October 30, 2008

Progress of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families: Monitoring Report for Charlie and Nadine H. v. Corzine, January 1 - June 30, 2008

In July 2006, the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) was appointed by the Honorable Stanley R. Chesler of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey as Monitor of Charlie and Nadine H. v. Corzine. As Monitor, CSSP is to independently assess New Jersey's compliance with the goals, principles and outcomes of the Modified Settlement Agreement (MSA) of the class action litigation aimed at improving the State's child welfare system. CSSP released Monitoring Reports in February 2007, October 2007, and April 2008. This is the fourth Monitoring Report under the MSA and covers the period of January 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008. The MSA structures the State's commitments into two phases of work. Phase I (through December 2008) is primarily directed to establishing a strong infrastructure within the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to ensure children are healthy and safe; children achieve permanency and stability; and resource and service delivery systems meet children's health, mental health, educational and developmental needs. This fourth Monitoring Report reflects the State's continued work on these foundational elements, and pays particular attention to DCF's efforts to implement the new Case Practice Model, a central element of New Jersey's child welfare reforms. Beginning in January 2009, with the onset of Phase II, DCF will be held accountable for measurable improvements in outcomes for children and families.