Human Services
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The Department provides social services to individuals and families. It operates the state psychiatric hospitals, centers for those with developmental disabilities, and programs for those with substance use disorders. It administers welfare, Medicaid, Workfirst N.J., NJ FamilyCare, as well as aid and social programs. The Department is comprised of eight major divisions: Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CBVI), Division of Aging Services (DoAS), Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH), Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), Division of Disability Services (DDS), Division of Family Development (DFD), Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services (DMAHS), Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).
The Department was formed in 1976 from the Department of Institutions and Agencies, after corrections responsibilities were transferred to the Department of Corrections.
Authorizing law(s) and reorganization plans: Chapter 98 of the Laws of 1976; Chapter 17 of the Laws of 2012; Reorganization Plan 002-2004; Reorganization Plan 006-2005.