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Family Guidance

One Bergen County Plaza, 2nd Floor
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: 201-336-7350
Fax: 201-336-7370
fgintake@co.bergen.nj.us

Lucien Duquette, Ph.D., Director

Bergen County's Division of Family Guidance provides clinical, residential, educational, correctional, case management and monitoring services to at-risk children, adolescents, and families, particularly those who are otherwise unable to receive needed services.

THE FAMILY GUIDANCE VISION INCLUDES:

Collaborative, Creative, and Flexible Programming
Safe, Respectful, and Dependable Environments
Developmentally Appropriate Expectations
Empowerment through Opportunity
Community Safety

Do you need help getting started? Do you have any questions?

• Central Intake provides assistance in accessing the programs in the Division of Family Guidance and other agencies.

Do you want your GED? Or do you want to do something different with your life? Ask about.

• Bridges to Employment - a job-readiness, career development program to assist participants to become effective members of the workforce
• Connections - an all-day GED preparation program to increase participants' chances to succeed in life
• Reflections - an improvisational theatre group that explores adolescent issues
• Youth Resource Center - an after-school program with visual arts, music, dance, cooking, and homework help for 13-18 year old youths

If you are struggling with behavior issues, ask about…

• Adolescent Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) - a comprehensive community-based treatment program to assist youths and families recovering from substance abuse and chemical dependency
• Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) - a federal "blueprint" program that addresses the needs of juveniles with severe behavioral problems by providing intensive in-home family therapy
• Teen Re-Adjustment Program (TREAD) - an outpatient program for juvenile sex offenders, focusing on eliminating further sexual misconduct

If you need a safe place to stay, ask about...

• Conklin Youth Center - a shelter for male and female juveniles between the ages of 10 and 17 years old who are Bergen County residents
• Visions - a transitional residential program for males and females, 16½ - 21 years old, that develops independent living skills

If your family is in conflict, ask about...

• Adolescent and Family Treatment (AFT) - consultation, counseling and therapy services to youths and families with no insurance.
• Children's After-School Treatment Services (CATS) - an after-school, diagnostic and therapeutic program for elementary and middle school-aged children whose behavior has been identified as "at-risk".
• Juvenile Family Crisis Intervention Unit (JFCIU) - a legally mandated program that manages conflicts between adolescents and parents and addresses situations involving endangered juveniles, runaways and truants.
• Supervised Visitation Program (SVP) - a court-ordered program that allows a non-custodial parent to visit with his/her child in a safe environment when supervision is required.

• Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) - a secure residence that temporarily houses youths who have committed a delinquent act and are awaiting court action.
• Alternatives To Detention (ATD) - works closely with the Superior Court of NJ-Family Part to allow youths to remain in their community rather than at detention, while ensuring the youths' safety and the safety of the community.
• Alternative Core Education (ACE) - a temporary court-ordered school placement for those juveniles who do not have a current school and are awaiting the outcome of their legal issues.
• Forensic Unit - conducts court-ordered pre-sentencing evaluations of juveniles in order to assess the risk for sexual re-offense and violence in the future.
• Transitional Program - monitors juveniles who have completed their sentences in Bordentown or a Fields program, and assists them in making a successful transition to their families and community.

Other Collaborations with the Division of Family Guidance...

• Detention Assessment and Review Team (DART) - a state mandated team that reviews youths processed in the Juvenile Justice System.
Suspension Alternatives Program (SAP) - a collaboration with the Bergen County Special Services and the Police Athletic League that intervenes with adolescents who are in conflict with their school systems.
• Shelter-Plus Care - a collaboration with the Bergen County Housing Authority that provides a rental assistance housing program for young adults who are ready to be on their own.
• Venture - a year-round school program that collaborates with Bergen County Special Services and provides extensive mental health services for youths with escalating psychiatric problems.
• Making Appropriate Choices (MAC) - a collaborative program with the Hackensack Public Schools that provides an alternative to out-of-school suspension for students in grades 5-12.