The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute provides caregivers with the necessary resources and education to access the appropriate supports and services for their loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Arc of NJ Connects with Governor, Decision-Makers Following the Annual State of the State
In January, The Arc of NJ was invited to attend Governor Murphy’s State of the State Address at the State House. Following the speech, Executive Director Tom Baffuto and Senior Director Sharon Levine attended a post-event reception at the Governor’s Office. This was a chance for The Arc of NJ to connect with the Governor, Assembly Speaker Coughlin, and Department of Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman, among others. Also in January, The Arc of NJ supported legislation heard in the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee and the Assembly Human Services Committee. On the Senate side, this included legislation related to guardianship and on the Assembly side, this included a bill to improve transportation services. Also in January, The Arc of NJ and Board President Kevin Sturges met with representatives from Department of Treasury and the Governor’s Office to advocate for funding priorities in the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. 
Pictured above is Executive Director Tom Baffuto, DHS Commissioner Sarah Adelman and The Arc of NJ's Senior Director Sharon Levine.
28 Transportation Resources for Individuals with IDD
Virtual Information Session

Our next session is scheduled for Wednesday, February 15th from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Rutgers University.
New Webinar

Understanding The NJCAT Assessment
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
6:00 to 7:00 pm

Join us as Maria Fischer, Esq. from Hinkle Prior & Fischer gives us an overview of The NJCAT Assessment. The NJCAT evaluates the need for support in three main areas: self-care, behavioral, and medical. The results also establish the individual's tier, which determines the annual budgets that will be available for services with the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).
Guardianship & Supported Decision- Making
At 18 years old, all individuals, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, reach the legal age of majority. This means that parents can no longer make decisions legally on behalf of their children. There are a few options for when an individual turns 18. Two of these options include guardianship and supported decision making.
New Webinar Series on Dual Diagnosis
The Mainstreaming Medical Care Program of The Arc of New Jersey is pleased to present the 2023 webinar series:

Exploring Mental Health and Behavioral Health Challenges in People with IDD

This 5-part webinar series will examine the issue of dual diagnosis - co-occurring mental health and/or behavioral health disorders in persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Topics will include diagnosis, treatment options, best practice, etc.

Join us the 4th Tuesday of every month, February through June, for this informative series.
Webinar #1
Tuesday, February 28
from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm

Although mental health concerns are not uncommon among individuals with IDD, they are difficult to diagnose and treat. This webinar will include considerations for the diagnosis and non-pharmacological treatment of mental health concerns for individuals with IDD and serve as an introduction to The Arc of NJ's series on dual diagnosis.

At the end of this webinar, attendees will:

1. Be able to identify at least one challenge to accurate diagnosis of mental health needs for persons with IDD and one approach that addresses that challenge to accurate diagnosis.

2. Be able to describe at least two components of an assessment of mental health needs for persons with IDD.

3. Be able to identify at least one non-pharmacological approach to the treatment of mental health needs for individuals with IDD.
Kids Corner
Adventure Aquarium has partnered with KultureCity to improve their ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs.

Their objective is to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests for all events including those with sensory needs. They strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing disorders by supplying Team Members with continuous training and by offering the resources and accommodations below to guests.

  • Sensory Bags
  • Weighted Lap Pad
  • Headphone Zones
  • Designated Quiet Area
Navigating the System
 Kinship Care and the Child Welfare System
Sometimes grandparents, other relatives, or family friends care for children when their parents are unable to care for them. This arrangement, known as kinship care, can occur with or without the involvement of a child welfare agency, depending on the situation. This factsheet is designed to help kin caregivers work effectively with the child welfare system. It also includes resources, such as links to more detailed information or places to find support, to help caregivers learn about and navigate the child welfare system.
From Our Local Chapters of The Arc
3rd Annual Virtual Talent Show

The Arc of Ocean County is hosting their 3rd annual virtual talent show. They will be celebrating the many talents of their participants for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The talent show will take place on March 2, 2023 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm on Zoom.
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute | 732.828.2022 | thefamilyinstitute@arcnj.org