Special Child Health Services Case Management Grant Program

The Special Child Health Services Case Management program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Health through its Division of Family Health Services. This funding opportunity supports county-based case management units that serve children with special health care needs and their families across New Jersey. The Division of Family Health Services focuses on improving maternal and child health outcomes and reducing disparities by ensuring access to comprehensive and culturally competent care systems. The program is aligned with federal Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant funding and state-level maternal and child health initiatives, reinforcing a coordinated statewide system of care. The purpose of this grant is to fund county-level case management services that ensure children with special health care needs, including those identified through the Birth Defects and Autism Registry as well as those not captured in state registries, receive appropriate follow-up and coordinated care. Case Management Units are responsible for helping families navigate healthcare, educational, developmental, and social services systems. They develop individualized service plans in collaboration with families to address a broad spectrum of needs, including transition to adult services, emotional support, and financial assistance resources. The scope of funding includes operational support for case management units that deliver coordinated, family-centered services at the county level. Funds are contingent upon state appropriations, with approximately 4.1 million dollars anticipated for the program year covering July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Allocation amounts are determined based on population-specific criteria such as prior service demand, number of referrals, and community needs. Notably, indirect costs are not allowable under this grant, and funding is dependent on the completeness and accuracy of submitted applications as well as alignment with program objectives. Eligible applicants include agencies that provide services to children with special health care needs and their families, including both public health departments and private nonprofit organizations. Applicants must not be suspended or disbarred from government funding and must demonstrate the capacity to meet program requirements. Applications must include detailed organizational information, service models, partnerships, staffing plans, evaluation strategies, and required documentation such as letters of support, financial records, and compliance certifications. All submissions must be completed electronically through the NJDOH SAGE system. The application process includes a letter of intent followed by a full application submission within a defined timeline. Applications open on June 1, 2026 and close on June 22, 2026, with a letter of intent due earlier on May 8, 2026. Notification of awards is expected by June 23, 2026, with an anticipated program start date of July 1, 2026. Applications are evaluated based on need, program response, evaluation measures, organizational capacity, and budget justification, with a minimum score required for funding consideration. The program emphasizes measurable outcomes and continuous quality improvement, requiring grantees to implement evaluation frameworks and maintain compliance with reporting and documentation standards. Case management units must ensure timely response to referrals, maintain communication with families, and coordinate services across multiple providers. Additionally, grantees must comply with confidentiality requirements, maintain electronic records, and participate in ongoing training and quality improvement initiatives. For additional information, applicants may contact program and grants management staff at the New Jersey Department of Health. Technical assistance is available upon request, and all application materials must be submitted through the designated online system. This funding opportunity is issued on a competitive basis and may be reissued or extended at the discretion of the department if necessary.

Align proposal clearly with evaluation criteria including demonstrated need strong measurable objectives and documented partnerships with community organizations