Ocean County Government
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Department of Juvenile Services

Our Mission


The mission of the Department of Juvenile Services of Ocean County New Jersey is to help the at risk youth of Ocean County develop into more secure individuals, to promote positive changes in their personal development and remain productive and socially adjusted members of the community.

What we Offer

The Department of Juvenile Services also recognizes that years of maladaptive formation will not be easily changed, but this is not an excuse for inaction. Alternative behaviors, alternative value systems, and alternative thinking patterns are seen as the keys to unlocking more promising futures.

We believe that it should do whatever it can with all available resources to have a positive effect on the at risk youth of the County and their families. This overall vision and comprehensive approach is the strength of the Ocean County Department of Juvenile Services.

The Department of Juvenile Services provides housing for two separate programs:
Additionally, we operate a day program for adjudicated delinquents.

NEW Youth Center Now Open

Location: 155 Sunset Ave
Toms River, NJ

All programs and events are FREE OF CHARGE!

  • Life Skills
  • Substance Abuse Education
  • Group Counseling for LGBTQ youth
  • Vocational Education
  • Cooking Class
  • Mentoring
  • Homework Support/Tutoring
  • Computer Lab
  • Meeting Room
  • Outside Recreation
  • Pet Therapy
  • Gaming Center

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Juvenile Detention

Our goal is to help at risk youth develop into more secure individuals, to promote positive changes in their personal development and to help them return as productive and socially adjusted members of the community.

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R.A.I.S.E. Program

The purpose of our Reasonable Alternative To Incarceration Through Self-Esteem (RAISE) program is to provide a safe environment for all participants during afternoon and early evening hours, which are high risk time periods in young adult lives.

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Pet Therapy

Dogs bring unconditional love to the residents of the detention center. Our goal is to be able to teach the participants to train their own pets when they return to their homes, and in their future lives. Possibly to even pursue a career within the veterinarian fields.

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Internships

Interns have the opportunity to work with a variety of departments, programs, and personnel in a multi-disciplinary team approach that allows students a comprehensive, more holistic educational experience. Undergraduate and Graduate internships available.

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