DCF on the Air

No Shame. No Blame. No Names. In this episode we are talking about the Safe Haven program, what it does, and how it can help new mothers & birthing parents.

Don't Call it a Comeback! Newly appointed Commissioner Joseph Ribsam sits down with host Jason Butkowski to talk about his journey back to New Jersey as the new Commissioner for the Department of Children and Families. He also talks about his priorities for the Department within his new role.

In this episode we are taking it full circle at the end of Murphy's administration with Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer to highlight the work that has been done in the last 8 years to keep families safe, healthy, and connected. We will talk to the Commissioner about what may be next for herself and DCF, and her reflections on how it was to serve as the Commissioner for the Department.

In this bonus episode DCF on the Air talks with casework employees at various levels of their career about how they support their sense of safety and wellbeing in the workplace. This episode is produced in collaboration with the Rise Up fellows through CWEL (Child Welfare Education Leaders).

This conversation explores the various aspects of kinship care within child welfare, focusing on the definitions, programs, and benefits associated with kinship relationships. Jason Butkowski interviewed Takysha Livingston with the Kinship Navigator Program, Kimyatta Larmore with Kinship Resource Families, and Felice Elam with the Kinship Legal Guardianship program. These experts discuss their roles, the importance of maintaining family connections, and the positive outcomes for children placed in kinship care. The dialogue emphasizes the collaborative efforts among programs to support families and improve the overall welfare of children in the system within the Kinship Care continuum.