Exchange Parent Aide (EPA) is a supportive and educational in-home services program for parents and caregivers. It is built on an evidence-supported model, designed to increase safety and reduce risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect.

How EPA Supports Families:

In-Home Sessions:

• Parent Aides are matched with families to provide them with individualized support that includes, but is not limited to:
  • Assessment of family needs and dynamics
  • Teaching problem solving and coping skills
  • Observing and modeling effective parenting
  • Attending to their medical, dental, and mental health care needs
  • Monitoring safe housing
  • Education on child development and child safety
  • Reduction of parental stressors and risk factors that lead to child abuse, neglect, and domestic violence

Group Sessions:

• Parenting support groups are also provided to the parents to help the family develop social supports and connect with other parents.

Who Can Receive the Service:

• Families currently involved with the child welfare system
• Parents and caregivers willing to participate in services
• Families receiving services through DCP&P with at least one youth (ages 0-17) living at home

Who Provides the Services:

• Parent Aides trained in the Exchange Parent Aide model will support parenting-related services
• Care Managers will support family’s concrete needs

Where Services Are Provided: EPA will be offered statewide, with programs located in each of the following regions:

Counties and Agencies:

• Camden, Gloucester, and Salem: Center for Family Services [email protected]
• Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland: Center for Family Services [email protected]
• Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean: The Children’s Home Society [email protected]
• Middlesex, Somerset, Union: Catholic Charities of Metuchen [email protected]
• Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Warren: Center for Family Services [email protected]
• Bergen, Essex, Hudson: Family Connections [email protected]

What Families Will Receive:

• Parent Aides typically provide a one-hour home visit, 1-2 times a week. Frequency of visits may be reduced based on need
• Care Managers provide 3-4 contacts per month, approximately 10 minutes of care management per family/per month
• Parenting Support Groups, as needed

How Long Families Can Receive the Service For:

• 6 months
• Extension up to 11 months, based on need
• The DCP&P case does not need to remain open for services to continue

Program Management: This is a program managed by the Division of Family & Community Partnerships, Office of Family Preservation & Reunification.

Exchange Parent Aide Flyer - Spanish

EXCHANGE PARENT AIDE (EPA) Flyer - Eng.

Eligibility	Families currently involved with the child welfare system. Parents and caregivers willing to participate in services. Families receiving services through DCP&P with at least one youth (ages 0-17) living at home.
Age Groups	Adults
Community Services	Family & Support Services Family Support Parenting & Caregiving Referral Services
Health Services	Medical Health / Wellness / Nutrition

Last Updated: 03/17/25