Department of Children and Families
New Jersey DCF is the state department that includes the Children’s System of Care and the Division of Child Protection and Permanency. These divisions have different responsibilities.
Official NJ DCF website ↗
New Jersey family resources · Under age 21
Get services
for your child.
New Jersey family resources · Under age 21
For immediate danger call 911. For youth behavioral-health support, contact PerformCare to discuss the appropriate next step.
Start with PerformCare, New Jersey’s 24/7 access point for the Children’s System of Care. Ask about support for behavioral health, substance use or intellectual/developmental needs.
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If a child needs help now.
Immediate danger
For a life-threatening emergency or immediate danger, call 911. Do not wait for a form or callback.
Call 911Urgent child distress
For urgent emotional or behavioral distress that is not immediately life-threatening, call PerformCare and follow the urgent-situation prompts. Ask about MRSS.
Call 877-652-7624Suspected abuse or neglect
Call New Jersey’s Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-877-NJ ABUSE, available 24/7. Reports may be anonymous. Call 911 too if danger is immediate.
Report: 877-652-2873If you are not already connected
Four steps to get started.
- STEP 1
Call PerformCare
Call 877-652-7624, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can ask questions or begin registering your child. You do not need to finish a Medicaid application before making this first call.
- STEP 2
Tell them what your child needs
Describe the concern and ask what support or assessment may be appropriate. For urgent emotional or behavioral distress that is not immediately life-threatening, ask about Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS).
- STEP 3
Ask about forms and services
PerformCare can explain assessments, eligibility and service options. Ask which forms are needed. Developmental-disability eligibility and Medicaid health coverage are different applications.
- STEP 4
Connect with your care team
Follow the instructions from PerformCare, your care manager or the response team. Confirm next steps and any required coverage application. Services and timing depend on assessed need and eligibility.
Developmental disabilities
DD eligibility is a separate step.
For children under 18, register with PerformCare before completing the I/DD application through the Family Portal or paper forms. For ages 18 and older, ask PerformCare or the Division of Developmental Disabilities about the correct pathway.
This application determines DD eligibility. It is not an application for Medicaid health coverage.
Medicaid / NJ FamilyCare
Apply for health coverage.
Apply through NJ FamilyCare or a county social services agency. Do not assume a PerformCare call or DD application enrolls your child in Medicaid.
Certain CSOC services require a Medicaid application. A care manager or mobile response worker can explain and help with that process. You can still call PerformCare first to ask for help.
Official NJ FamilyCare information ↗DCPP / DCP&P
Coordinate with child protection.
The Division of Child Protection and Permanency investigates abuse/neglect and can arrange protection and family services. If you have an assigned caseworker, discuss service needs and coordination with that person.
DCPP-linked services, including Family Preservation Services, have specific eligibility and referral routes. Ask your caseworker; this is not an automatic self-referral to every DCPP program.
Official DCPP information ↗Who does what?
One system. Different responsibilities.
PerformCare
PerformCare is DCF’s contracted system administrator for the Children’s System of Care. Its access line helps families connect with assessments, service authorization and appropriate support. It is not a direct counseling provider.
PerformCare services for families ↗Call 877-652-7624, 24/7.
Children’s System of Care (CSOC)
CSOC connects eligible youth under 21 with behavioral-health, substance-use and intellectual/developmental-disability services through a coordinated service model.
Official CSOC website ↗Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P)
A division of NJ DCF
DCP&P investigates suspected abuse and neglect and supports child safety and family services. It is separate from the general PerformCare access line.
Official DCP&P website ↗Help understanding the next step
Need help getting connected?
Let Neuropath client services know you would like assistance navigating these steps. This is not a PerformCare registration, Medicaid application or emergency report.
For immediate danger call 911. For urgent child distress call PerformCare now. Do not wait for this form.
Please enter your own contact details only. Do not provide a child’s name, diagnosis, medical records, abuse details or Medicaid ID.
Official sources
Official guidance reviewed October 17, 2026. State agencies determine eligibility and service authorization.