Division of Individual & Family Support Services
Update October 15, 2020: Due to the New Jersey State of Emergency regarding the COVID-19 virus, all Union County Intoxicated Driving Resource Center (IDRC) classes are being held online until further notice. If you have questions or were scheduled for a class that has been cancelled, please email idrc@ucnj.org or call 908-527-4791 or 908-527-4804. Please note that there may be a delay in IDRC response due to increased call/email volume during this time.
NJ 211
: You are encouraged to dial “2-1-1” or visit nj211.org 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need help in understanding and finding available assistance services. Language translation and TTY services are offered to any caller. You can also search our database for services in your local community or Chat Live with an experienced community resource specialist. 2-1-1 will help identify with you the best local resources to fit your individual needs during times of distress or for life’s everyday situations.
Rest Easy Caregiver Grant
The Rest Easy Caregivers Grant (RECG) helps provide respite care for working and/or underemployed Union County families. The intent is to give parents and other caregivers short term respite care services that offer temporary relief and help strengthen and stabilize families. Learn more / Submit application.
Mission
The mission of the Union County Division of Individual & Family Support Services (DIFSS) is to provide an array of county-wide human services programming through the most cost effective use of funding from County, State and Federal resources. This is accomplished either by direct delivery of services or by funding community-based organizations to deliver services.
By working together with other government agencies, nonprofits and private sector supporters, the Division can help residents with program areas of Alcoholism & Drug Abuse, Mental Health Services, Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, Rape Crisis Center, Homeless Assistance/Support Services, and Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs.
The Division also staffs various Freeholder appointed advisory boards that provide oversight and guidance for the various grant funded service delivery systems:
- Advisory Board on the Disabled (ABD)
- Homeless Trust Fund Advisory Board (HTF)
- Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC)
- Local Advisory Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (LACADA)
- Mental Health Board (MHB)
Program and Services
Within DIFSS there are 6 subdivisions/units:
- Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse
- Office on the Homeless and Housing Continuum of Care
- Human Services Advisory Council
- Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
- Rape Crisis Center
- Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs.
More information about each area can be found on the various web pages that can be accessed on the left side of this screen.
Contact Us
Main Phone
908-527-4842
Main Fax
908-558-2562
Christina Topolosky, Director
908-527-4839
Leslie Gutierrez, Assistant Director
908-527-4883