Family Preservation Services
Family Preservation Services (FPS) is an intensive, short-term, in-home crisis intervention and family education program, primarily used for families with children at imminent risk of abuse, neglect, or out-of-home placement. FPS runs throughout New Jersey and works in tandem with DCP&P.
We’re here to help with:
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Parenting Support
Offering guidance and resources to help parents navigate challenges, strengthen relationships, and promote healthy family dynamics.
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Stress & Anxiety
Providing coping techniques and stress management strategies.
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Family Conflict
Providing guidance and support to resolve family conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen relationships.
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Homelessness
Connecting you with services and support to address housing instability and achieve stability.
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Community Resources
Connecting you to important resources to support your concrete needs and emotional wellbeing.
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Home Management
Developing strategies to support family routine, organization , and stability.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Family Preservation Services, you must:
- Have an active child welfare case
- Be willing to receive services 3 times a week for at least 4 weeks
- Have an inability to access less intensive service to adequately reduce risk
- Have children under 18 years of age
- Have a referral from DCP&P
Measurable results your whole family feels
106%
surpassed the program’s performance benchmark, demonstrating exceptional service delivery and outcomes.
97%
children remained safely in their home six months after program completion, supporting long-term family stability.
97%
children continued living safely at home 12 months after services, reflecting lasting positive outcomes for families.
What to Expect
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Getting Started
After receiving a referral from your DCP&P case worker, an FPS counselor will reach out to set up an opening appointment. Enrollment usually occurs within 24 hours of receiving a referral.
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Initial Meeting
During the first session with your counselor, they will introduce themselves and the program and begin developing a rapport with your family. Services are all provided in person and in your home.
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Moving Forward with Care
Sessions will occur 3 days per week for a minimum of 6 hours weekly, and enrollment will last for 4 to 8 weeks. Longer interventions are available to accommodate the needs of family reunification.
FAQ’s
How frequent are FPS meetings?
Your FPS counselor will meet with your family 3 times per week for a minimum of 6 hours weekly. Your services will continue for around 4 to 8 weeks, or longer depending on your situation.
What does success look like with FPS?
FPS aims to keep children in their homes with their legal guardians by improving family dynamics and parenting skills.
What if I need to miss a weekly session?
If you need to miss a session or reschedule, please reach out to your FPS counselor beforehand. You cannot miss more than 3 consecutive sessions.
Where will I meet with my FPS counselor? Can the sessions be virtual?
You will meet with your FPS counselor in person and within your home.
Where does Acenda provide FPS services in New Jersey?
Acenda runs the FPS programs in the counties of Atlantic, Cape May, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, and Salem. If you do not live within one of these counties, you can let your DCP&P case worker know that you are interested in FPS services, and they will refer you to a counselor in your county.
How does my family qualify for services?
To be eligible for FPS services, you must:
- Have an active child welfare case
- Be willing to receive services 3 times a week for at least 4 weeks
- Have an inability to access less intensive service to adequately reduce risk
- Have children under 18 years of age
- Have a referral for FPS from DCP&P
How can Family Preservation Services help my family?
Family Preservation Services helps families build on their strengths while addressing challenges that may affect a child’s safety and well-being. Through intensive, in-home support, counselors work alongside families to improve communication, strengthen parenting skills, develop healthy routines, connect to community resources, and create a safe, stable home environment.
What can I expect during home visits?
Each home visit is personalized to meet your family’s unique needs. Your counselor will work with you to identify goals, address immediate concerns, practice new parenting and communication skills, and connect you with resources that support your family’s long-term success. Services are collaborative, supportive, and focused on helping families remain safely together whenever possible.
Will my family receive support after Family Preservation Services ends?
As your time in the program comes to a close, your counselor will help develop a transition plan based on your family’s ongoing needs. This may include referrals to community resources, behavioral health services, parenting programs, or other supports that can help your family continue building on the progress made during Family Preservation Services.
Can Family Preservation Services help with challenges beyond parenting?
Yes. While strengthening parenting skills is an important part of the program, counselors also help families address challenges such as family conflict, stress, housing instability, accessing community resources, home management, and other factors that may affect a family’s overall stability and well-being. Services are tailored to meet each family’s individual needs and goals.
