BUILDING ON THE STRENGTHS OF THE FAMILY

Mission Statement

The Atlantic Cape Family Support Organization is an organization created, built and run by family members of emotionally and/or behaviorally challenged children. ACFSO was established to provide support, education and advocacy for families with emotionally and/or behaviorally challenged children in Atlantic and Cape May Counties.

ACFSO is one of fifteen family support organizations across the State of New Jersey. ACFSO collaborates with the Cape Atlantic Integrated Network for Kids to carry out the philosophies and objectives of the New Jersey Department of Children's Behavioral Health, Office of Children's Services.

History

The system of care was designed in 1995 by a team of family members of challenged children under the direction of Governor Whitman. The team of family members knew that the system of care was not successful for the most difficult children and their families. Children were entering the system for prolonged periods of time. Families did not have a voice in the care and services their children received.

The plan was to design a children's initiative unique to New Jersey and our population. New Jersey, the first state to undergo a state-wide children's initiative, is currently implementing the plan throughout twenty-one counties. Each area, ours being Atlantic County collaborating with Cape May County, has a Family Support Organization and a Care Management Organization. Although the roles and responsibilities of the Family Support Organizations and the Care Management Organizations are unique, we work as a team to meet the immediate and long-term needs of families as we support, educate and empower.