This conversation explores the various aspects of kinship care within child welfare, focusing on the definitions, programs, and benefits associated with kinship relationships. Jason Butkowski interviewed Takysha Livingston with the Kinship Navigator Program, Kimyatta Larmore with Kinship Resource Families, and Felice Elam with the Kinship Legal Guardianship program. These experts discuss their roles, the importance of maintaining family connections, and the positive outcomes for children placed in kinship care. The dialogue emphasizes the collaborative efforts among programs to support families and improve the overall welfare of children in the system within the Kinship Care continuum.
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Episode 29: Men of Courage
Men of Courage is a beautiful expression and counter to the prevailing “man-o-sphere” concept of masculinity. The short film takes audiences on a journey inside the Garden State for a fly-on-the-wall experience as five Black and Latino men share their personal experiences witnessing domestic abuseinside their homes. Led by Wil DuBose of the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJEDV), these men use their influence as community leaders to engage boys and men in compelling conversations about the roles they play in ending men's violence against women.
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Episode 28: IAIU
This conversation focuses on the various initiatives and programs aimed at ensuring child safety in New Jersey. The discussion highlights the roles of the Department of Children and Families, particularly the Safety Subcommittee and the Institutional Abuse Investigations Unit (IAIU). It addresses the increase in referrals for institutional abuse, legislative efforts to improve child safety, and the importance of training and education for both educators and students. Additionally, the conversation explores the issue of problematic sexual behavior in children and the development of support structures to address these concerns.
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Episode 27: Family Support Organizations
In this episode of DCF On The Air, host Jason Butkowski discusses the vital role of Family Support Organizations (FSOs) in supporting youth mental health and the entire family unit. Joined by guests Rachel Helt, Richard Dodd, and Jennifer Edwards, the conversation explores how FSOs provide comprehensive support to families, emphasizing the importance of lived experience, community collaboration, and addressing mental health stigma. The episode highlights the positive outcomes for families involved with FSOs and New Jersey's leadership in integrating these services into a cohesive system of care.
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Episode 26: Reunification
What is reunification? What steps are taken to prioritize reunification with a family? In this episode, we are talking with our staff at CP&P and a resource family to talk about the importance of reunification and what supports are available.
DCF on the Air is a monthly podcast about the transformation of New Jersey's child welfare system and the work of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families to realize their vision, that all New Jerseyans -- children and families -- are safe, healthy and connected.
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