Understanding PerformCare and NJ Children's System of Care

If someone tells you to “call PerformCare,” it can be confusing if you have never heard of it before. PerformCare is the contracted system administrator for New Jersey's Children's System of Care (CSOC). It serves as a central point of access for many behavioral health, intellectual/developmental disability, and substance use services for children, youth and families in New Jersey.

PerformCare does not replace your child's pediatrician, therapist, school, health insurance company or emergency services. Its role is to help families access and navigate services available through CSOC.

Depending on a youth's needs and applicable eligibility and clinical criteria, PerformCare may help families access or request information about CSOC services including:

• Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS)
• Care Management Organization (CMO) services
• behavioral health assessments and certain intensive community-based services
• intellectual/developmental disability eligibility and related family support services
• substance use treatment services
• certain out-of-home treatment services

Calling does not guarantee authorization for a particular service. A youth's needs, eligibility and the applicable criteria determine what services may be available.

1. Explain what is happening. Tell the representative what concerns you have and what kind of help you are looking for.
2. Answer questions about your child and situation. The representative may ask questions to better understand the youth's needs and determine appropriate next steps.
3. Learn what may happen next. Depending on the situation, the family may receive information, be connected with a service, or be guided through an assessment or eligibility process.
4. Write down the information. Record the date, the representative's name if provided, any recommendations, authorization or reference information if applicable, and the next steps.

CSOC — Children's System of Care. The larger New Jersey system of services and supports for eligible youth and families.

PerformCare. The contracted administrator and central access point families contact for many CSOC services.

See how New Jersey's Children's System of Care works

PerformCare and a family's health insurance plan are not the same thing. Some services are accessed through CSOC and PerformCare, while other medical, therapy or outpatient services may be accessed through a family's health plan or through other systems.

If you are unsure which route applies, it is reasonable to ask both PerformCare and your health plan what each one covers for your situation.

• How New Jersey's Children's System of Care Works
• What Is a Care Management Organization (CMO)?
• Understanding Mobile Response in New Jersey
• DD vs. DDD and How to Apply