FridayOL

New Jersey families are reeling from Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed budget cuts, with a major South Jersey health center, the Rowan-Virtua CARES Institute, facing what experts are calling “devastating” reductions. The Institute, a vital resource for abused and neglected children and their families, is now teetering on the brink, raising serious concerns about the future of child protection services in the region.

The CARES Institute (Child Abuse and Related Evaluation Services) provides comprehensive evaluations, treatment, and support for children who have experienced trauma, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect. It’s a critical lifeline for vulnerable kids and their caregivers, offering specialized services that are often unavailable elsewhere. The proposed cuts, stemming from potential Medicaid funding adjustments, threaten to severely limit the Institute's capacity to serve these children, potentially leaving countless at risk.

“These cuts are unexpected and frankly, devastating,” stated Rachel Silliman Cohen, a child abuse expert and advocate. “The CARES Institute is a cornerstone of our social safety net, and diminishing its resources will have profound and long-lasting consequences for the most vulnerable members of our community. We’re talking about children who have already suffered unimaginable trauma – cutting their access to essential support is simply unconscionable.”

The potential impact extends far beyond the Institute's walls. Reduced services will likely overwhelm already strained child protective services agencies and lead to increased instances of children remaining in unsafe environments. Furthermore, the cuts could hinder prevention efforts, as the Institute also plays a role in educating parents and caregivers about child abuse prevention strategies.

The situation highlights a broader concern about the state’s commitment to protecting children and supporting families in need. Advocates are urging Governor Murphy and the state legislature to reconsider these proposed cuts and prioritize funding for essential child welfare services. They argue that investing in the CARES Institute is not just a matter of compassion, but a fiscally responsible decision that will ultimately reduce the long-term costs associated with child abuse and neglect, including healthcare expenses, social services, and the criminal justice system.

What’s at Stake?

• Reduced Access to Care: Fewer children will receive timely evaluations and treatment for trauma.
• Overburdened System: Child protective services will face increased strain, potentially leading to delays in intervention.
• Increased Risk: Children at risk will remain in unsafe situations for longer periods.
• Hindered Prevention Efforts: Educational programs aimed at preventing child abuse will be curtailed.

The fight to protect the CARES Institute and the children it serves is far from over. Community members, advocates, and concerned citizens are mobilizing to raise awareness and pressure policymakers to prioritize the well-being of New Jersey’s most vulnerable population. The future of these children hangs in the balance.

To learn more and take action, contact your state representatives and urge them to oppose these damaging budget cuts. The time to act is now.