Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) – Mercer South Local Office – Trenton, NJ

Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) – Mercer South Local Office

The Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P), formerly known as DYFS, is New Jersey’s child protection and child welfare agency within the Department of Children and Families. The Mercer South Local Office in Trenton serves as a critical frontline resource for investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect within the southern portion of Mercer County. Its primary mission is to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and to support families.

Child Welfare and Protection Services

The office is staffed by caseworkers and professionals dedicated to:

• Child Abuse Investigations: Responding to reports of abuse and neglect to determine the safety of the child.
• Foster Care and Adoption: Managing the placement of children in resource homes when they cannot safely remain with their parents and facilitating the adoption process.
• Family Support: Providing counseling, substance abuse treatment referrals, and other services to help families stay together or reunite.

Reporting and Access

While this local office handles ongoing cases and family assessments, emergency reports of child abuse should be directed to the statewide Child Abuse Hotline (1-877-NJ-ABUSE), which operates 24/7. The local office is primarily for case management and scheduled meetings. Visitors to the facility should be aware that it is a government office with strict privacy and security protocols.