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The Division of Prevention and Community Partnerships' (DPCP) goal is to build a continuum of child abuse prevention and intervention programs that are culturally competent, strengths-based and family-centered, with a strong emphasis on primary child abuse prevention. The Standards for Prevention Programs* developed by the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, defines prevention efforts as follows:

Primary Prevention targets the general population and offers services and activities before any signs of undesired behaviors may be present; there is no screening.

Secondary Prevention is directed at those who are “at risk” of possibly maltreating or neglecting children. Determining who is at risk is based upon etiological studies of why maltreatment may occur.  Secondary prevention efforts and services are provided before child abuse or neglect occurs.

Tertiary Prevention is provided after maltreatment has occurred, to reduce the impact of maltreatment and to avoid future abuse. Tertiary Prevention is treatment, working with children who have been abused, or working with families where abuse has occurred.

Services and programs funded through the DPCP promote culturally-sensitive, strengths-based, positive outcomes for children, youth and families in the following areas: child cognitive development; child social and emotional development; child physical health development; prevention of child injury, abuse and neglect; parenting behavior, attitudes and knowledge; parents’ mental health or risk behaviors; family functioning/resources, including economic self-sufficiency; empowerment and increased safety for domestic violence victims and their children.

DPCP is committed to provide the resources and technical assistance needed to maintain a robust network of public/private partnerships and programs.  Schools and community-based organizations are two prime locations for prevention and intervention services.  These two portals are the broadest access to services for families.

*View the Standards for Prevention Programs: Building Success through Family Support.