Department of Human Services | North Jersey Developmental Center

North Jersey Developmental Center (NJDC) was formerly known as the North Jersey Training School until July of 1983 when the name was officially changed by the New Jersey Legislature. The Center, which was opened in February 1928, is located on a 188-acre tract of land and has 35 buildings. The campus-like setting has a total of 11 living areas for the 403 individuals who reside at the Center as of March 31, 2009. The various residences include 8 two-story cottages, 2 one-story cottages, and Meese Residence. Other structures on the grounds include a school building and annex, Chapel, Health Care Center, sheltered workshop, vocational building, auditorium, and recreational facilities including a swimming pool.

As the northernmost state residential Center for persons with developmental disabilities, NJDC provides a variety of habilitative, medical and psychological services to its clients, whose range of disabilities vary dramatically. A majority of the individuals residing at NJDC are included in the federally funded ICF/MR program.

Additionally, NJDC has a Special Support Unit (SSU) which is a seven bed unlocked unit for juveniles that have been determined to be developmentally disabled and who are court involved. The eligible individuals for this program are referred from the Juvenile Justice Commission based on the Memorandum of Understanding. Participants in the program are between the ages of 14 to18 with mild to moderate range of mental retardation. The program is designed to be a short-term alternative therapeutic service for court involved juveniles with developmental disabilities.

The individuals are mandated to comply with the educational component of the program. The educational program provides opportunities for functional activities and vocational exposure. Individuals are expected to participate in a Levels Achievement Program, which is based on compliance with the established rules of the program. Participants are also involved in group and individual therapy, which addresses anger management, development of self esteem, and other identified emotional/behavioral issues.

People First Nurses

NJDC…Where careers flourish in an atmosphere of teamwork!

For Questions Contact:
By E-mail: Dennis.Defronzo@dhs.state.nj.us
By Mail: North Jersey Developmental Center P.O. Box 169 Totowa, NJ 07511
By Phone: (973) 256-1700 ext 4547
By Fax: .............. (973) 890-4581