NJ CSOC Explained: A Parent's Guide to the Children's System of Care

If your child is struggling with behavioral, emotional, or developmental challenges in New Jersey, you've probably heard about CSOC — the Children's System of Care. It's the state's coordinated network of services for children up to age 21, and it can be confusing to navigate. This guide walks through how it works, who qualifies, and how to get started.

What CSOC actually is

CSOC is administered by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF). Instead of having families call dozens of providers and hope for a fit, CSOC provides a single front door — PerformCare — which screens, authorizes, and coordinates services across behavioral health, mental health, substance use, and intellectual/developmental disability supports.

Who qualifies

• Children and youth from birth to age 21
• Living in New Jersey
• Experiencing emotional, behavioral, mental health, substance use, or developmental challenges
• Most services are available regardless of income or insurance status

How to get started: the PerformCare call

Call PerformCare at 1-877-652-7624, available 24/7. A care coordinator will conduct a screening over the phone (typically 20–30 minutes) and recommend a level of care. There is no charge for the call or the screening.

Common CSOC services families access

• Care Management Organization (CMO) — wraparound support for youth with complex needs.
• Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) — short-term crisis support, on-site within an hour.
• Intensive In-Community (IIC) — licensed clinician therapy at home or in the community.
• Behavioral Assistance (BA) — skill-building support under an IIC treatment plan.
• Family Support Services — respite, peer support, and family education.
• Out-of-home treatment — when residential care is clinically necessary.

How Empower U fits in

Empower U is a CSOC-credentialed provider delivering IIC, BA, DDD, and outpatient services across New Jersey. Once PerformCare authorizes services, you can request Empower U as your provider — our intake team handles the paperwork and matches your child with a clinician within days, not weeks.

What to expect after enrollment

1. Initial assessment within 7–14 days of authorization
2. Individualized service plan reviewed every 90 days
3. Family voice at every team meeting (you stay in the driver's seat)
4. Transition planning when goals are met or your child ages out

Common questions parents ask us

"Will CSOC affect my custody or my child's school record?" No. CSOC services are confidential health services governed by HIPAA — they're not part of your child's school record and don't trigger DCP&P involvement on their own.

"My child has private insurance — should we still call CSOC?" Yes. Many CSOC services are non-Medicaid funded, and CSOC can coordinate with your private insurance for clinical services like outpatient therapy and DDD.

Next steps

If you're unsure whether CSOC is the right starting point — or if you'd like Empower U to help you navigate the call — reach out via our contact form or call (855) 500-EU4U. Our intake team is happy to walk you through it.