Support for Child Abuse and Neglect
Child Advocacy & Protection Services in New Jersey
Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and protected. Through our dedicated Child Advocacy Centers in New Jersey, we offer help for children and families experiencing or recovering from abuse or neglect. Our team of pediatric specialists provides compassionate medical evaluations, trauma-informed care, and support services during difficult times. We are committed to promoting healing while giving parents and caregivers the resources to foster a safe and healthy home environment.
If a child is in need of immediate medical attention, please visit your nearest pediatric emergency care location or call 911.
Audrey Hepburn Children’s House: A Safe Space for Healing
Located at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, the Audrey Hepburn Children’s House is a state-designated Regional Diagnostic Center for child abuse and neglect. It offers a private, confidential environment where infants, children, adolescents, and their families can receive the support and services they need.
We care for suspected victims of abuse with deep respect and compassion, offering services that include:
- Medical and mental health evaluations
- Individual and group therapy, including art and play therapy
- Family therapy and parenting skills support
- Professional education for providers and community partners
Our team includes a wide range of licensed professionals with specialized experience in diagnosing and treating child abuse and neglect, such as:
- Board-certified child abuse pediatricians
- Licensed psychologists and social workers
- Advanced practice nurses and registered nurses
- Creative arts therapists
Creating a No Hit Zone (NHZ): Encouraging Safe and Respectful Spaces
Our health system was the first in New Jersey to implement the No Hit Zone (NHZ) across all of our hospitals and the first in the U.S. to roll it out across multiple care locations.
The No Hit Zone is built on four key principles:
- No adult should hit another adult
- No adult should hit a child
- No child should hit another child
- No child should hit an adult
These principles are supported by education, visual materials, and training that promote positive communication and effective parenting strategies.
With funding from the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, our NHZ program has reached more than 14,000 people across the state, empowering parents, educators, and caregivers with tools to reduce conflict and prevent physical harm. These strategies help families build stronger relationships and promote emotional and behavioral well-being.
No Hit Zones are now found not just in hospitals, but also in schools, businesses, faith-based institutions and even homes.
Mandated Reporting in New Jersey
If you believe a child is being abused or neglected in New Jersey, you are required by law to report it. Call the State of New Jersey Department of Children and Families toll-free, 24/7 hotline at:
Our Locations
1945 Route 33
Neptune, NJ 07753
732-776-2914
30 Prospect Ave
Hackensack, NJ 07601
551-996-2271
Answering Your Questions About Child Safety and Protection
What are the signs of child abuse or neglect I should be aware of?
Common signs can include unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, fear of certain adults, or signs of poor hygiene and nutrition. Emotional withdrawal or developmental delays may also indicate concern. If you suspect something is wrong, it’s important to seek help right away.
How can the No Hit Zone help families at home?
The NHZ program helps parents and caregivers build healthier, non-violent ways to manage behavior and stress. Through tools, training, and support, it offers practical alternatives to hitting or yelling, helping to reduce conflict and improve family dynamics.
