Recently I was asked why a school district, or individual, might be willing to call the Division of Youth and Family Services to report a suspected problem involving a student. My answer was not very popular with the interviewer! The law is pretty clear on this issue. The law says, in so many words, that if a person knows or suspects that a child might be in a dangerous or harmful situation, a call MUST be made. Not, should I think about it and then maybe place the call.
The key to understanding the role of DYFS in NJ today is the title of the organization. They are here to help families and children deal with the stresses they may be feeling. In my experiences here in Warren County the family is assisted with the help of the DYFS workers and not punished for sometimes buckling under in the face of real pressure and stress. DYFS works for the families and the children. Yes, it can occasionally have issues to deal with, but we have not seen this in our county and with our community.
The key to this law is allowing for outside agencies to assist families and their children so that they can all enjoy a happy and healthy home life.
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