BONUS: Rise Up / CWEL Episode

Episode 31: Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer Reprise

In this episode we are taking it full circle at the end of Murphy's administration with Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer to highlight the work that has been done in the last 8 years to keep families safe, healthy, and connected. We will talk to the Commissioner about what may be next for herself and DCF, and her reflections on how it was to serve as the Commissioner for the Department.

BONUS: Rise Up / CWEL Episode

In this bonus episode DCF on the Air talks with casework employees at various levels of their career about how they support their sense of safety and wellbeing in the workplace. This episode is produced in collaboration with the Rise Up fellows through CWEL (Child Welfare Education Leaders).

Episode 30: Kinship

This conversation explores the various aspects of kinship care within child welfare, focusing on the definitions, programs, and benefits associated with kinship relationships. Jason Butkowski interviewed Takysha Livingston with the Kinship Navigator Program, Kimyatta Larmore with Kinship Resource Families, and Felice Elam with the Kinship Legal Guardianship program. These experts discuss their roles, the importance of maintaining family connections, and the positive outcomes for children placed in kinship care. The dialogue emphasizes the collaborative efforts among programs to support families and improve the overall welfare of children in the system within the Kinship Care continuum.

Episode 29: Men of Courage

Men of Courage is a beautiful expression and counter to the prevailing “man-o-sphere” concept of masculinity. The short film takes audiences on a journey inside the Garden State for a fly-on-the-wall experience as five Black and Latino men share their personal experiences witnessing domestic abuseinside their homes. Led by Wil DuBose of the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJEDV), these men use their influence as community leaders to engage boys and men in compelling conversations about the roles they play in ending men's violence against women.

Episode 28: IAIU

This conversation focuses on the various initiatives and programs aimed at ensuring child safety in New Jersey. The discussion highlights the roles of the Department of Children and Families, particularly the Safety Subcommittee and the Institutional Abuse Investigations Unit (IAIU). It addresses the increase in referrals for institutional abuse, legislative efforts to improve child safety, and the importance of training and education for both educators and students. Additionally, the conversation explores the issue of problematic sexual behavior in children and the development of support structures to address these concerns.