The Atlantic County Children’s Inter-Agency Coordinating Council/CIACC: A collaboration of local agencies involved in the Children’s System of Care and Community Services

About the Council

The Atlantic County Children’s Inter-Agency Coordinating Council (CIACC), in collaboration with the Department of Children and Families (DCF), strives to ensure a seamless array of services. The CIACC serves as the county mechanism to advise the DCF on the development and maintenance of a responsive, accessible, and integrated system of care for children, youth, and young adults with emotional and behavioral challenges, developmental disabilities and substance use service needs.

CIACC participants include community members, including parents, neighbors, youth, leaders, and representatives of local organizations concerned with the well-being of children and families Through enhanced coordination of system and community partners, the CIACC also identifies service and resource gaps and priorities for resource development.

Youth and Family Engagement

The CIACC is seeking to build stronger connections with youth and families who have engaged in community services so agencies can be more responsive and flexible.  If you are a youth or parent with lived experience utilizing the Children’s System of Care, consider becoming involved in CIACC. Contact the CIACC Coordinator to learn about becoming involved in a workgroup or subcommittee such as: Planning, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, Needs Assessments, Education and Youth Services, Youth and Family Engagement.

Contact the Coordinator

The Atlantic County Children's Inter-Agency Coordinating Council (CIACC) is staffed by Kathryn Saxton-Granato, CIACC Coordinator. Call 609-645-7700 ext. 4507 or e-mail granato_kathryn@aclink.org to learn more about how you might participate, to confirm a meeting date and time or regarding:

• accessing mental health services for children, youth or young adults
• questions or concerns about the mental health system or services.
• information and referral to community based services/resources
• support services for youth and families
• advocacy organizations
• information about CIACC’s free speakers bureau - View Brochure

Key Participants in the NJ Children ’s System of Care

The N. J. Department of Children and Families offers of a responsive, accessible and integrated Children’s System Of Care (CSOC) http://www.performcarenj.org/index.aspx  for children, adolescents and young adults with emotional and behavioral challenges, developmental disabilities and substance use services.  

PerformCare is the state’s System Administrator and the initial agency to call when seeking help. Video Tutorial about PerformCare http://www.performcarenj.org/families/index.aspx#video Operators offer multi-lingual assistance and fact sheets are also available in a variety of languages. The statewide number operates 24 hours a day, seven days per week: 1-877-652-7624.

Cape Atlantic Integrated Network for Kids  is a key participant in CSOC. They offer an array of services with local providers and they accept referrals directly from PerformCare. Their website also maintains an on-line resource directory. Local health providers and community organizations are encouraged to list their community and health resources, hotlines, support groups, and events. Cape Atlantic I.N.K. can be reached at (609) 829-2038.

Atlantic Cape Family Support Organization, Inc. (ACFSO) is another key partner for youth and their families. Staff are parents or caregivers whose children have experienced similar challenges as the families they serve. ACFSO offers a variety of supports, education, advocacy and can be reached at (609) 485-0575.