by DCF Office of Communications and Public Affairs
View the entire newsletter for more articles: 2020 – NJAC County Biz – June
The Department of Children and Families is raising awareness about youth behavioral issues that may arise as a result of school closures and social distancing. The department has posted a series of publications on its website and social media pages directing families to call the Children’s System of Care (CSOC) if their child is in crisis.
“While we, as adults, understand that school closure was necessary to ensure the continued safety and wellbeing of students and educators across the state, for a lot of youth, school provides a social connection and support system that they depend on,” said DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer. “For them, social distancing can create a feeling of social isolation. As the weeks and months of physical separation continue, children and youth may experience heightened anxiety and distress.”
Statistics show that one in six youth, between the ages of six and seventeen, will experience a diagnosable mental health episode each year. In addition, behavioral health professionals and national organizations are beginning to sound the alarms around the potential surge of youth experiencing increased concern, fear and stress over the current pandemic.
“All kids have difficult days, but prolonged, challenging behaviors can indicate a need for help,” said Mollie Greene, Assistant Commissioner for CSOC. “It’s important for parents and caregivers to take notice of changes in moods, hygiene, sleep schedules and other indicators that a child is struggling.”
CSOC is New Jersey’s behavioral health system for kids up to age 21. It provides them with coordinated access to mental health and substance use treatment services and supports. It also serves children and youth with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Services recommended and authorized are reimbursed through NJ Medicaid and state funds. Families are asked to provide insurance information at the time of enrollment and available benefits are coordinated with services covered by CSOC.
Depending on the child’s identified needs at the time of screening, families may access an array of services including:
- Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS), real-time de-escalation and crisis counseling provided in the family home, another location, or via telehealth with a clinician at your home or other location.
- Biopsychosocial (BPS) Assessment, an in-home evaluation by a licensed clinician to determine if your child can benefit from behavioral supports and services.
- Care Management Organization (CMO) services that connect families to treatment for youth that are displaying/experiencing significant emotional and behavioral health concerns.
- Intensive In-Community Services (IIC), designed to engage youth and families to address behaviors where they are taking place — in the home, in the community or in school. Services may include individual, group and family sessions.
- Family Support Organizations (FSO), which offer peer support and family and youth advocacy including system navigation, participation in the child and family team, and linkage to other resources that help families get the assistance they need in their home and community
If your child or teen is demonstrating concerning behavior, call CSOC at 1-877-652-7624. The DCF website has more information about the Children’s System of Care services.
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