counseling (WIC)
- Health Education
- Evaluation for Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing
- HIV/Hepatitis C Medical Care
- Eligibility for Medicare/Medicaid
- Laboratory Services
- Referrals for Specialty Care
- Pharmacy Services
- Outreach and Marketing
- Patient Transportation
- NJ Family Planning Centers These centers also service males and females. They are not part of Planned Parenthood but can assist in many of the areas already mentioned above including testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Private Insurance Individuals may be carried under their parents/caregiver’s health insurance plan until the age of 26 or 31. Check to see if you are covered under an existing policy and visit the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance website for additional information: Click here To find more information on Private Insurance..
- Services Available through PerformCare The Department of Children and Families provides behavioral health services to children and youth through different agencies depending on the level of need. To connect to behavioral health services contact 1-877-652-7624. This service is called PerformCare. Young people eligible for services through PerformCare are mostly between the ages of 5 and 18 and must live in NJ. Special consideration is given for services to youth under age 5.
- Mental Healthcare Your mental health is IMPORTANT! If you or someone you know needs help, NJ Children's System of Care has connections to many different types of supports. You can see all they have to offer by Clicking Here
- Making Healthy Choices: A Guide on Psychotropic Medications for Youth in Foster Care Click Here to download a guide from the National Resource Center for Youth Development which was written specifically for youth in foster care, with input from youth and professionals.This guide looks at ways for youth to handle powerful feelings and behaviors and make healthy choices.
- College Open Houses With hundreds of colleges choose from available to students, picking the best match for each individual can be difficult. Visiting a school during their open house event can be the deciding factor in what school you would like to attend. If you'd like to know when the university you've applied to is having an open house or information session for incoming students, click here.
- NJ Vocational High Schools New Jersey’s county vocational-technical school districts are national models for preparing high school students and adults for college and 21st century careers. Students can learn a variety of trades. Some become chefs, graphic designers or auto technicians. Others train to qualify as first responders, nurses, and master electricians. Students can earn certifications and state licenses as part of their high school curriculum. Many districts offer career academies for talented students in areas like engineering, visual and performing arts, health sciences, and information technology. If one of these types of careers sounds like it might right for you, click here to learn more.
- NJ County Community Colleges Community Colleges in New Jersey provide a variety of courses and associate degree programs for young people who want to continue their education beyond high school. Many students begin their studies at a community college and then go on to earn a degree at a four-year college. Click here to find the Community College that is closest to you.
- NJ Four-Year Public/Private Colleges & Universities New Jersey has some of the best colleges and universities in the country, and with so many different programs you're bound to find one that's a fit for you. Click here to start your search for the local 4-year school that offers the quality education you deserve.
- RWM Vocational Schools Database Ever thought of a career as a baker? How about an automotive technician, or a medical or dental assistant? What about a massage therapist, pharmacy technician or nurse? With info on vocational schools throughout the country, this website can help you find a program that has the trade you want to learn. Click here to check it out.
- Career Schools in NJ Career schools provide students with the training and skills necessary to find successful employment in a variety of exciting careers such as business, computers, technology and health care. Click here to see all the programs NJ has to offer.
- Business Schools in NJ Do you want a career in business? Click here for a list of all the schools in NJ that offer business programs, including accounting, business administration, management, marketing, e-commerce, international business, office administration and computer information management.
- Computer Schools in NJ Are you good with computers? If so, why not make it a career? New Jersey has a lot of schools that can prepare you for a future in Informational Technology. Whether you're interested in network management, computer support, programming, software administration, pc technician, internet technologies, or web operations, you can find a program that's a fit for you right here in the garden state. Click here to see all the computer training programs NJ has to offer.
- Online Education Database Find career descriptions, college and university degree program info, and much more. The website also lists different specialty scholarships, subject/degree-based, ethnicity-based, and religion-based scholarships, as well as scholarships based on the degree type and educational level you're pursuing. Click here to check it out.
- Educational Stability for Youth in Foster Care
- For detailed information on what the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Department of Education (DOE) are doing to promote educational stability for young people, Click here to access the “Improving the Educational Outcomes of Children in Out-of-Home Placements: An Interagency Guidance Manual”
- Do you have questions about the information above or what "Educational Stability" means for you? Every DCP&P Local Office has an “Educational Stability Liaison” that can help you figure it out. Click here for a directory of Educational Stability Liaisons throughout NJ.
In 2010, New Jersey passed the Education Stability Law which allows children and youth in foster care to remain in their “school of origin” unless it is determined to be in a child’s best interest to go to a new district. This very important decision is not made alone. The DCP&P worker will talk to people involved, including parents, the child’s attorney (law guardian), school staff and the child, and make a decision based on “best interest” factors. Click here for more information on what this might mean for you and/or the people you care most about.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) No matter where you plan to go to school, chances are, you'll need financial assistance. Did you know that the US Department of Education gives out $150 billion in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds each year to more than 13 million students paying for college or career school? To get your piece, you've got to apply for it, and you need to start by completing the FAFSA. Click here to learn more about the FAFSA and how it can help you finance the education of your dreams.
- Also, there are some specific questions on the FAFSA that are aimed at young people in foster care, and filling these out correctly helps you maximize the amount of financial aid you can receive. For more information, Click Here for tip sheets that can help you find out how to answer these questions in the right way.
- Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) HESAA is the only New Jersey state agency with the mission of providing students and families with financial and informational resources for students to pursue their education beyond high school. They offer a variety of grants, scholarships and financial aid programs for NJ residents. Click here for more info.
- New Jersey Foster Care Scholars (NJFC)
- Do you need help paying for college or trade school?
- The New Jersey Foster Care (NJFC) Scholars Program helps many foster and homeless youth with tuition and fees at a public New Jersey college, university, or vocational school. Scholarships are also available for young people that go to private or out of state schools.
- You may be able to receive scholarships that help with:
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- Tuition and Fees
- Room and Board
- Books and Supplies
- Transportation
- Computers/Special Equipment
- Child Care Costs
- You can also contact the NJFC Scholarship Program at 1-800-222-0047 or
- scholarships@fafsonline.org
- New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS)
- NJ STARS is a scholarship program for New Jersey residents that covers the cost of tuition at NJ's 19 community colleges. Students who rank in the top 15 percent of their high school class at the end of their junior or senior year may be eligible. Click here for more info
- NJ Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)
- For more information, and to see if you might be eligible for EOF, Click Here
- National Guard Youth Challenge
The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) provides financial assistance and support services (e.g. counseling, tutoring, and developmental course work) to students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds who attend institutions of higher education in the State of New Jersey. Undergraduate grants range from $ 200 to $2,500 annually depending on the type of institution and financial need. These grants are renewable based upon continued eligibility.
a preventive rather than remedial at-risk youth program, targets participants who are unemployed, drug-free and law-free high-school dropouts, 16 to 18 years of age. For more information please ClickHere
- New Jersey Career Assistance Navigator (NJCAN)
- Not sure exactly what you want your career to be? Or do you know exactly what you want to do? Either way, NJCAN can help you navigate the career path that's right for you.
- You can look at detailed information about different careers based on your interests, find out about the education you'll need, and how much money you can expect to make depending on where you live.There's also great information on getting your resume in shape, preparing for interviews, becoming self-employed, and jobs in the military.
- Get started today by visiting the NJCAN website
- NJ One-Stop Centers
- Are you looking for a job or occupational training? The New Jersey One-Stop Career Centers are the place to start, and can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in a 21st century work environment.
- Amongst others, resources provided include the following:
- Career exploration: help in identifying jobs that are interesting to you
- Resume writing
- Interview preparation
- Occupational Training for jobs that are highly in demand by employers
- Job Search Assistance
- Connections to employers searching for workers
- Educational Assistance
- On-site resource rooms (computers, telephones, fax, etc.)
- Job Corps
- Job Corps is a free education and training program that helps young people learn a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job. For eligible young people at least 16 years of age that qualify as low income, Job Corps provides the all-around skills needed to succeed in a career and in life.
Visit and/or call your local One Stop Career Center and ask about Youth Programming for ages 16 to 24. If you are interested in developing your resume or need help with job training/search, someone will be there to help you. Click Here to find the “One Stop” in your area
- education development in basic skills and preparation to obtain a GED or locally issued Adult High School Diploma;
- life skills and employability skills instruction;
- personal and career counseling to build self-esteem, clarify values, and develop leadership skills while they are developing their career portfolio;
- transition services and continuing support services as they transition to college, training, employment or other national and domestic service opportunities;
- community service opportunities which develop positive employability skills while addressing unmet community needs. Corps members receive a stipend while enrolled in Youth Corps.
- HiTops
- Hetrick Martin Institute
- The Pride Center of New Jersey
- NJ Gay Life
- Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
- The Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
- Equality Federation
- Human Rights Campaign(HRC)
- NALGAP: The Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Addiction Professionals and Their Allies Is a membership organization founded in 1979 and dedicated to the prevention and treatment of alcoholism, substance abuse and other addictions in lesbian, gay, transgender, queer communities. Click Here to see get more info.
Is a New Jersey organization that offers health services and group support resources for people ages 13 to 26. They have developed two support groups called "First & Third" and "PFLAG" for LGBTQ youth and their loved ones. Click Here to get more info.
HMI: New Jersey (formerly HMI: Newark) is the first comprehensive LGBTQ youth out-of-school time program in New Jersey dedicated to providing youth who are at-risk of harassment, abuse, neglect, homelessness and disconnection with a safe, supportive environment in which to grow and thrive. HMI: New Jersey serves youth from Essex, Hudson, Union and Middlesex counties and is the only LGBT organization contracted with the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency. Click Here to learn more!
Offers numerous social, supportive, educational, entertaining, and fun events and groups for the LGBTQI community every month. Click Here to check it out.
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Provides a listing of local events happening throughout New Jersey to connect the LGBTQ community members. Also this website provides an online directory of New Jersey businesses as well as a support group calendar that is organized by issues and geographic locations. Click Here to get more info.
Is a national non-profit organization located in Washington, DC. The non-profit provides support for the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends. It offers support, online information, events and programs, as well as scholarships and advocacy opportunities. Click Here for more information.
Is dedicated to make sure that students in schools are being respected regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity and/or expression. The network strives to create school settings that valued differences for a more powerful and diverse community. Click Here to learn more.
Is a national alliance of state-based lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocacy organizations. Click Here to learn more.
Advocates on behalf of GLBT Americans, mobilizes grassroots actions in diverse communities, invests strategically to elect fair-minded individuals to office and educates the public about GLBT issues. Click Here to check it out.
The "Teen Resources Intended to Aid & Nurture Gays, Lesbians & Everyone" (TRIANGLE) guide has lots of great information on programs and services for the LGBTQI community in New Jersey and throughout the country. Click HERE to check out the guide!
- New Jersey Parent Link This early childhood, parent and professional resource center provides info on pregnancy and resources for parents. Click here to check it out.
- Teen-Age Parents Program (TAPP) TAPP supports young people (under 21) in their transition to parenthood and other adult roles while reducing the risk of child abuse and neglect. The program provides counseling and case management services to pregnant and parenting teens and their families. Life skill workers offer flexible, outreach-oriented services as a means of engaging the trust and involvement of the young parents. A peer support group helps to build a supportive network. Consultation and education on issues of teen sexuality and adolescent pregnancy are available to the community. Call 609-518-5470 for more information.
- Maternal and Child Health Consortia These private non-profit organizations provide programs, activities, education, and infant and follow-up care to pregnant women and parents to help improve the health of children. Click here to check out the details.
- Second Chance Homes These programs are made available through your local county welfare office. They help teen mothers (ages 17 and under) and their children live in private host homes in the community to help them with housing and caring for their baby. Mothers must be Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) eligible, not DCP&P (formerly DYFS) involved, not ready for independent living, and unable to live with relatives. To access the Second Chance Home programs a young person must personally go to their local county welfare or social services office.
- Planned Parenthood Planned Parenthhod is a health care provider specializing in reproductive and sexual healthcare. Through pregnancy prevention, STD prevention, and sex education, Planned Parenthood empowers teens to make informed choices and lead healthy lives. With 28 offices in New Jersey, there is probably one close to where you live.
- The Programs Below are Special Housing Programs for Young People that are Pregnant or Parenting
- Crossroads Programs Inc. (Capable Adolescent Mothers)
- 610 Beverly-Rancocas Road Willingboro, NJ 08046
- Phone: 609-880-0210
- Fax: 609-880-0230
- bobk@crossroadsprograms.org
- http://www.crossroadsprograms.org/who_we_serve/capable_adolescent_mothers.html
- Crossroads Programs (Second Chance Homes)
- 610 Beverly-Rancocas Road Willingboro, NJ 08046
- Phone: 609-880-0210
- Fax: 609-880-0230
- bobk@crossroadsprograms.org
- Center For Great Expectations
- 19B Dellwood Lane Somerset, NJ 08873
- Phone: 732-247-7003
- Fax: 732-247-7043
- Toll-free: (855) HOPELIVES - 855.467.3548
- pegw@cge-nj.org
- www.thecenterforgreatexpectations.org
- Twin Oaks Community Services (Teen-Age Parents Program)
- 79 Chestnut St, Lumberton, NJ 08048
- Phone: 609-518-5470
- Fax: 609-518-5484
- Patricia.anderson@twinoakscs.org
- www.Twinoakscs.org
- Union Industrial Home (Parenting Fathers)
- 4 N. Broad Street, 2nd Floor Suite 2R, Trenton, NJ 08608
- Phone: 609-695-3663
- Fax: 609-695-3208
- info@uihfamilypartners.org
- http://uihfamilypartners.org
- Second Chance Homes Essex
- Tri-City Peoples Corporation
- 55 Washington St. Suite 405 East Orange, NJ, 07017
- Ph. (973)675-4484 ext. 2166
- Fax (973) 675-8473
- esaunders@tri-citypeoples.org
- http://tri-citypeoples.org/
- Life Ties (Rainbow House)
- Vivian D. Harmon, M.Ed., MSW, LSW
- Administrative Office
- John S. Watson Sr. Building
- 2205 Pennington Road, Trenton, NJ 08638
- Phone: 609-394-6747
- Fax: 609-396-5848
- vharmon@lifetiesinc.org
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The Department of Children and Families' Family and Community Partnership (FCP) network provides many services and programs for children, young adults and families throughout NJ. These include:
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- Family Success Centers Offer programs aimed at making families stronger through a variety of locally-based services, and building supportive connections in your community.
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- School Based Youth Services Programs (SBYSP) Provide 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. Open to all young people ages 10 -19 enrolled in any school that hosts a SBYSP.
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- Home Visitation Programs Provide early support to families with infants and young children across the state. Home visitors provide pregnant women and new parents with health information, parenting education, and links to other resources that support child and family well-being.
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- The FCP's also provide juvenile delinquency and child abuse prevention programs, domestic violence services, and much more.
- Click here for a statewide directory of programs and services to find out what is available in your county!
- The FCP's also provide juvenile delinquency and child abuse prevention programs, domestic violence services, and much more.
- 2NDFLOOR
- NJ211
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Is a confidential and anonymous statewide helpline for New Jersey's youth and young adults. Youth can call 2NDFLOOR at (888) 222-2228 and find information on the website at www.2ndfloor.org
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Provides information and assistance to all NJ residents in the areas of health, human services, community resources and government assistance programs. You do not have to be in crisis to seek help from NJ211. To access NJ211 dial 211 or visit the website at www.nj211.org.. The alternative telephone number is 1-800-HELP555 (1-800-435-7555).
- One Simple Wish
Got a simple wish? Maybe a new bed, personal care products, school supplies, music lessons or something else that you can't afford?
One Simple Wish wants to help!
Since 2008 One Simple Wish has been granting wishes to children and young people in foster care through their website at www.onesimplewish.org. They’ve helped young people go to summer camp, get laptops for school, travel to meet with their families, and so much more. Wishes are as unique as the children who make them!
Offers a website that lists a wide range of programs, information and services designed to assist individuals, families and communities throughout the State of New Jersey. Visitors to the website will discover if they qualify for any of the 28 state and federal programs designed to help find housing, employment, child care, health insurance, prescriptions, pay for food or more. For more information please visitClick Here
Do you like to perform? Well then the ALL STARS PROJECT is for you!
This program works to better the lives of youth and urban communities in New Jersey, using the power of performance to bring everyone together . The program helps young adults between the ages of 5-25 by preparing them for auditions, talent shows, rehearsals, and performance workshops. The ALL STARS PROJECT host various programs that will engage young adults to develop their community and their talents as well.
To find out more information about The All Stars Project please Click Here
Is an organization dedicated to lead the efforts of young people in and from foster care to become connected, educated, inspired and represented so they can realize their personal potential and contribute to better life for their peers. For more information on The Foster Club please Click here
Foster Care Alumni's (FCA) mission is to connect the alumni community and to transform policy and practice, ensuring opportunity for people in and out of foster care.
To learn more information about Foster Care Alumni (FAC) please Click Here
Foster Care Alumni's (FCA) mission is to connect the alumni community, and to change policy and practice to make better opportunities for people in and out of foster care. To learn more information about Foster Care Alumni (FAC) please Click Here
*The presentation of agencies, programs or services on the NJYRS website do not necessarily reflect endorsement of these resources by the NJ Department of Children and Families.