Services
The Credible Messengers Program
In August 2021, the Department of Health and Human Services launched the nationally recognized Credible Messenger Initiative in Hudson County. The Credible Messenger Program engages youth involved in the juvenile justice system in a transformative process through which individuals from similar backgrounds, especially men and women, who were themselves justice-involved, engage youth in structured and intentional relationships that help them change their attitudes, beliefs and actions. These credible messengers function as transformative mentors, life coaches, and advocates for fairness and equity in the administration of justice. In addition to intensive mentoring and family programming, these individuals link youth and families to related services and connect them to the other community resources. Please contact Samantha Moore at smoore@hcnj.us for more information.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension Hudson County 4-H
Hudson County 4-H works to develop youth and family programs under the guidance of Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the Department of Health and Human Services in Hudson County. The Department of 4-H Youth Development at Rutgers University provides educational outreach programming for youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school) through 4-H clubs, special interest programs, school enrichment, and much more. 4-H uses a learn-by-doing approach to help youth learn responsibility, community awareness, and character development. For more information about Hudson County 4-H, please visit https://hudson.njaes.rutgers.edu/4h/ or contact 4-H Program Associate Claudia Urdanivia at cru1@njaes.rutgers.edu or at 201-395-4789.
STOP School Violence and Mental Health Training Program
In fall 2018, The United States Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) awarded Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services a grant of $500,000 for the implementation of the Hudson County Student, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence and Mental Health Training Program in partnership with Social Decision Making LLC.
The Hudson County STOP School Violence and Mental Health Training Program helps all schools within Hudson County to reduce and prevent school violence, improve student social and emotional well-being and create safe, trauma-informed learning environments. Since its inception, Hudson County’s STOP School Violence and Mental Health Training Program has assisted thousands of students, teachers, administrators and families through trainings, technical assistance and programming. For more information contact Janine Verdi at jverdi@hcnj.us.
JUVENILE DETENTION COMMUNITY LIAISON
The Division oversees three Juvenile Detention Center contracts with Bergen, Essex and Morris Counties for placement of Hudson County youth. The Community Detention Liaison meets with youth on a weekly basis and ensures effective communication regarding the County’s young people in detention. For more information contact smoore@hcnj.us.