NJ: NJ must support at-risk youth as they begin to transition into adulthood (Opinion) (May require subscription)
USA Today – June 25, 2024
It’s been eighteen months since Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation leading to the end of federal oversight of New Jersey’s child welfare system, capping 20 years of progress and reform that has now established New Jersey as a national model for child welfare. Today, our state boasts the third-fewest at-risk youth in the United States, with only New Hampshire and Massachusetts faring better, and our state has the lowest out-of-home placement rate in the country. Compared with other states, ours also ranks as having among the lowest number of moves children experience while in foster care. These recent successes are a testament to the commitment of individuals and organizations across New Jersey who treat issues like education and child poverty with the seriousness they deserve. But this is not the moment to rest on our laurels – it’s vital that we continue to build on the momentum of these accomplishments.