Residential treatment center closings in NJ

PETITION TO KEEP NEW JERSEYS RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT CENTERS AVAILABLE TO OUR CHILDREN.


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This is an action to prevent placing children in harm's way.

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Recent news predicted the anticipated closing of two remaining residential treatment centers operated by the Department of Children and Families and DYFS.  While the rationale was stated as one being conducive to considering the childrens best interest, it is the contention of the faculty, staff, clinicians and more importantly the children that closing these facilities would not only be a mistake, but as well an egregious act of negligence and thereby not serving in the best interest of the affected children. The closing of these facilities is not going to put children in stable and or safe environments; it will be placing them in hostile, drug filled and possibly abusive atmospheres.  The residential treatment centers serve children that have been abused and neglected and as well tossed around throughout the state via the foster care system. It is at the Ewing and Vineland residential treatment centers that our children begin to stabilize and work toward assimilation into civilized society. Prevent these children from being returned to inappropriate and unstable environments. They are placed in these facilities because their environments were proven unsafe before; hence no need to send them back! 

 

 

Petition:

We, the undersigned, call on The Office of the President of the United States of America, The Office of the Governor, the DCF Commissioner, DYFS, The Office of the Senate and Congress, and advocates for the care, concern and welfare of children to reconsider these potential closings. These children MUST be guaranteed a safe environment!!