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Human Services Announces New Help Line for Caregivers of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
From the NJ Department of Human Services (DHS) -
Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman announced on May 5th a new helpline available to support caregivers of adult individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Caring for a loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability is an incredible responsibility, and sometimes it presents challenges that can leave a caregiver feeling uncertain, frustrated, or alone,” Commissioner Adelman said. “When an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities is transitioning to adulthood, navigating those changes can sometimes feel like starting over. Caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities should know they are not alone. We are excited to offer a place for parents to call to speak with other parents who have navigated the transition to adulthood with their own children and have shared similar worries and pressures.”
In partnership with Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, help and support are available to caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at 1-833-NJ-ADULT (1-833-652-3858) daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A messaging system monitors for caregiver crisis-level calls that may need an after-hours return call.
The new MOM2MOM NJ Adult helpline is an expansion of the MOM2MOM helpline that has been helping caregivers of children with special needs since 2015.
“Callers will receive support from a parent of an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities – someone whose understanding and knowledge comes from having gone through similar experiences,” said Human Services Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Seifried, who leads the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). “Please don’t hesitate to call. Help is available.”
DHS recognizes the challenges parents of adults with disabilities face. In addition to this helpline, the Department offers a wide array of services to support adults with disabilities and their families, including assistive technology, behavioral support, and employment assistance. For more information about DDD services, click here.
In addition to peer support, callers to the helpline also can receive clinical assessments and referrals to professional mental health resources.
Please note that this new helpline is for caregiver support only. If an individual receiving DDD services is experiencing a crisis, please contact Crisis Assessment Response and Enhanced Services (CARES) through Trinitas Regional Medical Center Behavioral Health at 1-888-393-3007, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
