New Jersey Human Services Launches START Crisis Prevention & Intervention Program for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Needs

Dec. 22, 2025

(TRENTON) - New Jersey Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman today announced the official launch of a new START program to provide evidence-based, community crisis prevention and intervention services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and co-occurring mental health needs.

The START (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment) Model is now active in 11 counties across New Jersey: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Salem. The program is operated by YAI (Young Adult Institute) under a $3.2 million contract awarded by Human Services' Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).

"We are proud to officially launch this essential program that brings high-quality, community-based crisis services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health needs," said Commissioner Adelman. "START is a nationally recognized model that helps individuals and families get the right support at the right time, reducing reliance on emergency rooms and law enforcement. This launch marks a major step forward in our efforts to provide compassionate, effective care and to build a more responsive and inclusive system."

The START model enhances statewide capacity to support adults at risk of or actively experiencing a behavioral or mental health crisis by delivering comprehensive crisis prevention, intervention, and stabilization services. This includes 24/7 crisis response, clinical consultation, therapeutic coaching, education and training, crisis mitigation techniques, psychoeducation, and systems collaboration. A central goal is to reduce emergency interventions, such as hospital admissions and unnecessary law enforcement involvement, and instead offer coordinated, person-centered support in the community.

START Services NJ is a 12- to 18-month program for individuals enrolled in and receiving DDD supports who present with complex behavioral or mental health needs. Services are available for people living in their own home or with family and those in home and community-based residential programs. Importantly, START does not replace or duplicate existing DDD services but instead provides intensive, time-limited, consultative supports to help stabilize individuals and build the capacity of their support networks.

"We are expanding the options and resources available to individuals with complex needs, and their families and support networks," said Kaylee McGuire, Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services. "This launch reflects our commitment to delivering innovative and proactive services that empower individuals and intervenes in crises before they escalate."

The program is being implemented in partnership with the National Center for START Services at the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability, which is providing training, consultation, and fidelity monitoring to ensure effective implementation of the model.

To support the work, YAI has established a multidisciplinary clinical team and a therapeutic coaching team to provide in-home support services. A regional START Advisory Council will be established, bringing together state leaders, community partners, and service providers to guide and inform ongoing implementation.

"This program will help fill gaps in crisis support for individuals with dual diagnoses," said Jonathan Seifried, Assistant Commissioner of the DDD. "With START Services NJ now active, families and providers have a dedicated resource to turn to-one grounded in evidence and committed to person-centered, trauma-informed care."

"We are thrilled to welcome START Services NJ to the national START network," said Julie Lago, MSW, LICSW, executive director of the National Center for START Services. "New Jersey is joining 31 programs across 11 states serving more than 4,000 people with IDD-MH. From our central office at the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability, we provide both in-person and virtual support to all our START programs and partners across the country."

"At YAI, we believe that everyone deserves the support they need to live, love, work, and learn in their community," YAI acting Chief Executive Officer Gary Milchman said. "We're thrilled to partner with the state of New Jersey to bring the START model to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex mental health needs. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to building systems of care that are responsive, inclusive, and grounded in dignity. Together, we're creating real pathways to stability, connection, and hope for people and families across the state."

The launch of START builds on several initiatives advanced by the Murphy Administration to strengthen behavioral health supports for individuals with developmental disabilities. These include investments in community-based emergency stabilization services, enhanced training for direct support professionals, and expanded access to acute behavioral health services tailored to individuals with IDD. This also continues to build the continuum of responder models, alongside the 9-8-8 system of care and specific programs like ARRIVE Together.