TRENTON – New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Charles A. Richman is this year’s recipient of the Commissioner’s Partnership Award, presented annually by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Established by DCF Commissioner Allison Blake, the award recognizes those individuals who have helped improve the lives of New Jersey’s children and families and strengthened its communities.

“There are countless children and families throughout New Jersey who have a safe place to live thanks to Commissioner Richman’s vision and leadership,” said Commissioner Blake.  “He understands that by working together and in partnership with each other, our departments can accomplish more than we can individually.  Commissioner Richman was an obvious choice for this year’s Commissioner’s Partnership Award.”

Commissioner Richman was selected for helping build a close and productive partnership with between DCA and DCF that has produced significant benefits for children and families.

“I am honored to receive such a distinguished award from the Department of Children and Families,” said DCA Commissioner Charles A. Richman.  “I am committed to providing stable housing and supportive services for the State’s most vulnerable citizens.  I look forward to a continued long-standing relationship with DCF to ensure that we continue to create new models to solve complex problems like homelessness, which affects children and families.”

Under Commissioner Richman’s leadership, DCA and DCF worked together to provide emergency housing for victims of domestic violence and their families escaping an abusive household.

Commissioner Richman is a champion for homeless youth, providing housing voucher resources for homeless and unstably-housed youth.

Commissioner Richman provided project-based Section 8 housing vouchers for DCF’s Keeping Families Together program, which provides supportive housing for families involved with the child welfare system.  Thanks to Commissioner Richman’s leadership, DCA has provided technical assistance and guidance to DCF’s efforts to further develop supportive housing and venture into youth housing initiatives.

DCF is dedicated to ensuring a better today and an even greater tomorrow for every individual the department serves.  In partnership with New Jersey's communities, DCF ensures the safety, well-being, and success of New Jersey's children and families.  DCF funds and directly provides services and support to over 100,000 women, children, and families each month.