New Jersey Department of Children and Families

New Jersey Department of Children and Families Overview

The New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) is the state’s cabinet-level agency dedicated exclusively to ensuring the safety, well-being, and success of children and families. Headquartered at 50 East State Street in the Capital Center building, this department was established in 2006 as a standalone entity, separating from the Department of Human Services to provide focused oversight on child welfare. DCF serves as the umbrella organization for several critical divisions, including Child Protection and Permanency (CP&P), which investigates allegations of abuse and neglect, and the Children’s System of Care (CSOC), which manages behavioral health and developmental disability services for youth.

Key Divisions and Services

While this specific location serves as the Central Office (Headquarters) for administrative functions, policy-making, and executive leadership, the department’s work is executed through various specialized divisions:

• Child Protection and Permanency (CP&P): Formerly known as DYFS, this division is responsible for investigating reports of child abuse and neglect and arranging for the protection of vulnerable children, including foster care and adoption services.
• Children’s System of Care (CSOC): Provides integrated behavioral health services for children with emotional and behavioral challenges, as well as those with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Division on Women: Administers programs that support women, including domestic violence services and displaced homemaker programs.
• Family and Community Partnerships: Focuses on prevention efforts and community-based support networks to strengthen families before crisis intervention is needed.

Critical Hotlines

While the headquarters handles administration, immediate assistance is available through 24/7 hotlines. The Statewide Central Registry (SCR) for reporting child abuse and neglect can be reached at 1-877-NJ-ABUSE. For families seeking behavioral health assistance or support for intellectual/developmental disabilities, the CSOC access line is available via PerformCare.

Visiting the Central Office

The headquarters at 50 East State Street is a secure government facility. Visitors must present valid government-issued identification and pass through security screening in the lobby. As this is an administrative hub, most direct client services (such as family visits or casework meetings) occur at Local Offices throughout the state, not at this central location. Public parking is available in nearby paid garages, such as the Liberty Commons Garage, and the building is accessible via the River Line light rail and NJ Transit bus routes.