New Jersey lawmakers, state officials, advocates, and service providers recently gathered together. Specifically, they attended a meeting of the New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus to examine a growing crisis. Ultimately, participants looked closely at how direct care workforce shortages impact individuals with disabilities and their families.
Focusing on Continuity of Care
Furthermore, the session focused heavily on continuity of care and persistent service gaps. In addition, attendees reviewed the implementation of the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Direct Care Workforce Strategic Plan. Designed by state leaders, this statewide roadmap aims to strengthen recruitment, retention, and long-term support for direct care professionals.
Stakeholder Insights and Provider Challenges
Assemblywoman Aura K. Dunn, Senator Angela McKnight, and Department of Human Services representatives joined the active discussion. Consequently, advocates and providers united to emphasize an urgent need for workforce investments and immediate legislative action.
Family advocate Terri Cowen shared powerful firsthand experiences. During her remarks, she described what it takes to navigate New Jersey’s developmental disability system. Meanwhile, William England, President of Disability Services & Advocacy, LLC, discussed severe provider challenges. Specifically, these obstacles include rapid workforce turnover, communication barriers, and difficult care coordination.
Expanding the Scope to Behavioral Health
Moreover, the conversation expanded beyond developmental disabilities. Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA, highlighted a broader systemic issue. As she pointed out, similar workforce shortages are severely affecting behavioral health and addiction services across the state.
As a next step, the Legislative Disability Caucus plans to continue these vital discussions. Policymakers and stakeholders remain deeply committed to strengthening New Jersey’s disability support system.
About the New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus
Formed in December 2020, the Caucus is a bipartisan forum within the New Jersey Legislature for lawmakers and their staff to consider the impact on the disability community when shaping all public policies in the Garden State. The Caucus is co-chaired by Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz (D-29), Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald (D6), Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25), and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (R-25). Participation in the Caucus is open to all legislators who agree to be champions for individuals with disabilities in New Jersey by meeting with them in their district offices, participating in quarterly education forums, and promoting policies to improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families. People with disabilities, their families, and organizations that serve, support, and advocate for people with disabilities in the Garden State serve as a resource for the NJ Legislative Disability Caucus. For more information about the Caucus and to get involved, visit njcdd.org/legislative-disability-caucus.
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