Navigating supports in New Jersey can feel like alphabet soup—NJEIS, CSOC, DDD, HCBS, NJCAT. Here’s a clear, step-by-step map of who to call, when to apply, and what to expect—from birth through adulthood.
Birth–Age 3: Early Intervention (NJEIS)
If you’re concerned about a child’s development before age 3, start with the New Jersey Early Intervention System (NJEIS). It’s the statewide program (run by NJ Department of Health) that evaluates and provides services for infants and toddlers with delays or disabilities. Families can self-refer; services typically end at the child’s third birthday.
For children 3 and older, referrals typically shift to the local school district; families can also use Project Child Find (800-322-8174).
Up to Age 21: Children’s System of Care (CSOC) / PerformCare
For youth with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), mental health needs, or substance-use challenges, New Jersey’s Children’s System of Care (CSOC) is the public front door.
PerformCare is the 24/7 single point of access for eligibility and service coordination under CSOC:
📞 1-877-652-7624
🌐 www.performcarenj.org
Planning the Transition to Adulthood (Around 18–21)
You can apply to the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) at age 18, but DDD’s adult services start at 21 (while school-based services can continue through 21). Families should begin transition planning with the school IEP team and explore DDD eligibility well before the 21st birthday so services can start smoothly.
Learn more: DDD Eligibility
Age 21+: Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
DDD administers New Jersey’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for adults with I/DD via two Medicaid waiver programs:
- Supports Program (SP): for adults living with family or independently in the community.
- Community Care Program (CCP): includes options for licensed residential settings with additional clinical criteria.
📘 Supports Program Manual
Key Requirements & Steps
- Medicaid eligibility
You must have NJ FamilyCare Medicaid to receive ongoing DDD services.
NJ FamilyCare Info - NJCAT assessment
DDD uses the New Jersey Comprehensive Assessment Tool (NJCAT) to measure support needs in self-care, behavioral, and medical areas.
NJCAT Overview - Budgets by tier
Your NJCAT score determines your tier and annual budget in the Supports Program.
Budget Tier Table – Effective Jan 1, 2024 - Choose a Support Coordination Agency (SCA)
Once eligible/enrolled, adults select a Support Coordination Agency. Support Coordinators help develop the Individualized Service Plan (ISP), locate providers, and make changes as needs evolve.
Search for SCAs and Providers
Self-Directed Options
New Jersey offers Self-Directed Employee (SDE) models where individuals can hire their own staff and purchase certain approved services.
Two models are available:
- Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent (VF/EA)
- Agency With Choice (AWC)
As of 2025, DDD is transitioning the VF/EA fiscal intermediary from PPL to Acumen, with staggered rollout through September 2025. Your Support Coordinator will guide you through model selection and enrollment.
Self-Direction Resources
How CSN Fits In
- Navigation & planning: We help families prepare for key handoffs—Early Intervention → CSOC/PerformCare → DDD—so services don’t lapse.
- Support Coordination: Once an adult enrolls with DDD, we collaborate on a person-centered plan that matches their NJCAT-based budget.
- Self-direction support: We assist with setting up and maintaining self-directed services for long-term success.
Quick Contacts (New Jersey)
- NJEIS (Birth–3): NJ Early Intervention System
- Project Child Find (Age 3+): Project Child Find Info | 📞 800-322-8174
- PerformCare / CSOC (Youth <21): PerformCare NJ | 📞 877-652-7624
- DDD (Adults 21+): DDD Main Site
- NJCAT & Budgets: NJCAT Overview | 2024 Budget Tier Table
- Support Coordination Search: Find SCAs