What does the Office of the Child Advocate do?
To achieve the office’s mission, the Child Advocate identifies important issues that require systemic change. The Child Advocate works closely with Legislators, government officials, community stakeholders and other advocates to craft innovative solutions to identified problems. The Child Advocate then monitors implementation of these reforms to make a real difference in the lives of New Jersey’s children and their families. The Child Advocate has broad statutory authority to protect children’s rights and to ensure they receive the care, supervision and safety to which they are entitled. This authority is used to monitor systems that serve children and families, including the child welfare, juvenile justice and child behavioral health systems. Educating and Supporting Parents and Caregivers In addition to advancing positive public policy change, the Office of the Child Advocate also responds to hundreds of calls each year from people concerned about the health, safety, education or wel
