Spread the word » Facebook Twitter
ACNJ State Budget Update

To view this ACNJ state budget update in your web browser click here.

State Budget Update: Highlights for Children and Families

About Us | Donate | Take Action 

March 20, 2012


State Budget Update:
Highlights for Children and Families


Last week, details of the proposed FY 2013 state budget were released. Here is some more information.

Department of Children and Families Expansion

Under the proposed budget, the Department of Children and Families would receive an increase of $19.6 million for total state funding of roughly $1 billion. This growth represents a reallocation of state funds for children’s services transferred from the Department of Human Services and programs previously housed in the Division on Women in the Department of Community Affairs.


Excluding those reallocations, DCF would receive $18 million less – a 1.7 percent cut -- from last year’s adjusted state appropriation. These reductions reflect lower projected utilization in some programs, improved recoupment and recovery and increased federal claiming.


The budget also eliminates funding for differential response, which was a pilot program that funneled low-risk DYFS families to community programs. These funds would be reallocated to Family Success Centers and other family support programs.

Early Childhood Intervention

The budget recommends a 4.5 percent reduction to early intervention services provided through the Department of Health program. Total spending for this program would be $88.4 million – down $4.2 million from last year’s adjusted appropriation. This is due to surplus or Medicaid funds that are carried forward from last year, according to state health officials. The program serves about 9,900 children a month.

Children's Health Insurance Enrollment Increases

The proposed budget projects that NJ FamilyCare enrollment will increase by about 2,000 children to 162,000. Total costs for children is projected at $352.6 million – an increase of almost $10 million (3 percent) over the FY 2012 revised projection of $342.7 million. This does not include children receiving Medicaid.

Child Care – More Details to Come

The proposed budget continues cuts to child care. ACNJ is delving more deeply into this issue and will provide additional information in the coming weeks.

In This Budget Update

DCF Expansion
Early Intervention
Healthcare Coverage
Child Care

Tell-A-Friend


Advocates for Children of New Jersey
 35 Halsey Street 2nd Floor, Newark, NJ 07102
(Between Bleeker St. and Central Ave.)
973.643.3876 I Fax 973.643.9153 I www.acnj.org 
Questions about this newsletter can be directed  to Communications Director.
Not interested anymore? Click here to unsubscribe