Planning for Adult Life activities, events, and materials are conducted and developed in partnership with
The Arc of New Jersey with funding from the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities
WEBINAR WEDNESDAYS
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Overview of Services for Children and Young Adults with I/DD from the NJ Department of Children and Families, Children’s System of Care

Starting in 2013, the Children’s System of Care (CSOC) within the NJ Department of Children and Families took over the provision of services to children and young adults with I/DD and their families. They provide many supports and services including family support, crisis intervention, after school programs, summer camp and intensive in-home and out-of-home supports, just to name a few. Join us on May 15 th  to hear more about the services CSOC offers, eligibility for services, and how young adults transition from CSOC to adult services when they turn 21.
 
Presenter: Rosemary Browne, MSW, Assistant Division Director of the Children’s System of Care, NJ Department of Children and Families.  
Wednesday, May 15, at 6 pm
Join Us At Our Mercer County
FREE Parent Forum and Opportunity Expo
Register today and get the information you need to help your child transition!
The Planning for Adult Life Program hosts FREE Parent Forums and Opportunity Expos throughout the state. These events include workshops on a wide-range of topics, including: support coordination, the continuum of community services, financial planning, eligibility requirements, and where to find help. The Opportunity Expo features a variety of exhibitors that will include state and county government entities, community service providers, service coordinators, local health care support, recreation providers, and information & referral services. Families will be exposed to resources and supports in their area, and will have the chance to interview potential service providers to hire. To register, click on the following links:
Transition 101: Five Things Parents and Guardians Can Learn From The Social Security Website

Social Security programs and services have evolved to accommodate the unique needs of families, especially the children in your care. The website for  Parents and Guardians  includes information about the benefits available for children.
Here are a few things you can learn more about on the Parents and Guardians page:

  1. Social Security’s promise — They know how much your loved ones mean to you. Their promise of a lifetime of protections extends to them. When you work and pay Social Security taxes, your children may also qualify to receive benefits on your record.
  2. It starts with your child’s Social Security Number —Our journey together begins at birth. A child needs a Social Security number if the child’s going to have a bank account or if you want to claim them on your tax returns. You can apply for your baby’s number and card right in the hospital when you complete the information for their birth certificate.
For more details, visit the Parents and Guardians page.
Free Workshops, Presentations Available to Parents
If you haven't stopped by the Planning for Adult Life calendar lately, now is the time to check it out. Events, Hands on Workshops (HOW Series) and presentations are held throughout the state and are free to parents and open to the public. Planning for Adult Life sessions focus on a variety of topics impacting your student with I/DD, so don't miss an opportunity to attend an event near you.
Let Your Voice Be Heard
Direct Support Professionals ( DSPs ) are the caring professionals who provide direct services to children and adults with I/DD.

Join us on Monday, May 13 from 10:00am—1:00pm for a rally in front of the NJ State House Annex in Trenton to tell Governor Murphy and the Legislature that $54-million is needed in FY2020 to secure a competitive DSP starting wage that’s 25% above minimum wage. A HUGE turnout would make a strong statement to lawmakers that NJ must #PayFair4DirectCare in FY2020.  CLICK HERE  for a word document/printable version below. 

**EVENT DETAILS**

Date/Time:  Monday, May 13th 10:00am-1:00pm, held Rain* or Shine
*Rain ponchos will be provided in the event of inclement weather

Where:  In front of the State House Annex, 125 West State Street, Trenton

What to Wear:  If you already have a lime green Coalition for a DSP Living Wage t-shirt, please wear it to the event. Otherwise, please wear green or blue. A limited number of Coalition t-shirts will also be available on a first come, first serve basis at the event.

What to Bring:  Bring a bag lunch or money to purchase lunch at the State House Cafeteria or nearby Café 128 on West State Street. Food will not be provided.

Bring signs to the rally in support of $54-million in FY2020 for increased wages for DSPs. Need help figuring out what to write? How about:

• It’s time NJ #PayFair4DirectCare
• Direct Support is #NotMinWageWork
• Who will care if no one is there?!
• DSPs Do More, They Deserve More
• Low Pay is NOT OK

Please keep in mind that no sticks or poles may be affixed on the signs and they must be made solely of paper or cardboard, otherwise they will not be permitted for safety reasons. Limited materials will also be available the day of the rally for those who arrive early and want to make a sign on site.

Registration: This is a FREE event and all are welcome and encouraged to attend, but we are asking people to register to give us an idea of numbers for planning purposes: