New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has proposed big changes in the service delivery system for children and teens with developmental disabilities.

If the proposal is approved by the state legislature, services such as family support, crisis services and other supports, which are currently provided by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), would be provided by a new state agency, tentatively named the Division of Child Integrated System of Care Services (DCISCS). This new division, under the auspices of the Department of Children and Families, would become the single point of entry for families with children who have complex needs.

Starting in July, children through age 21 would receive support services provided through DCISCS – a shift from DDD. DDD would continue to assist with eligibility determinations until January 2013.

When a child turns 16, caseworkers at the DCISCS would begin planning with families to coordinated with DDD for better transition into adult services, and provide families with planning tools and strategies. At that time, DDD would evaluate the child for eligibility for the Community Care Waiver under Medicaid, and then determine an appropriate level of services, based on the child’s needs.

Under the proposal, special education services would continue to be provided by the local school district.