Bergen County Department of Human Services: Bergen County, NJ

One Bergen County Plaza, Second Floor

Hackensack, NJ  07601

Phone: (201) 336-7474

Fax: (201) 336-7450

http://www.co.bergen.nj.us

Mission Statement: The Department of Human Services assists families, children, the elderly, troubled adolescents, victims of domestic violence, veterans and persons with disabilities by:

*supporting the development of programs and services to meet the human services needs of the county’s residents;

*coordinating a system for service delivery through collaborations with the Bergen County non-profit community;

*providing referral, counseling and intervention services to those in need and ;

*advocating for services and resources to meet their needs.

Department Description:

The Department of Human Services was established in 1987 to provide services to support individuals and families. A skilled professional staff works within six divisions to provide services that include clinical, residential and correction services for youth, coordination of child care, advice to veterans about their rights and benefits, domestic violence intervention , information and referral, counseling and assistance. The Department also contracts with over 50 community-based agencies to provide specialized services.

Departmental Goals:

Goals have been established to guide the Department’s programmatic and administrative activities. They are:

*facilitating effective and coordinated delivery of services;

*incorporating clear direction and objectives, adequate planning, timely implementation, regular reporting, evaluation and accountability into all human services programs and;

*maximizing the available financial resources for human services programs.

Goals have also been established to guide the Department’s collaboration with private, non-profit service providers. They are:

*coordinating and supporting service delivery systems and

*evaluating the effectiveness of existing services.

Departments:

Alternatives to Domestic Violence (ADV)

Phone: (201) 336-7575

TTY: (201) 336-7525

Fax: (201) 336-7555

ADV offers a comprehensive approach to intervention for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence. Services include a 24-hour hotline; intake assessment; substance abuse evaluation; psychological evaluation; individual, group and family counseling; dual-focused counseling which addresses substance abuse and domestic violence; legal advocacy including court appearance preparation and court accompaniment, legal consultation and referrals; community and school-based education; professional training and information and referral.

Office for Children:

Phone: (201) 336-7150

Fax: (201) 336-7155

The Office coordinates child care services in Bergen County, with a focus on availability, affordability and quality of child care. Parents are assisted with counseling on choosing child care, referrals to child care providers and child care subsidies. The Office trains, registers and monitors family child care and provides professional development opportunities and technical assistance for the child care community.

Division on Disability Services:

Phone: (201) 336-6500

877-222-3737

TTY: (201) 336-6505

Fax: (201) 336-6510

The Division develops and implements programs for residents with disabilities and serves as the clearing house on matters concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Services include: Personal Assistance Services  Disabled Adult Support Groups, Respite Care Program, Meals on Wheels, Socialization and Conference Call for the home bound. The Division is also a key partner in Bergen Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC).

Division of Family Guidance:

Phone: (201) 336-7350

Fax: (201) 336-7370

The Division provides direct services to educators, troubled youths, families, and the community through counseling, therapy, activities, residential services and supervision/monitoring/corrections services.

Division of Senior Services:

Phone: (201) 336-7400

877-222-3737

Fax: (201) 336-7424

The Division provides funding and support to various community-based organizations that promote well-being and independence of older adults. The Division administers a Meals on Wheels program and sponsors numerous educational/outreach events. The Division of Senior Services serves as a key partner in the Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) which simplifies access to information and provides care management services needed by older adults and people over the age of 18 who have disabilities.

Division of Veterans Services:

Phone: (201) 336-6325

Fax: (201) 336-6327

The Division of Veterans Services was established to advise veterans of their rights and benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, assist in completing forms, help with obtaining entitlements, and direct veterans to employment opportunities through its “Hire a Vet” program. The Division also operates the Tracers Program which is an all-volunteer non-traditional outreach project to locate and provide assistance to homeless veterans.

Private Non-Profit Service Providers:

No single system has enough expertise or resources to accomplish its mission for all people. Therefore, the Department of Human Services collaborates with community-based organizations and awards grants totaling nearly $16 million.

The Department contracts with over 50 community based agencies to provide essential services to the county’s residents including:

*individuals with developmental disabilities.

*victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment.

*individuals with mental illness.

*substance abusers

*individuals with physical disabilities.

*Low-Income individuals

*The Homeless

*Single parents at risk

*Veterans

*Juveniles/families in crisis.

*Older adults.

It is believed that one in nine Bergen County households benefits from at least one of the many services provided or funded by the Department of Human Services.

*Disclaimer: This information was taken from the Department of Human Services from Bergen County NJ. Please call the above numbers for each of the services. I have not used all the services so I have no opinion on them yes or no to how the programs are but please call more information.