The mission of Children’s Aid and Family Services’ Disability Support Services is to build and promote access to a wide platform of support services for individuals across a diverse spectrum of abilities, specialized needs and communities.

Our Homes
Children’s Aid and Family Services community homes serve adults ages 21 and older and are located in safe, attractive residential areas throughout Bergen and Passaic Counties. Residents each have their own bedrooms, which are beautifully decorated to reflect their individual preferences. The homes feature community rooms and sensory equipment, providing residents with plentiful opportunities to socialize in a safe, supportive, and enriching environment. Environmental modifications (such as wheelchair access) are made, as necessary, to accommodate the specific needs of the residents.

Behavioral and Mental Health Supports
Our residents make remarkable progress working with our dedicated staff, including Behavioral Support Specialists, who help to create and implement an individual care plan for each resident. Self-care, socialization with peers and life skills are the cornerstones of our program. Residents have household responsibilities based on their interests and abilities to encourage independence. Residents thrive amongst their peers, participate in a variety of recreational activities and become active members of their local community.

Our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), provide person-centered care to the residents. DSPs work on emphasizing personal choice, assisting individuals with daily tasks, and helping them to become more integrated in their communities. They also work with individuals to implement care plans, promote educational and career goals, and to advance skill development and socialization. The Direct Support Professionals staff are trained in CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation, Positive Behavior Supports, Mental Health Supports and program-specific training.

Our Residents
We understand any transition can be difficult for our new residents and their families. We do find that after a short time in our homes, our residents often can be found greeting our visitors with a smile, setting the table for dinner and joyfully participating in activities in the community. Our residents volunteer at the library, zoo, local establishments, go grocery shopping, eat at restaurants, visit parks and museums and much more. We at Children’s Aid and Family Services believe all residents should be empowered to successfully achieve their fullest potential.

Our Families
We understand it can be overwhelming for families to support their loved ones with special needs. In some cases, residing in the family home may not be possible or the best option for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are here to help during this process and can answer any questions you and your family may have.

Current Active MOU	Bergen CMO
Eligibility	In order for a person with intellectual or developmental disabilities to be eligible for community residence placement, they must be on the Community Care Waiver (CCW) program through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Department of Human Services (DHS).
Age Groups	Adolescents Adults
Community Services	Basic Needs / Assistance Housing / Shelter Supportive Housing Employment / Training Life Skills Training Preparing for Adulthood Family & Support Services Divorce & Co-Parenting Family Support Parenting & Caregiving Youth Groups
Health Services	Behavioral / Mental Health Behavioral Mental Health Intellectual and Developmental Needs Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Special Needs
Payment Options	Medicaid State Funding
Areas Served	Bergen County Essex County Morris County Passaic County Union County

Last Updated: 08/04/23