New Jersey Human Services Enhancing Emergency Services Programs for Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities

Programs to Focus on Individuals in Need of Immediate Services

Jan. 4, 2024

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Human Services is enhancing the statewide emergency services programs that support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Commissioner Sarah Adelman today announced the Department has awarded contracts to Community Options, Inc., Community Access Unlimited and Oaks Integrated Care to operate emergency capacity services (ECS) programs throughout the state. ECS programs support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including those with acute behavioral needs who require immediate residential and day program support. This funding enables emergency, short-term support to be available for admissions seven days per week, 365 days a year with 24-hour coverage provided.

“Our primary goal is to support individuals with I/DD who are in need of immediate services due to homelessness or other emergent circumstances,” Commissioner Adelman said. “As an example of the importance of these services, we’re requiring providers to accept admissions 24/7 and adhere to a strict ‘no reject’ policy, meaning that providers must accept every referral from the Department without exception. We’re continuing to focus on meeting the needs of all individuals and providing comprehensive and quality services, while helping individuals thrive in the communities in which they live.”

Individuals are referred to the ECS programs by Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities. The Division has been operating ECS programs, but these new contracts will strengthen behavioral supports and other aspects of service delivery.

The services are intended to be short-term – no more than 60 days – to ensure the health and safety of the individual while a plan for permanent supports is developed.

Each ECS program will support four individuals and be able to serve men, women, transgender and gender non-conforming adults served by the Division. Bedrooms will be single-occupancy. The programs will be accessible and will meet Americans with Disability Act requirements.

“Each program will have support from a board-certified behavior analyst to develop behavioral support strategies to address behaviors that require specialized attention,” Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire said. “We are focused on finding ways to serve the needs of all individuals despite sometimes differing circumstances. As always, we want to help individuals live independently and successfully.”

“Individuals referred to this program will require varying levels of support,” Division of Developmental Disabilities Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Seifried said. “The providers will ensure a high level of staffing on each shift based on the needs of the individuals served, with the ability to facilitate a same-day admission as directed by the Division.”

Ancillary supports will also be included, such as recreational activities and transportation to and from any required community services—including day services or transitional activities. Daytime activities shall be provided if alternate day services are not available upon admission. The programs will also provide transportation to day services, routine and specialty medical care, mental health, and other services as needed.

All new programs must be licensed, open, and operational by June 30, 2024.