Family Support
The Arc's Family Support Department assists over 750 families to access the information, resources and supports they need to keep their family member with a disability at home.
For more information, please contact (201) 343-0322 or email arc@arcbp.com.
Information and Referral
Guidance, advocacy, public education and consultation are provided to the community on an individual and confidential basis.
Companion Program
Matches trained staff and volunteers with individuals with disabilities and also provides the opportunity for families to directly hire their own companion.
Stresspite
The Stresspite Program is designed to provide family directed respite services. Based upon a referral from the Department of Children and Families ( DCF)via Perform Care families of children under age 21 will be allocated a number of hours of service per month. The Arc will assist the family to develop an individual plan to address the needs of their family member. The Family may hire their own Stresspite worker, may utilize an agency to provide the worker or may contract with a respite program for the individual to attend. Once the respite has occured, The Arc will reimburse the cost of the respite up to the number of hours allotted at the rate designated by DCF.
Case Management
Provides individuals and families with assistance in identifying needs and accessing community resources including but not limited to applications for financial assistance, community services, medical care, respite, eligibility determination and waiting list assignments for the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF).
Support Groups
The Arc conducts a number of support groups including Mom 2 Mom and topical groups. Most groups are facilitated by a professional counselor. The Arc also supports a number of parent run self-help groups. Call the Arc for a schedule of meeting times and locations.
Autism Respite Services
The Autism Respite Voucher Program is designed to provide family directed respite services. Based upon a referral from the Department of Children and Families ( DCF) via Perform Care families of children under age 21 will be allocated a number of hours of service per month. The Arc will assist the family to develop an individual plan to address the needs of their family member. The Family may hire their own worker, may utilize an agency to provide the worker or may contract with a respite program for the individual to attend. Once the respite has occured, The Arc will reimburse the cost of the respite up to the number of hours allotted at the rate designated by DCF.
After School Program
An after school program is offered for children with Autism under age 21. The program operates three days a week at a variety of Community sites. Referrals come from the Department of Children and Families ( DCF) via Perform Care.
Saturday Program
The Saturday program, provides activities for adults. Referrals come from Support Coordinators and DDD case managers. Private pay options are available.
Service Funding
Many services are funded through either the NJ Department of Children and Families via Perform Care (under age 21) or the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities via DDS (adults). The Arc's Family Support Staff can assist you with these processes if you need help. 201-343-0322. The Arc does offer some services that are not funded by either of theses sources and also offers private pay options. please contact the Family Support Department for more information.
- Contact Perform Care
For youth under age 21- if you need to an complete eligibility application for funding through the State of NJ Department of Children and Families. Contact Perform Care at www.performcarenj.org.
- Contact the Division of Disability Services (DDS)
For Adults age 21 and over contact DDS to complete an eligibility application. Contact them at www.nj.gov/humanservices/dds/home/index.html
