In the late 90's, New Jersey recognized that the mental health system in place at that time was not meeting the needs of children with complex emotional, mental health or behavioral challenges. Under the direction of Governor Christie Whitman, and with input from a dedicated group of parents, New Jersey launched the Children's System of Care Initiative. The vision was to create a system of care that focused on family strengths and community resources. A system of care is a coordinated network of community-based services and supports that are organized to meet the challenges of children and youth with serious mental health needs and their families. Families and youth work in partnership with public and private organizations to design mental health services and supports that are effective, that build on the strengths of individuals, and that address each person's cultural and linguistic needs. A system of care helps children, youth and families function better at home, in school, in the community and throughout life.
System of care is not a program - it is a philosophy of how care should be delivered. System of Care is an approach to services that recognizes the importance of family, school and community, and seeks to promote the full potential of every child and youth by addressing their physical, emotional, intellectual, cultural and social needs.
Ometa T. Pope
Executive Director
Family Support Organization
of Union County
About The Family Support Organization
The Family Support Organization of Union County is a system partner within New Jersey's Division of Child Behavioral Health Services (DCBHS) which is designed to help children with complex emotional, mental health or behavioral issues. The DCBHS is a system of care that focuses on family strengths and utilization of community resources.
