Family violence and child abuse are deeply interconnected issues that can have lasting and severe consequences for children and families. In New Jersey, the state has taken significant steps to address these challenges through the Domestic Violence and Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) Policy. This policy provides child welfare professionals with essential guidance to support families affected by domestic violence and child abuse. However, while new child welfare staff receive foundational training on these policies, there is a growing need for advanced and specialized training to equip professionals with the skills necessary to handle complex cases effectively.
To meet this need, Rutgers University’s Center for Research on Ending Violence, in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), has developed a certificate program that offers enhanced training for child welfare professionals working with families affected by interpersonal violence. This program goes beyond basic instruction, providing a deeper understanding of the complexities of family violence and equipping participants with evidence-based strategies to improve safety outcomes for children and families.
With funding from the New Jersey State Policy Lab, a mixed methods evaluation of this certificate program is now underway. This research aims to assess the program’s effectiveness in strengthening child welfare professionals’ knowledge, improving their ability to respond to family violence, and ultimately enhancing the state’s overall child welfare response. By identifying both strengths and areas for improvement, the evaluation will help shape future training initiatives and ensure that New Jersey continues to lead in developing innovative and effective child welfare strategies.
Investing in specialized training is essential to addressing the systemic gaps that often leave vulnerable families without adequate support. By equipping child welfare professionals with the tools they need to recognize and respond to family violence, New Jersey can build a stronger, more responsive child welfare system.
This initiative represents a critical collaboration between research, policy, and practice, reinforcing New Jersey’s commitment to protecting children and supporting families experiencing violence. As the evaluation progresses, findings from this research will provide valuable insights to enhance training programs.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue to explore the impact of this important work.