The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is New Jersey’s state child welfare agency. DCF encompasses: Youth and Family Services; Child Behavioral Health Services; Prevention and Community Partnerships; Specialized Education Services; Child Welfare Training Academy; Centralized Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline.

DCF is focused on strengthening families and achieving: safety, well-being and permanency for all New Jersey's children. Current priorities focus on reducing caseloads, developing a trained workforce, managing outcomes by data, and recruiting more safe and loving foster homes for our most vulnerable children.

To report child abuse or neglect, please call the hotline at 1-877-NJ ABUSE (652-2873)

Constituents with any department inquiries, concerns or questions can contact the DCF Office of Advocacy by calling the toll-free number at 1-877-543-7864, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 am-4:30 pm or EMAIL US and the Office of Advocacy will respond.

Division Listing

Community Services	Family & Support Services Adoption / Foster Care
Health Services	Crisis / Safety Crisis / Safety / Prevention

Last Updated: 04/19/24