Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) have expressed their support for Bill A4365, which aims to establish the Council for Community Recovery and Family Success within the Department of Community Affairs. This 25-member council is tasked with developing strategies to assist families before they experience distress. The bill proposes an appropriation of $4 million from the General Fund to facilitate its implementation.
The initiative includes forming community recovery and family success councils in each county. These councils will focus on creating integrated service planning and delivery systems that enhance community connections and preventive services. Their goal is to ensure financial security, quality education, health, safety, and permanency for infants, children, youth, and families across counties.
According to ACNJ, these local councils will be established based on assessments of need and readiness within each county. They will empower parents, community leaders, local governments, and non-profit service providers to identify and fund programs beneficial to their communities. The state-level council's role will include approving local service plans designed by counties and providing assistance through developing family success outcome measures.
Mary E. Coogan, President & CEO of ACNJ stated that this approach is "a promising step towards more targeted investments that support prevention and success," which could lead to improved social and economic outcomes for children and families.
ACNJ urges the Assembly Committee on Children, Families and Food Security to support Bill A4365 as it moves forward in the legislative process.
