DCF on the Air

Latest Episodes:

Episode 23: Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Transition Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

In 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 the adult developmental disability system.
General CSOC Helpline
🔗 https://www.PerformcareNJ.org/
📲 1-877-652-7624 24/7/365 days a year
🔗 Find more about other services at the NJDisability Information Hub: www.NJ.gov/Disabilities

Episode 22: NJ211 Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

In 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.

Episode 21: Family Connects NJ Update Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

In 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.

Episode 20: One Simple Wish Dec 13, 2024

Show notes

In 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.

Episode 19: Supporting New Jersey's Youth with 2NDFLOOR Nov 15, 2024

Show notes

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 inclusion of young voices shapes more effective and empathetic services, leading to transformative apps that foster digital engagement and peer support.
The power of maintaining a safe space where teens feel free and emotionally secure to discuss their struggles.
How stigma is steadily diminishing, encouraging more youth to seek the help they need.
Insights into the development process of 2NDFLOOR’s app, which provides personal, confidential engagement while ensuring support in crisis situations through compassionate intervention.
Understanding the necessity of a solid support system for the staff handling these crisis communications.
Moving success stories illustrating the app's life-changing impact on New Jersey’s youth.

Tune in as we unravel the development, impact, and future vision of the Second Floor helpline and its continued commitment to fostering a supportive environment for all young individuals.

Episode 18: Adoption Registry Oct 18, 2024

Show notes

In 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.

Episode 17: Office of Education - DCF Regional Schools Sep 13, 2024

Show notes

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.

Episode 16: Division on Women Aug 23, 2024

Show notes

In 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 of promoting equity and supporting underserved communities. Join us as we celebrate the golden anniversary of a division that's been at the forefront of championing women's rights for half a century.

Keywords: Division on Women, DOW, Department of Children and Families, DCF, New Jersey, women's rights, domestic violence, sexual violence, employment readiness, intersectionality, culturally specific providers, domestic violence housing first, celebration, equity, underserved communities

Episode 15: The Office of Family Voice Aug 02, 2024

Show notes

Description: 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 the NJYRS website.
Insights into the DADS Council’s work to engage fathers in the child welfare system and reduce bias.
Efforts to enhance training for staff and involve fathers in the training process.
The role of the Parent Council and the new Lived Experience Expert Partnership (LEEP) consultancy.

Join us as we explore the vital role of family voices in shaping New Jersey’s child welfare policies and practices.

Follow and rate our podcast to stay updated on more inspiring stories and initiatives!

Episode 14: Family Preservation & Reunification Services Jun 14, 2024

Show notes

Welcome 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 each family, focusing on areas such as parenting, concrete needs, and mental health.
The shift towards a holistic and family-centered approach in child welfare.

Key Takeaways:

The OFPR's commitment to supporting intact family units and preventing out-of-home placements.
Insights into family preservation programs, in-home family support, and visitation services.
Understanding the evolution of child welfare services towards a holistic and family-centered model.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to DCF On The Air and the Role of OFPR

01:01 Transforming the Child Welfare System: Preventing Out-of-Home Placements

03:33 Supporting Reunification: The Launch of Supportive Visitation Services

07:05 Family Preservation Services: Supporting Families in Crisis

09:07 Visitation Services: Supporting the Goal of Reunification

19:02 Family Preservation Services: A Combination of Prevention and Protection

20:32 Culturally Competent and Adaptable Services for Diverse Family Structures

33:42 The Exchange Parent Aid Program: Providing Support and Concrete Assistance

42:26 Supporting Families to Keep Children in Their Homes

44:18 The Evolution of Services: A Holistic and Family-Centered Approach

Tune in to learn how OFPR is making a significant impact on the lives of families across New Jersey!