How Bridges Works

What families and referrers can expect.

Who our programs are designed to help, what the process looks like, and how referrers can help families access support.

Referring a family? JUMP TO REFERRAL INFORMATION

What to Expect

When families contact Bridges, we follow a clear process.

01

Every case begins with a conversation.

When a parent calls Bridges, we try to understand the situation, answer any questions, and ask a few of our own. We then explore how Bridges may be able to help.If you are referring a family, you are welcome to contact us beforehand to discuss whether Bridges is a good fit.

02

Intake & Assessment

Within about a week, a care manager schedules a meeting with the family to learn more about their challenges, strengths, and immediate needs.

Depending on the child(ren)’s age and situation, families may also be guided through applying for Intensive In-Community (IIC) services through PerformCare, New Jersey’s state system that coordinates behavioral health support for children and families. Bridges is a licensed provider within this system and can help families access those services when appropriate.

03

A Plan That Fits the Family

The care manager works with the family to develop a practical, collaborative plan.

This may include matching children with a carefully selected respite or host family and connecting parents with therapeutic, practical, or community resources.

Every plan is tailored to the family’s unique situation.

04

Ongoing Guidance & Support

Families meet regularly with their care manager while children spend time with their respite or host families.

Weekly follow-ups with parents, children, and host families help ensure that progress continues, with adjustments made when needed.

With consent, Bridges may also collaborate with schools, therapists, and other providers to keep support coordinated.

05

Moving Forward

Bridges remains involved until the family is ready to move forward independently.

Whenever possible, we work toward helping parents gain the tools, structure, and confidence they need to create a safe and stable environment for their children.

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Trust & Privacy

Bridges is deeply committed to protecting families’ dignity and ensuring that support is safe, responsible, and respectful.

Confidential and Consent-Based

Anything you share with us stays completely confidential, except in the rare situation where the law requires us to report concerns about safety.

Information is shared with schools, providers, or referrers only with the family's consent.

Parents Remain Central

Parents generally retain custody and remain the primary decision-makers for their children.

Throughout the process, Bridges collaborates closely with parents while keeping children connected to them whenever feasible.

Carefully Matched Host Families

Respite or host family matches are made thoughtfully based on a child's needs, personality, and practical considerations such as school and location.

Respite/host families receive ongoing guidance and support so placements stay stable and healthy.

Who Bridges is designed to help

To ensure families receive the best help, we carefully consider whether our programs are the right fit for each family’s needs.

Typically a good fit

Families who reach out directly seeking support

Children ages 0–18 in Central New Jersey and Brooklyn

Children whose parents are unable to provide consistent care due to:

– Illness
– Divorce or family disruption
– Mental health challenges
– Addiction or recovery
– Other crises leading to instability at home

Children who can benefit from time with vetted volunteer families

Young adults ages 18–23 preparing for independent living who need guidance and connection to healthy families

Not the right fit

Families where parents cannot or will not call Bridges

Families who are simply seeking childcare or a break from parenting

Children with behavioral needs that would make placement unsafe for a host family

Children with significant medical or developmental needs requiring specialized care

Young adults who need intensive clinical stabilization

Young adults who are not yet able to live independently

Young adults over age 23

If Bridges is not right for a particular situation, we will always try to direct families to more appropriate resources.

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Referring a Family

If you know a family that may benefit from support:

Encourage the family to contact Bridges to begin the conversation. We are not legally able to help a family unless the parent reaches out directly.
If helpful, you are welcome to call us to discuss whether Bridges may be a good fit.
Once a family connects with Bridges, our team works with them to assess the situation and coordinate support. With the family’s consent, we are happy to stay in touch with you and collaborate when helpful.

Refer a Family

Helping a parent reach out

Families can sometimes be hesitant to ask for help. Here are some ways you can help parents feel comfortable taking that first step:

01

Focus on a specific challenge

Start with something the parent finds difficult, like after-school stress or tense mealtimes, and explain how support could help in that area.

02

Introduce the idea gradually

Ask if they've heard of Bridges, offer to learn more about it, and then share what you've discovered.

03

Offer support during the call

Some parents prefer to make the call with a trusted person present. You can offer to sit with them or even join the conversation.

04

Give Bridges a heads-up if helpful

If you know a family may reach out, you're welcome to prepare us with context so our team better understands the situation.

05

Make the first call easier

Some families prefer leaving a message after hours so Bridges can return the call and start the conversation.

06

Encourage voluntary participation

Bridges works best and sees stronger outcomes when families choose to engage, rather than feeling pressured to do so.

Referrers often find it helpful to emphasize that:

Bridges works with families, not against them.

Parents remain involved and supported throughout the process.

The goal is stability, not separation.

Whenever possible, children remain connected to their parents the whole time.

Support is tailored to each family.

Bridges works collaboratively to find solutions that fit their situation.

The first step is simply a conversation.

Calling Bridges does not commit the family to any particular plan.

Refer a Family

What to Expect

When families contact Bridges, we follow a clear process.

How can I apply for or refer someone to Bridges?

Families can contact Bridges directly to begin the conversation. Referrers such as schools, therapists, rabbis, or community members are also welcome to reach out to discuss whether a situation may be a good fit.

Do parents lose custody of their children?

No. Bridges is not a foster care agency. In most situations, parents retain custody while receiving support.

Can families still see their children?

Yes. Bridges works to preserve the parent–child relationship whenever possible. Parents remain closely involved and typically maintain regular contact with their children throughout the process.

Can families choose to end the arrangement?

Yes. Bridges works collaboratively with families, and parents remain involved in decisions about their children. If a family wishes to change or end an arrangement, our team will work with them to do so safely and thoughtfully.

How long do families work with Bridges?

Every situation is different, but we often see families work with us for about 6–12 months. Bridges remains involved until the family has the stability and support needed to move forward independently.

How are respite and host families selected?

Respite and host families are carefully screened and thoughtfully matched based on a child’s needs, personality, location, and practical considerations such as school.

Will referrers receive updates?

Bridges is glad to share updates when families provide consent. Protecting family privacy is an important part of our work.

How is Bridges connected to the government system?

Bridges is a licensed provider of Intensive In-Community (IIC) therapeutic services. When appropriate, we help families access these supports through PerformCare.

How can I become a respite or host family?

Families interested in volunteering as a respite or host family can learn more and begin the application process on our Get Involved page. Bridges carefully screens and prepares volunteer families and provides ongoing guidance and support.

I have a different question.

Please feel free to reach out through our Contact page. We’re happy to help.

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Supporting families facing instability so children get the care they need to thrive .Bridges is part of The Keystone, a system of organizations working to strengthen families and communities.

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