Intellectual and Developmental Disability Resources for Families
The New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities
The Division of Developmental Disabilities provides public funding for services and supports that assist New Jersey adults ages 21 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible. Services and supports are available in the community from independent providers, and in 5 state-run developmental centers.
The New Jersey Division of Disability Services
The New Jersey Division of Disability Services publishes an annual resource directory with a wealth of information for individuals with disabilities and their families or caregivers.
- DDS resources (PDF).
- DDS resources (audio).
- Recursos DDS en español (PDF).
Designated Screening Centers (PDF)
If your child is making threats towards himself/herself or others and you want to have your child evaluated for safety and/or psychiatrically screened, please refer to your nearest designated screening center. This list is maintained by the New Jersey Department of Human Services.
Many services for individuals with disabilities are offered by the state and various other organizations. This website brings together these resources into one place for New Jersey residents with disabilities, caregivers, parents, and advocates.
New Jersey Children's System of Care (CSOC) — 1-877-652-7624
The New Jersey Children's System of Care (CSOC), formerly the Division of Child Behavioral Health Services, serves children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral health care challenges and their families; children with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families; and, children with substance use challenges and their families. CSOC is committed to providing services based on the needs of the child and family in a family-centered, community-based environment.
Arc of New Jersey — 1-732-246-2525
The Arc of New Jersey is a statewide service and advocacy organization for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with 20 local chapters serving every county.
Autism New Jersey — 1-800-4-AUTISM or 1-609-588-8200
Autism New Jersey is the largest statewide network of parents and professionals dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities
The Boggs Center is a resource that helps people with developmental disabilities and their families get the information and support they need to live their best lives. The Center focuses on providing leadership development opportunities to people with developmental disabilities and their families and the chance to share their experiences and perspectives to practicing and future professionals.
Brain Injury Alliance — 1-732-783-6172
The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey is a statewide organization that assists people with brain injuries and their families by providing family support, information and educational programs.
New Jersey Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission — 1-800-335-3863
The Catastrophic Illness in Children Fund may be able to help if you have overwhelming medical bills for your child.
The Family Resource Network — 1-800-372-6510
The Family Resource Network is the largest statewide provider of community-based family support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The New Jersey Division of Children and Families funds a statewide network of Family Success Centers as “one-stop” shops in each county that provide wrap-around resources and supports for families before they find themselves in crisis.
Kinship caregivers are special people who have taken on the responsibility of caring for their relatives' children. The local Kinship agencies help caregivers “navigate” other forms of government assistance, determine if the caregiver’s family is eligible for Kinship Navigator program benefits such as help with short-term expenses for the relative child, such as furniture, moving expenses and clothing. Finally, the Kinship agencies provide technical support and guide the family through the process of Kinship Legal Guardianship if the caregiver wishes to make a legal commitment to the child.
Mom2Mom — 1-877-914-MOM2
Mom2Mom is a statewide program that offers peer support for mothers of children with special needs. The person on the phone is another parent who has faced similar challenges in parenting a child or children with disabilities. Mom2Mom peers can provide an understanding ear, and help identify and connect you to local resources, and will follow up with you and help you solve challenges.
NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD): Regional Family Support Planning Councils
The Regional Family Support Planning Councils (RFSPCs) were created by the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities to provide a space where parents and family members of individuals with developmental disabilities are free to share information as well as discuss family support services.
NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid — 1-800-701-0710
New Jersey's publicly funded health insurance program - includes CHIP, Medicaid and Medicaid expansion populations. That means qualified NJ residents of any age may be eligible for free or low cost health insurance that covers doctor visits, prescriptions, vision, dental care, mental health and substance use services and even hospitalization.
The NJ Helps Services Home Page is designed to give consumers a “one-stop” shopping resource for the wide range of programs, information and services provided by the Department of Human Services and its partners, to assist individuals, families and communities in throughout the State of New Jersey.
New Jersey Statewide Independent Living Council
The New Jersey Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is a 17-member body appointed by the Governor that maximizes opportunities for people with disabilities through planning and advocacy. The SILC is a separate entity in, but not of, the New Jersey Department of Labor.
Statewide Parent Advocacy Network
The Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) is an independent 501(c) (3) organization that is a “1 stop” for New Jersey families. SPAN is committed to empowering families as advocates and partners in improving education, health and behavioral health outcomes for children and youth.
The State of New Jersey's Department of Health assists families who care for children with complex, long-term medical and developmental disabilities.
Legal resources
Community Health Law Project (CHLP)
CHLP provides legal and advocacy services, training, education, and related activities to persons with disabilities and, in certain issues, to organizations representing their interests, with an emphasis on those most vulnerable and needy.
Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ)
DRNJ is a private, non-profit, consumer-directed organization established to advocate for and advance the human, civil and legal rights of citizens of New Jersey with disabilities. DRNJ promotes public awareness and recognition of individuals with disabilities as equally entitled members of society, advises and assists persons with disabilities, family members, attorneys and guardians in obtaining and protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities.
In addition, DRNJ provides education, training and technical assistance to individuals with disabilities, the agencies that serve them, advocates, attorneys, professionals, courts and others regarding the rights of individuals with disabilities.
Additional resources for youth under the age of 5
The New Jersey Division of Children and Families funds a statewide network of Family Success Centers as “one-stop” shops in each county that provide wrap-around resources and supports for families before they find themselves in crisis.
New Jersey Early Intervention System — 1-888-653-4463
New Jersey's statewide system of services for infants and toddlers (birth to age three) with developmental delays or disabilities, and their families. The Department of Health is appointed by the Governor as the state lead agency for the Early Intervention System.
National association for Play Therapists. This directory features the ability to search for play therapists throughout the state of New Jersey.
Please note: PerformCare posts these links for informational purposes only. These external web sites are maintained by organizations over which PerformCare and the New Jersey Children's System of Care exercise no control. PerformCare and the NJ Children's System of Care expressly disclaim any responsibility or endorsement for the content, the accuracy of the information and/or quality of products or services provided by or advertised by these third-party websites. PerformCare and the NJ Children's System of Care do not control, endorse, promote, or have any affiliation with any web site listed unless expressly stated herein.