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PLAN/MAPS PROGRAM
Monitoring and Advocacy for Prevention Services
WHAT IS PLAN/MAPS?
The PLAN/NJ Monitoring and Advocacy for Prevention Services (MAPS) program offers individualized support, monitoring, and advocacy to families and children who are exiting the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS). We are committed to provide assistance that enhances the quality of a family’s life, rather than interferes. Our goal is to help families function effectively in their home and community, as well as to prevent re-referral back to the DYFS system. Our services are available to families referred from the Perth Amboy office.
HOW IS A FAMILY REFERRED?
Plan/MAPS receives confidential referrals directly from DYFS. A family may be referred by the intake supervisor who determines that intervention is not necessary, but they’re at risk for re-referral to the DYFS system. Other families may be referred by a case supervisor, who determines that services are no longer required, but continued support is needed to prevent re-entry to DYFS. Lastly, a family may be referred by a case supervisor when a child with a disability can benefit from our expertise. PLAN/MAPS is not able to provide services to families where abuse/neglect is present or when the primary caretaker is an active substance abuser.
IS THE PROGRAM MANDATORY?
DYFS introduces the PLAN/MAPS program to a family. The family chooses whether or not they want to participate. If they choose to partake in the program they will be allowed to exit the DYFS system.
HOW DOES PLAN/MAPS PROVIDE SERVICES?
* Meet with each family in their home to develop a relationship, build rapport and trust.
* Assess the family’s strengths, goals, and areas of needed improvement.
* Help the family to recognize difficulties and develop a plan to prevent future problems.
* Create a Family Support Plan (FSP) that outlines specific goals for the family.
* Make referrals to community resources and assist with obtaining entitlements.
* Maintain weekly contact with the family through visits and phone calls.
* Communicate with school, healthcare, and other professionals.
WHAT SERVICES DOES PLAN/MAPS PROVIDE?
* Advocate, support, and encourage children and their families.
* Refer to community resources, such as housing, vocational, educational of financial.
* Assist with financial literacy, budgeting and assessing financial stability.
* Assist with attaining employment.
* Help identify and complete applications for public assistance programs and entitlements.
* Recommend parent training classes and/or childcare.
* Offer links to resources in the areas of developmental disabilities, mental
health, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence, and other systems.
* Assure that children are safe, receiving healthcare and schooling.
* Assess the children for signs of abuse or neglect.
HOW LONG ARE SERVICES PROVIDED?
The program is designed to assist each family over the course of six months. During the first three months, more intensive services will be provided with weekly contact. During the second three months, as the family progresses with their goals and requires less support, monthly contact will occur.
HOW MANY FAMILIES CAN PARTICIPATE?
PLAN/MAPS is designed to assist 30 clients during any given time period. 120 clients participate in one year’s time. When a family has successfully completed the program or is no longer participating, PLAN/NJ will notify DYFS so that a new family can be served.
HOW DO I CONTACT PLAN/NJ?
For more information or to make a referral please contact us at (908) 575-8300 or send an email to info@plannj.org
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