NJ county launches streamlined system for struggling residents

A first-of-its-kind support system is up and running for Monmouth County residents seeking services related to mental health, addiction, housing, and other needs.

The county held an event on Wednesday to launch the Monmouth ACTS Navigation System, which features a "warm line" that individuals can dial to receive a direct connection to services, instead of just receiving a list of phone numbers for agencies that may or may not be able to help.

At 732-683-8959, residents can connect live with a trained social worker. If the caller is in crisis, the social worker can personally connect the individual with the appropriate agency(s) on the spot through a three-way call.

"We are certain that at least the first step in the process has been undertaken," said Peter Boynton, chair of the Monmouth ACTS Advisory Council.

Pictured left to right: Nicole Cyr, Assistant Director of Planning, Monmouth County Department of Human Services; Nick DiRocco, Monmouth County Commissioner; Susan M. Kiley, Monmouth County Commissioner; Peter-Donnell Boynton, Chair, Monmouth ACTS Advisory Council (MAAC) and Director, Monmouth County Department of Human Services; Kathy Collins, Vice-Chair, MAAC; and Desiree Whyte, Assistant Director of Operations, Monmouth County Department of Human Services

If the person is not in crisis, the social worker will use a state-of-the-art referral system that puts the caller on an agency's radar, and those agencies that get a referral have 48 business hours to contact the resident.

"Our system allows us to track that referral, so that we're able to determine whether or not anyone has followed up," Boynton said.

As another step to ensure that residents' needs aren't overlooked, an electronic survey will be sent to residents to track their experiences.

The navigation system runs Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom

NJ towns with the biggest increases in wealth

Top 20 municipalities in New Jersey where the median household income has grown the most in a decade. The data is based on U.S. Census' American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for the years 2012 and 2022.

Gallery Credit: New Jersey 101.5

LOOK: Here's how much grocery shopping now costs in the U.S.

The average cost of groceries for one person per month in 2023 was around $337. But how does your state compare? Do you pay more, or less? Data compiled by Zippia takes a look at the average monthly grocery bill per person in all 50 states. States are listed from least expensive to most expensive and are rounded up to the nearest dollar.

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

Filed Under: Monmouth County