2
Quick Reference: Useful Numbers and Hotlines
Positive Transitioning 1-844-335-1321
American Friends Service Committee
Prisoner’s Resource Center 1-973-643-2205
CDC National STD and AIDS Hotlines
Spanish: 1-800-344-7432
English: 1-800-227-8922
Addictions Hotline of NJ 1-800-238-2333
Alcoholics Anonymous 1-800-245-1377
Division of Disability Services (DDS) 1-888-285-3036
Division of Youth & Family Services 1-800-792-8610
Hyacinth AIDS Foundation 1-800-433-0254
Legal Services of New Jersey 1-888-576-5529
NJ Motor Vehicle Commission
Driver’s License Suspension Hotline 1-609-292-7500
Main Information 1-888-486-3339
Narcotics Anonymous of NJ 1-800-992-0401
National Suicide Crisis Hotline 1-800-784-2433
New Jersey AIDS
STD Hotline (Beth Israel) 1-800-624-2377
2-1-1 First Call For Help 2-1-1/
Se habla español or toll free 1-800-331-7272
Middlesex County One Stop 1-877-995-2600
Social Security Office 1-800-772-1213
Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline
(Woman’s Space, Inc.)
Bilingual and TTY accessible 1-800-572-7233
3
The Middlesex County
Smart Book
Table of Contents Page #
The Start of a New Beginning:
How to Use this Book 5
Getting Started:
I.D. and Other Documents 6
A. Social Security Card 6
B. Birth Certificate 7
C. State I.D. 11
D. Driver’s License 11
E. Certificates of Naturalization or Citizenship 13
F. Alien Registration Card (“Green Card”) 14
G. Military Discharge Papers 14
H. Passport 15
I. NJDOC Release Papers and Temporary 18
ID Card
First Steps After Release:
Where Do I Go to Find 18
A. First Stops 19
B. Shelter 19
C. Food/Clothing/ Laundry 20
D. Transportation 26
E. Money: FS/GA 27
F. Veterans Benefits 29
Taking Care of Yourself:
Getting Support 31
Taking Care of Yourself:
Health Care Resources 31
A. Health Care Benefits: Am I Eligible? 31
B. General Health Care Providers 32
C. Services for People with HIV/AIDS 35
D. Services for People with Tuberculosis 37
or Hepatitis C
E. Dental Care 38
F. Mental/Substance Abuse Resources 38
G. Emergency Mental Health Services 40
H. Free/Low Cost Eyeglasses 40
4
Finding a Job: Employment
Assistance and Training Programs 41
A. Things to Know Before You Start Your
Job Search 41
B. Help with Job Search
and Job Training Resources 43
C. Legal Restrictions on Employment and
Protection Against Discrimination 44
D. Benefits for Employers Who
Hire People with Criminal Records 45
E. Opening a Checking or Savings Account 46
F. Public Libraries 46
Reconnecting With Family 48
A. Family Counseling Resources 49
B. Child Custody and Visitation 50
C. Getting and Paying Child Support 51
D. Domestic Violence Resources 53
Getting More Education
A. High School/GED Certificate/High School 54
Equivalency Degree (HSED)/Vocational
School Certificates
B. GED Classes 54
C. Higher Education 56
Other Things You Need to Know 57
A. Getting Legal Assistance 57
B. Checking and Correcting
Your Criminal Record (“rap sheet”) 57
C. Expungement: Cleaning Up Your
Criminal Record 58
D. Checking and Correcting Your Credit Record 58
E. Voting Rights 59
F. Registration of Sexual Offenders (Megan’s Law) 59
The Game Plan: 60
5
The Start of a New Beginning:
How to use this book
This book is intended to prepare you for your arrival home and
reintegration back into society. In order to make the transition
smoother for you a list of resources have been compiled along
with a list of necessary items you will find that are essential to
your success. This book focuses on the first few weeks and
months of your arrival home and assisting you on managing
the transition. Although not every resource available to you
will be found in here, there are many that will help to guide
your journey.
Unless a fee or charge is listed, all of the services and
resources listed here are free.
Each section of this book is categorized by items that you will
need in order to find employment, return to school, and to
obtain identification. It will also provide addresses, websites,
phone numbers, and general tips on how to acquire that
particular service. You can use the table of contents to easily
identify what service you require, and follow instructions as to
how to contact providers.
FYI: **Please feel free to utilize your social services
department for assistance in contacting an agency or
inquiring information about a service found in this book.
There are some services that may be free to you that you can
contact through your social services department before
making an out-of-pocket expense.
There are things that can be completed prior to release from
prison. Two things specifically are requesting a duplicate
social security card for FREE and applying for a birth
certificate for a fee. Please contact your social worker six
months prior to release to apply for these items. By doing this
while still in custody, you are taking a large step towards
making your transition back into the community easier for
you. Providing both documents are processed successfully,
you will have two necessary forms of identification made
available to you the day you are released. This will speed up
the process of finding employment.
You will not find every service or organization in Middlesex
County in this book, but, again, there will be many to help you
begin. Also, the organizations that are listed may be able to
offer additional resources to you. You may visit your local
library for free internet access.
6
Getting Started:
Identification (I.D.) and Other Documents
In order to apply for employment, rent an apartment, apply for
general assistance, food stamps, or Medicaid, proper
identification will be required. The more identification you
have in your possession, the easier it will be for you to obtain
these services. Certain items can be obtained while you are
still incarcerated ask your social worker for assistance, and,
for the remainder, this book will point you in the right
direction.
FYI: In order to obtain identification, various agencies will
require proof of address. It is smart to keep bills in your name
or official documents that have your name and address for
further verification of your address.
A. Social Security Card
If at all possible, apply for a duplicate social security card with
your social worker six months prior to release. If for some
reason this is not possible or your application has been denied,
you will need to visit your closest Social Security Office to
apply. The following offices are the local branches in
Middlesex County. Please find which office is closest to your
residence.
Social Security Administration
29 Davenport Street
Somerville, NJ 08876
866-446-6198
Social Security Administration
3
rd
Floor
190 Middlesex Turnpike
Iselin, NJ 08830
800-772-1213
Social Security Administration
550 Jersey St. Suite 200
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
800-772-1213
Office hours Monday- Friday 9:00am-4:00pm
Phone numbers:
Toll Free 1-800-772-1213
TTY- 1-800-325-0778
7
If you choose to visit your local office to apply you will need
to fill out the application at the office.
To save time you can download the application online
(www.ssa.gov/replace_sscard.html). You will need to show
proof of identification. Prison release papers count as proof
of identification. Also, use your NJDOC Temporary ID
card.
B. Birth Certificate
The office of Vital Statistics in the New Jersey Department of
Health and Senior Services has all the New Jersey birth,
marriage, and death records. The fee is $25.00. However,
depending upon where you were born in Middlesex County,
you may be able to apply for a birth certificate for a lesser fee.
FYI: You are able to apply for a birth certificate while you are
still in custody and have six months left prior to release.
Please see your social worker to do so.
If you were born in the following towns you may go to your
registrar’s office and apply for a birth certificate at the cost
listed below.
Carteret Borough
61 Cooke Avenue
Carteret, NJ 07008
Phone: 732-541-3890
Cranbury Township
23 A No. Main Street
Cranbury, NJ 08512
Phone: (609) 664-3130
Dunellen Borough
355 North Avenue
Dunellen, NJ 08812
Phone: (732) 968-3033 X3
East Brunswick Township
1 Jean Walling Civic Ctr
P.O. Box 1081
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Phone: (732) 390-6850
8
Edison Township
100 Municipal Boulevard
Edison, NJ 08817
Phone: (732) 248-7293
Helmetta Borough
Borough Hall
51 Main Street
Helmetta, NJ 08828
Phone: (732) 521-4946 x100
Highland Park Borough
P.O. Box 1330
221 So. 5th Avenue
Highland Park, NJ 08904
Phone: (732) 777-6014
Jamesburg Borough
131 Perrineville Road
Jamesburg, NJ 08831
Phone: 732-521-2222 ext. 100
Metuchen Borough
500 Main Street
Metuchen, NJ 08840
Phone: (732) 632-8508
Middlesex Borough
Borough Hall
1200 Mountain Avenue
Middlesex, NJ 08846
Phone: (732) 356-7400 x238
Milltown Borough
Municipal Building
39 Washington Avenue
Milltown, NJ 08850
Phone: (732) 828-2100 x181
Monroe Township
1 Municipal Plaza, Room 103
9
Monroe Township, NJ 08831
Phone: 732-656-4573
New Brunswick City
Civic Square Plaza Entrance
78 Bayard Street
P.O. Box 269
New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0269
Phone: 732-745-5018 or 5061
North Brunswick Township
P.O. Box 6019
710 Hermann Road
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Phone: 732-247-0922 X470
Old Bridge Township
1 Old Bridge Plaza
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Phone: 732-721-5600 x6200
Perth Amboy City
1 Olive St.
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Phone: 732-826-0549 x4309
Piscataway Township
455 Hoes Lane
Piscataway, NJ 08854
Phone: (732) 562-2310
Plainsboro Township
641 Plainsboro Road
Plainsboro, NJ 08536
Phone: (609) 799-0909 x1801
Sayreville Borough
49 Dolan Streeet
Sayreville, NJ 08872
10
Phone: (732) 390-7012
South Amboy City
140 N. Broadway
South Amboy, NJ 08879
Phone: (732) 525-5924 or 5925
South Brunswick Township
Municipal Building
P.O. Box 190
540 Ridge Road
Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
Phone: (732) 329-4000 x7237 or 7238
South Plainfield Borough
Board of Health
2480 Plainfield Avenue
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
Phone:
South River Borough
48 Washington Street
South River, NJ 08882
Phone: (732) 257-1999
Spotswood Borough
77 Summerhill Road
Spotswood, NJ 08884
Phone: 732-251-0700
Woodbridge Township
1 Main Street
Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Phone: (732) 634-4500 Ext 6443
11
C. State Identification Card
New Jersey provides a state photo identification card for
non-drivers. You can get this official state I.D. even if your
driver’s license is currently suspended. This may be a good
option for you if it is going to be some time before you get
your license back. New Jersey residents 14 years of age and
older, may apply for a non-driver photo identification. The
non-driver ID is issued solely for the purpose of providing
identification and is not a license to drive.
How to get a non-driver identification card
-Complete the front side of a non-driver ID application
(BA-207 form)
-Pass the 6 Point ID requirements (see page 11)
-Pay $24 fee. (Fee may be waived upon DOC program
completion, see Social Services)
D. Driver’s License
Once you are released from prison, you can go to the Motor
Vehicle Commission (MVC) to get a new driver’s license,
replace a lost one, or renew a card that has expired. If you
believe that your license has been suspended, you should
confirm this and figure out what you need to do to get it back.
If you were convicted of any kind of drug offense, your
license has been suspended.
Prior to your release, you can get a copy of your driver’s
license record, which is called an “abstract.” Please contact
your social worker if you are interested in obtaining an
abstract. The fee for an abstract is $15.00
Upon your release, you can go to the MVC offices in
Middlesex County (see below) or a Regional Service Center to
request a driver’s abstract. If you have internet access, you
can also request an abstract online at
WWW.STATE.NJ.US/MVC. You will still have to pay
$15.00. If your license was suspended for six months or more
because of a drug conviction, the period of the suspension will
begin from the time of your release. Other kinds of
suspension, such as failure to pay parking tickets, insurance
surcharges, or child support, will last until you have paid the
fine or worked out a payment plan. For questions about
suspension, call the suspension hotline: 609-292-6500.
Restoration Fees, Tickets, and Surcharges: If you found out
that your license has been suspended, you will have to pay a
12
restoration fee of $100.00 in order to have your license
reinstated. This does not include any additional fines or
surcharges you are required to pay. This fee can be paid at
your local MVC Offices in Middlesex County or a Regional
Service Center (see below). If you have internet access, this
fee can be paid online at WWW.STATE.NJ.US/MVC. You
can pay your surcharges and parking tickets on this website as
well.
MVC LOCATIONS IN MIDDLESEX COUNTY
For questions, Please call 609-292-6500.
South Brunswick: 2236 Rt. 138 North
Edison: 45 Kilmer Rd
South Plainfield: 5000 Hadley Road
*All locations are open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
and Friday from 8-5:30 pm and Tuesday 8-7:30pm. (Also,
Saturdays 8am to 1pm)
Regional Office: Trenton Agency
120 S. Stockton & Front St.
Trenton, NJ 08611
Services: Driver conferences, driver records, (issuances and
inquiries), points and surcharge (inquiries), suspensions and
restorations.
Hours: Mon- Fri 8am-4:30pm
To replace a lost or stolen license, you will have to bring
identification to the MVC and pay an $11.00 fee. The MVC
now has very specific kinds of I.D. that are required under the
new “Six Point” system:
Please use this guide to prepare yourself for your trip to
MVC. Make sure you have the six points of identification
necessary to obtain your drivers license or non drivers I.D.
SIX POINT SYSTEM OF IDENTIFICATION
Primary Documents:
(4 Points)
Birth Certificate or Certified Copy from one of the 50
states.
U.S. Dept. of State Birth Certificate
US Passport-Current or Expired less than 3 years
Current US Passport card
13
Current NJ Digital Drivers License
Valid Active Duty US Military Photo ID Card
US Adoption papers
Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship
Secondary Documents:
(3 Points)
Civil Marriage/Domestic partnership/ Civil Union
Certificate: Issued by the Municipality or State
Order of Decree of Divorce
Court Order for Legal Name Change: Signed by a
judge or county clerk
US Military Photo/Retiree Card
(2 Points)
U.S. Military Discharge Papers (DD214)
(1 Point)
Current/ Expired (Less than 1 year) Non-Digital NJ
Photo Drivers License
Social Security Card
Bank statement or record
ATM Card w/ pre-printed name and applicant
signature
NJ Public Assistance Card w/ Photo
High School Diploma/GED/ College Diploma
Veterans Affairs-Universal Access Photo ID Card
You can get a brochure on this new “Six Point” system from
the MVC offices listed above or from the Motor Vehicle
Commission website, www.state.nj.us/mvc. If your license has
expired, you will have to go with your six points of I.D. to the
MVC to fill out a renewal application. You may have to take
the written test again. License renewal costs $24.00.
E. Certificates of Naturalization or Citizenship
This certificate is necessary for employment upon your
release. In general, if you need to replace lost forms, you can
contact the US Citizenship & Immigration Service or
Application Support Centers to find out about identification
and fingerprint verifications. There is a fee to process an
application for replacement documents. The National
Customer Service Hotline is 1 (800) 375-5283.
Citizenship Locations
US Citizenship & Immigration Service
530 Fellowship Rd.
Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
14
856-439-5799
US Citizenship & Immigration Service
Peter Rodino, Jr. Federal Building
970 Broad St.
Newark, NJ 07102
Application Support Center
285-299 Broad Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201.
Application Support Center
24 Commerce Ave.
Newark, NJ 07102
F. Alien Registration Card “Green Card”
To replace a missing Green Card, you must go to the US
Citizenship & Immigration Service Office (see above) to fill
out an I-90 form. Please make sure that you bring I. D. with
you.
You can also visit the website and download the forms at
www.uscis.gov. It costs $455.00 for processing. If you have
any questions or concerns about your status as a result of
your criminal conviction, call Legal Services of New Jersey
at 1-888-576-5529 before going to immigration.
6
I
G. Military Discharge Papers
FYI: You may have the opportunity to meet with the VA
liaison from the Veterans administration. The VA liaison can
assist you in requesting a copy of your DD214 (discharge
papers). Please notify your social worker of your veteran
status.
You can request a copy of your records using the SF-180 form
Contact your institution’s P.R.E.P.A.R.E social worker for
assistance. This form can also be obtained by writing the
Veteran Benefit Administration in New Jersey or the NPRC,
which is the main records depository.
Veterans Benefit Administration in New Jersey
20 Washington Pl., 3rd Floor
Newark, NJ 07102
Main records depository,
National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138
15
The local office by calling 800-829-1000.
Upon your release, you can also call the local office at 1-800-
829-1000, or you can go to the website
www.vetrecs.archives.gov to request your records. The
website will instruct you to print a signature page. This can
either be mailed or faxed to the Veterans Benefit
Administration. Upon the receipt of your form, the Veterans
Benefit Administration will mail your records directly to you
website www.vetrecs.archives.gov and follow the on screen
instructions for requesting personnel records. You will be
asked to print out a signature page which can either be mailed
or faxed. Upon receiving the form, the records will be mailed
directly to you. For more Veterans information, please see
page 24.
H. Passport
Although a passport may not seem like an important item to
have at this point, since it is a widely accepted, it can more
easily serve as a form of I.D. for you. A passport will cost you
money. To obtain one after you are released, please visit one
of the locations listed below.
Avenel Post Office
1065 Rahway Avenue
Avenel, NJ 07001
Carteret Post Office
212 Pershing Avenue
Carteret, NJ 07008
Dunellen Post Office
311 North Avenue
Dunellen, NJ 08812
East Brunswick Post Office
614 Cranbury Rd
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
East Brunswick Public Library
2 Civic Center Dr
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Edison Post Office
2101 Route 27
Edison, NJ 08818
16
Highland Park Post Office
406 Raritan Avenue
Highland Park, NJ 08904
Iselin Main Post Office
250 Middlesex Turnpike
Iselin, NJ 08830
Kendall Park Post Office
3124 State Route 27
Kendall Park, NJ 08824-9998
Kilmer Post Office
21 Kilmer Road
Edison, NJ 08899
Metuchen Post Office
360 Main Street
Metuchen, NJ 08840
Middlesex County Clerk's Office
75 Bayard Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Middlesex Post Office
95 Marlborough Ave
Middlesex, NJ 08846
Milltown Post Office
27 Washington Ave
Milltown, NJ 08850
Monmouth Junction Post Office
651 Ridge Road
Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
Monroe Township Postal Store
1601 Perrineville Road
Monroe Township, NJ 08831
New Brunswick Post Office
86 Bayard Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
North Brunswick Post Office
1062 Livingston Ave
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
North Brunswick Township Clerk's Office
710 Hermann Rd
17
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Old Bridge Post Office
151 County Road Hwy. #516
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Old Bridge Public Library
One Old Bridge Plaza
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Old Bridge Township Clerk's Office
One Old Bridge Plaza Rte. 516 & Costrell Road
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Parlin Main Post Office
778 Washington Road
Parlin, NJ 08859
Perth Amboy Post Office
205 Jefferson Street
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Piscataway Post Office
3 Skiles Ave
Piscataway, NJ 08854
Plainsboro Township Clerk's Office
641 Plainsboro Road
Plainsboro, NJ 08536
South Brunswick Township Clerk's Office
540 Ridge Rd
Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
South Plainfield Post Office
114 Oak Tree Avenue
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
South River Post Office
44 Obert Street
South River, NJ 08882
Spotswood Post Office
436 Main Street
Spotswood, NJ 08884
Woodbridge Post Office
60 Main Street
Woodbridge, NJ 07095
18
You will need to bring:
An original or certified copy of a birth certificate
with a raised seal and file date issued by Vital
Statistics
A naturalization certificate
A previous US passport; photocopies aren’t accepted.
Your social security number
I.D., such as a valid driver’s license, government
identification or previous passport issued after your
16th birthday. The expired passport should not be
more than 15 years old.
2 identical copies of a 2X2 face front regulation
passport photo.
A new adult passport that comes with a book and card has an
application fee of $140 and a processing fee of $25
.
A
passport will be valid for 10 years.
7
I. NJDOC Release Papers/ Temporary ID Card
You will receive a folder upon your release in accordance with
the Fair Release and Reentry Act of 2009. PLEASE KEEP
THIS FOLDER. This folder contains all of your identification
(Temporary Release ID card, Birth Certificate, Social Security
Card, MVC State ID card) and other important release
documentation.
First Steps After Release:
Where Do I Go to Find…
This section provides resources for food, shelter, clothing,
money, and other emergency needs. We have provided some
options in Middlesex County that you can utilize upon release.
FYI: Important paperwork will be needed repeatedly
throughout your life. Make sure to invest in a folder or safe to
keep important documents. Never carry your birth certificate
or social security card with you. You will only need to
produce these items upon request. It is smarter to keep them
in a safe place.
Also, make sure to keep a notebook and a pen with you to
write down the names and phone numbers of the people you
come in contact with at various agencies. Remember, nobody
is going to care about your success as much as you do.
Provided for you are agencies and services that can assist you
in finding your basic needs.
19
FYI: It is a good idea to call first to check that the hours of
operation haven’t changed. Please try to be patient with those
that are attempting to assist you.
9
See the following pages for list of resources.
After Release:
A. First Stops
The agencies below provide a range of services
and/or, depending on what you need, can refer you to other
places.
FIRST-STOP AGENCIES
2-1-1/First Call for Help
Dial 211
800-331-7272 (Homeless Hotline)
Hours: Mon - Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm
Emergencies and homeless calls are 24 hours/day
211 provide 24 hour comprehensive human service
information and referral for residents of Middlesex County.
211 can help access information as well as locate
services/programs to connect residents to the resources that
are available to them in the community. 211 is equipped for
TTY callers and has language line to connect to 140 different
languages.
B. Shelter
Access to most of these shelters can be obtained through the
Middlesex County Board of Social Services or through a
general walk in. These shelters will also provide showers and
laundry services.
Coming Home of Middlesex County INC
75 Bayard St. 2
nd
Floor
732-296-7954
Women Aware, Inc.
P.O. Box 312
New Brunswick, NJ 08903
732-249-4504
Catholic Charities-The Ozanam Inn
2022 Abeel St, New Brunswick
732-729-0850
Hours: 24 hours/day
Salvation Army- Care House Transitional Housing
433 State Street, Perth Amboy
20
732-826-7040
Hours: 6pm- 7am
Catholic Charities- Ozanam Family Shelter
89 Truman Dr, Edison
732-985-0327
Hours: 24 Hours/Day
Catholic Charities- Naomi’s Way
4 Roosevelt St, New Brunswick
732-846-0335
No walk-ins allowed. Referral through the Middlesex County
Board of Social Services required.
C. Food/Clothing
Here are some the food pantries and soup kitchens in
Middlesex County. Although each agency has been verified,
please call to check for most current hours of operation.
For a complete list of pantries, please call The Middlesex
County Food Distribution Organization and Outreach
Distribution Services at 732-729-0880. There are a multitude
of services, but these are just a few.
Food Pantries/Soup Kitchens
Broken Loaves at Calvary Chapel
Provides pantry, clothing, baby items and delivery of food
within local areas.
Old Bridge
Calvary Chapel Old Bridge
135 White Oak Lane
(732) 679-4837
Crisis Room at Aldersgate UMC
Provides food pantry, rental and utility assistance for those
with a referral, clothing and household goods.
East Brunswick
568 Ryders Ln
(732) 257-9920
21
Deacon's Food Pantry
The Deacon's Food Pantry is currently helping 148 families in
the Jamesburg, Spotswood & Helmetta, NJ area. We have
recently moved into a new building built to house our
operation.
Jamesburg
Presbyterian Church of Jamesburg
177 Gatzmer Ave
(732) 521-1711
Elijah's Promise
Provides soup kitchen, pantry, clothing, health, culinary
school, and services outreach for people with HIV/AIDS.
New Brunswick
18 Neilson St
(732) 545-9002
Emanuel Lutheran Church
Provides food pantry and some social services
New Brunswick
Church
1-3 Kirkpatrick St
(732)545-2673
Faith Fellowship Ministries - Daily Bread Outreach
Provides food and referrals
Sayreville
2707 Main St Ext
(732) 727-9500
First Presbyterian Church of Iselin
Meals are offered. Must call church for information on food
distribution hours
Iselin
1295 Oaktree Road
732-283-1188
22
First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen
Our food pantry serves many area families throughout the
year, and we send out bags of food every week. For Edison
and Metuchen residents / occupants.
Metuchen
270 Woodbridge Avenue
732-491-2300
First Presbyterian Church of Woodbridge
Provides Food Pantry
Woodbridge
600 Rahway Ave
(732) 634-1024
FISH Hospitality Program (FHP)
The mission of the FISH Hospitality Program (FHP) is to
serve homeless families and single women by providing
shelter and meals, and such other assistance as we are able, in
order to give them a new opportunity to live independently in
their communities as respected families and individuals.
Piscataway
456 New Market Rd
(732) 968-5957
Hands of Hope Food Pantry
In 1992 Hands of Hope, Inc. began to serve the community as
a food pantry/soup kitchen and a limited clothes closet and
today the program continues to function from St. James
Church, Edison NJ.
Edison
St. James Church
2136 Woodbridge Ave
(732) 236-3330
Highland Park Community Food Pantry
You will need to show identification and proof that you live or
work in Highland Park (such as a driver’s license, utility bill,
or pay stub).
We are open between 9 and 10:45 a.m. and 6 and 7 p.m. on
the second and fourth Thursdays of every month. If that day is
23
a holiday, we will be open on Tuesday of that week instead.
We also are open on the Saturdays of those weeks from 9:30-
10:30 a.m. A list of our upcoming openings is attached below.
If this is an emergency food situation, please call the senior
center between 8 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday, and
ask for Nicole. 732-819-0052. This is for true emergencies
only. All other food distributions are limited to our regular
opening times.
Highland Park
Senior / Youth Center
220 S 6th Avenue
732-819-0052
Interfaith Hospitality Network of Somerset County
The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Somerset County
provides emergency nights of shelter, meals, transportation,
basic needs, case management, advocacy and referral to
homeless families.
Somerville
98 West End Ave
(908) 704-1920
Isiah House
At the Isiah House, We offer a variety of residential and
community programs designed to meet the needs of our Essex
County community. Our mission is to assist homeless families
and individuals throughout Essex County by providing shelter
and support services which enable them to become fully
functional. We are a community for families and youth--
providing shelter from the storm.
East Orange
238 North Munn Ave
(973) 678-5882
Jewish Family & Vocational Service of Middlesex County
Provide food pantry and social services.
Monroe
52 Concordia Shopping Center
(609) 395-7979
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Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County
Jewish Family Services is committed to helping individuals
and families realize a fulfilling life experience at home, in the
workplace, and in the community by providing effective social
services, counseling, and advocacy through responsive,
innovative programs.
Milltown
32 Ford Avenue
(732) 777-1940
Lazarus Project
Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen. Various other services and
counseling are offered as well.
South River
7476 Washington Street
732-254-0066
M.C.F.O.O.D.S. Middlesex County's Emergency Food
Network
The Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach
Distribution Services (MCFOODS) was created by the Board
of Chosen Freeholders in 1994 to help ensure that an adequate
supply of nutritious foods and necessities are readily available
to Middlesex County residents in need at all times.
Cranbury
101 Interchange Plaza
(732)-729-0880
Mercy House of Cathedral International
Provides a pantry, free thrift shop, social services and referrals
to agencies.
Perth Amboy
277 Madison Ave
(732) 826-0447
Metro Park Assembly of God
FOOD ASSISTANCE MINISTRY
Last Thursday of the Month, 7pm - 8:30pm. 3rd Thursday in
November & December. Pick up only.
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732-283-3440
Location:
48 Berkley Blvd.
Iselin, NJ 08830
Newark Y.M.C.A. Emergency Residence Program
Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive residential
program, offering a range of programs and referrals to sustain
individuals and keep families strong during periods of crisis.
Our vision is to see our residents thrive in safe, long-term
housing, receiving all the support they need as they work
toward their goals.
Newark
600 Broad Street
973-624-8900
Newark YMCA Youth Emergency Service (YES) Program
The Newark Y’s Youth Emergency Service program offers a
24-hour, safe, supervised, supportive residence for youth in
crisis.
Newark
The YMCA of Newark and Vicinity
600 Broad Street
(973) 624-8900
North Brunswick Food Bank: Hunger Eliminated by Local
People (HELP)
Tuesday, 10-12pm & Thursday, 6-8pm
North Brunswick
710 Hermann Road
732-247-0922 ext. 293
Salvation Army New Brunswick Corps
Provides food pantry, clothing, furniture and Sunday services
to New Brunswick, East Brunswick, North Brunswick,
Highland Park, and Milltown.
New Brunswick
287 Handy St
(732) 545-1477
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Salvation Army Perth Amboy Corps
Provides pantry, daily feeding program, and after-school.
Basic computer class and tutoring programs (grades 1-4).
Perth Amboy
422 State St
(732) 826-7040
St. George's Anglican Church
The food pantry is open to anyone in need. The only
requirement is that the individual bring valid ID.
Helmetta
56 Main St
(732) 521-0169
Trinity Episcopal Church Food Pantry
This site provides a pantry, a soup kitchen and a HUGS
program supplying hats, underwear, gloves, and socks when
available.
Woodbridge
650 Rahway Avenue
732-634-7422 x4
United Way of Central Jersey
The United Way of Central Jersey mobilizes people,
organizations and financial resources to create and sustain
programs that achieve targeted outcomes and lasting change
through volunteerism, partnerships services and advocacy.
Milltown
32 Ford Avenue
(732) 247-3727
D: Transportation
There is no general program that will provide
assistance paying for transportation. NJ Transit will no longer
accept release papers in substitution for bus tickets. You may
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purchase transit tickets from NJDOC for $2.00 prior to
release. You will be provided with the accurate amount of
tickets to ensure your arrival to your destination.
Some of the programs listed in this book will provide bus
passes or bus cards to help you participate in that particular
program. If you need that help, make sure that you ask.
For specific bus line information contact NJ Transit: 800-772-
2222 or http://www.njtransit.com. If you click on the “trip
planner” section you can find out routes.
FYI: You may want to purchase a monthly or weekly pass if
you intend to use the discounted transportation services
provided in Middlesex County.
If you intend to drive places, remember that you must have a
valid driver’s license, and valid insurance for any vehicle that
you are driving. The Special Automobile Insurance Policy
(SAIP) is an initiative to help make limited auto insurance
coverage available to drivers who are eligible for Federal
Medicaid with hospitalization. Such drivers can obtain a
medical coverage-only policy at a cost of $365 a year. You
cannot get this insurance if your license or registration are
revoked or suspended. Other restrictions may apply. For more
information contact: 800-652-2471;
http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/dollaradayqna.htm.
Transportation for seniors, disabled, and other dependent
residents of Middlesex County:
MCAT-MIDDLESEX COUNTY AREA TRANSIT
711 Jersey Avenue
New Brunswick, NJ
732-745-7456
To make a reservation please call 1-800-221-3520
(All reservations must be made M-F 7:15-4:15)
E. Money
Once you get out of prison, you will need a source of income,
until you can find a job. (see under “Finding a Job” for
information about looking for work). The DOC does not
provide any “gate money,” except for the money you may
have in your inmate account. If it is possible to save any
money before you are released, you should try to do so.
Based on need, Parole can give up to $300.00 in emergency
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funds, but it is at their discretion. Ask your parole officer
about this.
You may be eligible to get some kind of public assistance
(welfare), but not everyone qualifies for this. Here are the
basics of what you’ll need to know about getting benefits.
16
GENERAL ASSISTANCE (WFNJ-GA) AND
TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY
FAMILIES (WFNJ-TANF)
provide cash benefits,
GA for single people and TANF for people who have custody
of their children. Both programs will require you to work or
actively look for work and both have a five-year lifetime limit.
Work First New Jersey also has an Emergency Assistance
program that you may qualify for if you are homeless or at
risk of becoming homeless: it can pay for things like food,
clothing and transportation costs to look for housing, but also
temporary rental or mortgage payment assistance and utility
payments. You will receive the P.R.E.P.A.R.E brochure
before release to apply for these programs online.
WFNJ-GA AND WFNJ-TANF
APPLICATION SITES:
WFNJ/General Assistance
181 How Lane
New Brunswick
732-745-3500 OR 1-800-SOCIAL2
Provides emergency/financial services to adults without
children for all the towns in Middlesex County that are not
listed below.
*Please note residents of Plainsboro will need to go to their
town municipal to apply.
WFNJ/TANF-Perth Amboy, South Amboy
252 Madison Avenue
Perth Amboy
732-324-5500
FYI: If you were convicted of an offense involving
distribution or sale of drugs after August 22, 1996, you cannot
receive cash benefits under GA or TANF. If you were
convicted of an offense after that date that only involved
possession of drugs, you may be able to get benefits if you
completed or are enrolled in a licensed drug treatment
program, or completed a program in prison and are drug free
(you will have to submit to drug testing).
If you apply for welfare and the case worker asks about your
criminal background, you should answer truthfully and to the
best of your knowledge.
29
If you provide false information, you may be found
“ineligible” and could also be prosecuted.
17
FOOD STAMPS
You may apply for food stamp while applying for
GA/TANF.
If you were convicted after August 22, 1996 of a drug
distribution or sales offense, you may still be able to get Food
Stamps if you have completed or are enrolled in a licensed
drug treatment program, or completed a program in prison and
are drug free (you will be tested). Same goes for possession
offenses.
F: Veterans Benefits:
If you were receiving veteran’s
benefits, either for disability or a pension, and you were
incarcerated for more than 60 days, you will have to get
reinstated after you are released. If you were not receiving
benefits and you are a veteran, you may be eligible for
benefits or for some of their other programs and services,
including health care. You can contact the P.R.E.P.A.R.E
social worker in your institution located in the social services
department for assistance. You can also contact the VA for
questions about benefits at 800-827-1000; the health benefit
number is 877-222-VETS. The 24 hour veterans mental health
hotline is 1-866-VETS-NJ4U.
The VA Benefit Administration is located at
20 Washington Pl., 3
rd
Floor
Newark
973-645-1441 (regional office).
The Veterans Services Coordinator for
Middlesex County
Doug Breen
75 Bayard St., New Brunswick
732-745-4051
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MIDDLESEX COUNTY VETERAN'S SERVICE CARD
A courtesy service card is available in the Middlesex County
Passport office to all veterans in acknowledgement of service
rendered to the United States of America.
•Original DD-214 must be recorded with the County Clerk.
•Proof of name and address in Middlesex County in the form
of a driver's license, business mail, or property tax bill.
•Married females requesting ID cards listing a name other than
what appears on their DD-214 must also show supporting
document showing legal name change.
•Passport Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 3:00 pm.
The following are some websites that can assist you in looking
for information about veteran services:
Federal Veterans Information:
www.va.gov
Info for NJ Veterans:
www.vetsinfo.com
New Jersey Dept of Veterans Affairs: www.state.nj.us/military
New Jersey Veterans Guide:
www.state.nj.us/military/veterans/njguide
VA Home Loans:
www.homeloans.va.gov
Veterans Counseling Service Center:
www.va.gov/rcs/newjersey/html
Be aware that the VA takes considerable time to make
decisions. On average, it can take 273 days to process a
new application for benefits.
OTHER BENEFIT PROGRAMS:
You may be eligible for other
cash benefits, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
disability benefits (if you are seriously disabled and cannot
work) call 1-800-772-1213 and the Women’s, Infants,
Children (WIC) program, which gives food vouchers to low-
income parents. You can inquire about WIC at the city and
county welfare offices.
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Taking Care of Yourself:
Getting Support
The transition from prison back to society may take some time
to get adjusted and we want to provide you with options to
lessen the burden. Taking care of your mind and body will be
important for your success. Below are a few places to that may
be of assistance.
Taking Care of Yourself:
Health Care Resources
It is very important that you pay attention to your health
during the period after you are released, and that you make
sure you have a plan to get any prescriptions that you need
filled and see a doctor if you have health conditions that need
care. Also, stress and changes in routine can make many
health conditions worse. Below, you’ll find information on
paying for health care and clinics and other resources in
Middlesex County.
A. Health Care Benefits: Am I eligible?
In New Jersey, the Medicaid program provides health care
benefits for some low-income people. If you gain custody of
children under 18 when you are released, you may qualify if
you are single, or if the main breadwinner in the household is
unemployed, or isn’t earning enough to support the family.
Otherwise, if you are single, you will only qualify for
Medicaid if you are low-income and are aged (meaning over
65), blind or so disabled that you are unable to work. If you
are disabled and are applying for SSI, you will also be
screened for Medicaid at that time. If you qualify for General
Assistance benefits, you will get some very basic health care
benefits through Medicaid (Plan G). Medicaid is a separate
program from GA or TANF, so you don’t have to be
eligible for those benefits to qualify for Medicaid.
For questions about Medicaid eligibility,
Call NJ Family Care at 1-800-701-0710
or to apply for
Medicaid in Middlesex County at:
Middlesex County Board of Social Services
181 How Lane
New Brunswick
732-745-3500 OR 1-800-SOCIAL2
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If you are a veteran, you may be eligible for health care
benefits through the Veteran’s Administration, which
provides a “Medical Benefits Package” for enrolled veterans.
You can call 877-222-VETS for more information about
eligibility and applying for benefits.
If you are HIV+ or have AIDS, you may also be eligible for
the AIDS Drug Distribution Program (ADDP), which
provides help paying for AIDS medication for people who
don’t have other ways of paying. You can apply for this
program before you are released. Contact the Aids Drug
Distribution Program at 609-588-7038 or toll free 877-613-
4533, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm to apply.
Easter Seals New Jersey provides information, referrals and
loans of medical equipment (including wheelchairs) to people
in need. For information call
732-257-6662.
B. General HealthCare Providers
Even if you do not have Medicaid or other health insurance or
benefits, Middlesex County has clinics that provide primary
health care at low cost, sliding scale or for free. They are listed
below. Most hospitals have charity care and you should ask
about this if you go to a hospital emergency room for
treatment.
Urgent Care
Excel Urgent Care of Old Bridge, NJ
Old Bridge Township, NJ
(732) 952-5000
Urgent Care of New Jersey
Edison, NJ
(732) 662-5650
Immediate Care Medical Walk-In of Edison
Edison, NJ
(732) 944-0950
Middlesex County Community Health Centers
Eric B Chandler Health Center
Location: New Brunswick, NJ - 8901
Contact Phone: 732-235-6700
Services: Dental Care Services, Enabling Services, Obstetrical
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and Gynecological Care, Other Professional Services, Primary
Medical Care, Specialty Medical Care
Remarks: Administrative/Clinic
Jewish Renaissance Medical Center
Location: Perth Amboy, NJ - 08861-4310
Contact Phone: 732-376-9333
Services: Adult Medicine, Adult Senior Services, Ancillary &
Referrals, Dental Services, Nutrition, Pediatric Services,
Woman Wellness
Remarks: Community Health Center, Administrative/Clinic ,
Urban Area, Permanent Clinic, Full-Time (open 52 hours per
week)
Jewish Renaissance Medical Center Admin Offices
Location: Perth Amboy, NJ - 08861-4310
Contact Phone: 732-376-9333
Services: Adult Medicine, Adult Senior Services, Ancillary &
Referrals, Dental Services, Nutrition, Pediatric Services,
Woman Wellness
Remarks: Community Health, Urban Area, Mobile Van
Clinic, Full-Time (open 40 hours per week)
Middlesex County College
Location: Edison, NJ - 8820
Contact Phone: 732.548.6000
Services: Dental Checkup and cleaning
Perth Amboy High School
Location: Perth Amboy, NJ - 08861-2711
Contact Phone: 732-376-6030
Services: Adult Medicine, Adult Senior Services, Ancillary &
Referrals, Dental Services, Nutrition, Pediatric Services,
Woman Wellness
Remarks: Community Health, Urban Area, Permanent Clinic,
Year-Round, Part-Time (open 20 hours per week)
Perth Amboy Housing Authority
Location: Perth Amboy, NJ - 08861-3849
Contact Phone: 732-324-0500
Services: Adult Medicine, Adult Senior Services, Ancillary &
Referrals, Dental Services, Nutrition, Pediatric Services,
Woman Wellness
Remarks: Community Health, Urban Area, Permanent Clinic,
Year-Round, Part-Time (open 20 hours per week)
Planned Parenthood - New Brunswick Center
Location: New Brunswick, NJ - 0 8901
Contact Phone: 732.246.2411
Services: Abortion Referral, Birth Control, HIV Testing,
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Morning after pill(Emergency contraception), Pregnancy
Testing & services, STD Testing and treatment and Vaccines,
Women's Health Care.
Remarks: Saturday hours are available on every other
weekend beginning Jan. 14. Please call 732-246-2411 to
schedule.
Planned Parenthood - Perth Amboy Center
Location: Perth Amboy, NJ - 0 8861
Contact Phone: 732.442.4499
Services: Abortion Referral, Birth Control, HIV Testing,
Morning after pill(Emergency contraception), Pregnancy
Testing & services, STD Testing and treatment and Vaccines,
Women's Health Care.
Remarks: Saturday hours are available between 8 a.m. to 1
p.m. every other weekend beginning Jan. 7. Please call 732-
442-4499 to schedule.
Planned Parenthood - Spotswood Center
Location: Spotswood, NJ - 0 8884
Contact Phone: 732.723.9192
Services: Abortion Referral, Birth Control, HIV Testing,
Morning after pill(Emergency contraception), Pregnancy
Testing & services, STD Testing and treatment and Vaccines,
Women's Health Care.
University Of Medicine And Dentistry Rwj Eric B.
Chandler Health Center
Location: New Brunswick, NJ - 08901-1311
Contact Phone: 732-235-6700
Services: Adult and Family Medicine, Women's Health Care -
Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatric/Child Health Care, Dental
Care, Podiatry (Foot Care), Infectious Diseases and HIV,
Special Services, Laboratory Services.
Remarks: Community Health, Urban Area, Permanent Clinic,
Year-Round, Full-Time (open 52 hours per week)
University Of Medicine And Dentistry Rwj Eric B.
Chandler Health Center
Location: New Brunswick, NJ - 08901-2001
Contact Phone: 732-235-2052
Services: Adult and Family Medicine, Women's Health Care -
Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatric/Child Health Care, Dental
Care, Podiatry (Foot Care), Infectious Diseases and HIV,
Special Services, Laboratory Services.
Remarks: Community Health, Urban Area, Permanent Clinic,
Year-Round, Full-Time (open 40 hours per week)
All of these centers accept Medicaid and some insurance
plans, but also provide services on a sliding scale basis,
35
additional fees for x-rays and lab work. Primary and
preventive care. Staff there can help you apply for Medicaid or
other benefits if you may be eligible.
Middlesex Department of Human Services
75 Bayard St.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901Phone: 732-745-4042
Middlesex County Prescription Discount Plan
1-800-633-0037
www.gspops.com
Planned Parenthood of Central NJ
http://www.ppcnj.org/
69 E Newman Spring Rd
Shrewberry NJ 07702
732-842-9300
450 Market St.
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
732-442-4499
Provides:
Gynecological exams,
Pregnancy testing/counseling,
Prenatal care,
STD testing/counseling,
Teen programs,
Emergency contraception,
Family planning
Male programs.
Sliding scale fees based on income and family size, Medicaid
and most insurance is accepted.
C. Services for People with HIV/AIDS
In addition to the clinics listed above, a number of places in
Middlesex County offer care and support services specifically
for people with HIV and AIDS.
Catholic Charities
(testing provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Counseling
and Testing Program) has multiple sites.
24 Abeel Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-745-9800
36
Elijah’s Promise
(testing provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Counseling
and Testing Program)
18 Neilson Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-545-9002
Eric B. Chandler Health Center
277 George St. New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-235-7992
Middlesex County Health Department
596 Jersey Avenue New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732- 565-3788 x302
Planned Parenthood-New Brunswick
10B Industrial Drive New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-246-2411
Planned Parenthood-Perth Amboy
450 Market Street Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
732-442-4499
Planned Parenthood-Spotswood
12 Snowhill St, Snowhill Plaza, Ste. 3 Spotswood, NJ 08884
732-723-9192
Pride Center
(testing provided by Robert Wood Johnson Counseling and
Testing Program)
85 Raritan Avenue #100 Highland Park, NJ 08904
732- 846-2232
Raritan Bay Medical Center
530 New Brunswick Ave. Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
732-324-5346
Robert Wood Johnson AIDS Program
1 Robert Wood Johnson Pl. New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-235-6142
Robert Wood Johnson Counseling and Testing Program 1
Robert Wood Johnson Place Suite
1 New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732- 235-7114
Catholic Charities Case Management for HIV Disease
24 Abeel St.
New Brunswick NJ 08903
732-745-9800
37
Hyacinth AIDS Foundation
317 George Street Suite 203
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-246-0204 or call the state’s hotline 800-433-0254.
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Services include case management, support groups, buddy
services and treatment advocacy.
NJ AIDS/STD Hotline
UMDNJ/65 Bergen St, Newark
1-800-624-2377 – 24 hours/day
The hotline gives referrals, general information, counseling,
testing locations and treatment information.
New Jersey Women and Aids Network
103 Bayard Street 3
rd
Floor
New Brunswick NJ 08901
Sister Connect Warm Line: 1-800-747-1108
732-846-4462
Hours: M-F 9am-5pm
D. Services for People With
Tuberculosis and Hepatitis C
In addition to the general medical care facilities listed above,
there are a few services especially for people with tuberculosis
and hepatitis C.
National Hepatitis C Coalition
951-766-8238
Mercer County Hepatitis Support Group
Robert Wood Johnson
Whitehorse Hamilton Square Road and Klockner Road
Hamilton NJ
Contact: Peggy Goodale 609-371-3401
Global TB Institute at the University of Medicine and
Dentistry
Hotline: 1-800-4TB-DOCS
TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL PROGRAM
29 Oakwood Avenue
Edison NJ 08837
732-321-5297
Hours: M-F 8:30am-4:15pm
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E. Dental Care
The locations listed below don’t provide free care, but do have
a sliding scale for those without insurance. Waiting lists can
be long.
RWJ Dental Services
1 Robert Wood Johnson Place
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-937-8653
Middlesex County College
Dental Hygiene Clinic
L’Hommedieu Hall
2600 Woodbridge Avenue
Edison, New Jersey 08818
732-906-2536
John F. Kennedy Medical Center
65 James Street
Edison, New Jersey 08820
732-321-7608
NOTE: Limited to Middlesex County residents only.
Eric B. Chandler Health Center*
123 Church Street
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901
732-235-2052
Eric B. Chandler Health Center*
277 George Street
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901
732-235-6700
F. MENTAL HEALTH /SUBSTANCE ABUSE
RESOURCES
FYI: Drug addiction can be fatal to your health, not to
mention illegal and can result in jail time. In order to be
successful in society seeking services for a drug or alcohol
addiction will be necessary. Many of the health clinics,
support centers and other resources listed in this guide can
help refer you to treatment that best fits your needs. Listed
below are some of Middlesex County’s treatment resources,
and each of these will also help with referrals if they can not
help you. If you want treatment, you should also ask your
parole officer for help — beds in treatment facilities are hard
to come by, and they can help get you in. There are Narcotics
Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) support
group meetings all over Middlesex County. To find a meeting
near you, call 866-920-1212 (for AA) or 800-992-0401 (for
NA). For other self-help group resources, call the New Jersey
39
Self Help Clearinghouse at 800-367-6274. Also, you can call
the Addictions Hotline of NJ at 800-238-2333.
Primary Screening Center for Middlesex County:
University Behavioral Health Care
671 Hoes Lane Piscataway, NJ 08855
HOTLINE: (732) 235-5700
Emergency Services - Affiliated w/Screening
Center Raritan Bay Medical Center
530 New Brunswick Avenue Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
HOTLINE: (732) 442-3794
Mental Health Treatment Facilities and Programs:
East Mountain Hospital
252 Route 601 Belle Mead, NJ 08502
(800) 379-1949
www.eastmountainhospital.com
Carrier Clinic
252 Route 601 Belle Mead, NJ 08502
(800) 933-3579
www.carrierclinic.org
Catholic Charities
www.ccdom.org
(732) 324-8200
Community Care Behavioral Health Piscataway
732-572-4666
www.communitycare.us
Contact we Care 24 Hour National Suicide
Prevention Hotlines:
1-800-273-TALK (8255) and 1-800-SUICIDE or Text "CWC"
to 839863. 2
Jewish Family & Vocational Service of Middlesex County
32 Ford Avenue Milltown, NJ 08850
(732) 777-1940
http://www.jfvs.org
JFK Center for Behavioral Health Edison
732-321-7189
www.solarishs.org
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI NJ)
North Brunswick
732-940-0991
40
www.naminj.org
NAMI Middlesex
www.naminj.org/affiliates/middlesex.html
732-745-0709
Raritan Bay Medical Center& Short-Term Care Facility
Perth Amboy
732-324-5119
www.rbmc.org
Princeton House Behavioral Health North Brunswick
732-729-3636
www.princetonhouse.org
UMDNJ
University Behavioral Health Care Piscataway
1-800-969-5300
www.ubmc.umdnj.edu
G. Emergency Mental Health Services
FYI: If at any time you may want to hurt yourself or
someone else, please call 911. If you feel like you may be a
danger to your self or others. It is very important that you
call someone for help. Here are a few numbers of places
that would be more than willing to come to your aid.
Middlesex County Mental Health Administration
732-745-5186
www.co.middlesex.nj.us/humanservices
Raritan Bay Medical Center Crisis Stabilization
Perth Amboy
732-324-5289 /5105
UMDNJ Crisis
Piscataway
732-235-5700
Middlesex County Prescription Discount Plan
1-800-633-0037
www.gspops.com
H. Free/Low Cost Eyeglasses and Eye care
Atlantic Medical Eye Care
Dr. Scharfman
41
Raritan Bay Medical Center
3 Hospital Plaza Suite 310
Old Bridge NJ 08857
732-607-0555
American Council of the Blind of New Jersey
21 Island Drive
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Finding a Job:
Employment Assistance and Training Programs
Getting a job is usually one of the most important necessities
when released from prison. Not everyone can obtain
employment immediately, sometimes things like getting drug
treatment, dealing with your housing, health or family
situation may come first. For most people, though, finding
work is the first step to getting back on your feet. It will be
very challenging to get a job once you have been in prison, but
it is not impossible, and you need to be persistent and patient.
Below are some pointers on job searching, and information
about resources that can help you find a job or get training for
the job you want.
A. Things to Know Before
You Start Your Job Search
Be Prepared: It is essential that you are organized, and have
all records of previous employment available when beginning
a job search. A resume is the smartest thing you can create. If
you are unsure of how to do so, you may go to your local one-
stop career center and seek assistance. Not only will
employers want to know your work history, they will inquire
of accurate dates that you were employed with the company.
Knowing this information is vital to ensuring employment.
Employers will not be interested in hearing that you do not
remember dates or addresses for your work history. If an
employer decides to hire you he will also need your
identification so make sure that is readily available.
Presentation: Look as neat, clean and organized as possible,
no matter what the job is. Be polite and respectful, even when
people are not polite and respectful to you, and many won’t
42
be. Making the person you want to help you or hire you mad
won’t get you the job you want.
Talking About Your Criminal Record:
Never omit or falsify a document that asks you specifically if
you have a criminal record. The application may ask you to
give details to the nature of your crime and it may not.
Chances are a criminal background check will be administered
prior to employment and lying will cost you the job.
FYI: Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): With the Work
Opportunity Tax Credit, your employer may be able to save up
to $4800 the first year you are hired. Make sure to inform your
potential employer of this benefit.
For questions regarding WOTC, please call 609-292-5525
or 1-800-792-8881
Federal Bonding Program: Provides bonding “or insurance
coverage” for employers who hire individuals with criminal
histories who are otherwise qualified but cannot gain
employment due to their criminal backgrounds. Please contact
your local one stop for more information. (732) 418-3347
Middlesex County Apprenticeship Programs
Contact: Mr. Bruce Negri
Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools
112 Rues Lane, PO Box 1070
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
732.257.3300 x1921
732.390.4252 FAX
negrib@mail.mcvts.net
www.mcvts.net
NJ LWD Representative – James Spinola
IT’S A JOB FOR RIGHT NOW,
IT’S NOT THE REST OF YOUR LIFE
When you are first starting out, especially if you’ve been out
of the job market for a while, or have never had a job, you
need to build a work history, and, of course, you need to make
some money. Take whatever job you can get for now — it
doesn’t have to be the exact job you want, or what you
eventually want to be doing. Do this job well —even if it’s not
a great job — and it can help you get a better one in the future.
A year of good job performance will make your criminal
record matter less.
32
43
B. Help with Job Search and Job Training:
Resources
The following are good places to start in looking for a job.
Middlesex County One-Stop/Workforce New Jersey
550 Jersey Avenue
New Brunswick NJ
One Stop: 732-937-6200
Workforce NJ: 732-745-3955
Hours: M-F 8:30am-5:30pm
Perth Amboy Office
161 New Brunswick Ave
Perth Amboy, NJ
One Stop: 732-293-5016
Workforce NJ: 732-826-3200
Hours: M-F 8:30am-5:30pm
Jewish Family and Vocational Service
Milltown Office: 32 Ford Ave Milltown
732-777-1940
Monroe Office: 52 Concordia Shopping Center Monroe
609-395-7979
Offers: comprehensive career assistance to unemployed,
underemployed, refugees, asylees, individuals seeking a new
job and/or those seeking a career change.
* Also offers women’s job center at Milltown office.
Services include: Career Evaluation and Assessment, Career
counseling, Career planning, Job Search Techniques, Resume
Writing, Interview Preparation, Job Seeker Support Group,
Education and Academic Counseling, Computer Training,
English Language Training.
NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
New Brunswick, NJ
732-937-6300
This program includes diagnostic evaluation, vocational
guidance and counseling, therapies, vocational training,
rehabilitation workshop and training, tools, supplies, assistive
devices, vehicle modification, supported employment/job
coaching and job placement assistance. Disability must be
significant impediment to employment.
New Brunswick Public Schools Adult Learning Center
268 Baldwin Street 2
nd
Floor
44
New Brunswick
732-745-5300 x4100
Offers computer access for job searches and resume writing.
Offers additional services for ages 16-20.
M-F 9:30am-4:30pm
Civic League of greater New Brunswick
47-49 Throop Ave
New Brunswick
732-247-9066
Offers public access to computers for job searches and resume
writing.
M-F 9:00am-5:00pm.
Elijah’s Promise- Culinary Arts Training Program
The Promise Jobs Culinary School offers a full-time, intensive
training program that prepares participants for employment in
the food service industry.
211 Livingston Ave
New Brunswick
(732) 545-9002, ext. 113
Middlesex County Apprenticeship Programs
Contact: Mr. Bruce Negri
Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools
112 Rues Lane, PO Box 1070
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
732.257.3300 x1921
732.390.4252 FAX
negrib@mail.mcvts.net
www.mcvts.net
NJ LWD Representative – James Spinola
C. Legal Restrictions on
Employment and Protections
Against Discrimination
If you are interested in getting a job and building a career in a
particular area, you should make sure that it isn’t one that is
forbidden to someone with the kind of criminal conviction that
you have on your record. There are about 22 categories of jobs
in New Jersey that exclude people with convictions (which
conviction it is varies by job). These include: aircraft/airport
employees; paid public school employees, school bus drivers
and school crossing guards; bank employees; bartenders and
waiters in establishments where liquor is served; housing
authority and municipal police and parking enforcement
officers; New Jersey Turnpike Authority employees; liquor
45
retail, wholesale, manufacturing or distributing employees;
paid firefighters; child care center employees; community
residences for individuals with developmental disabilities. A
much larger number of jobs require that you disclose your
criminal record, and that employers perform background
checks; some of these, however, also require that employers
consider evidence of rehabilitation. These include most jobs in
the health care and counseling fields (including drug and
alcohol counseling) and social workers.
If you are going to begin training in a particular field, make
sure you find out from the training course whether there are
any restrictions that will keep you from getting a job.
Protections For Licensed Occupations:
If you are not absolutely barred from a position because of
your conviction, New Jersey law says that you cannot be
denied a professional license simply because of your
conviction unless the crime for which you were convicted
relates to the occupation you want to enter. If the licensing
board or agency wants to deny you a license because the crime
is related to the occupation, they have to explain, in writing,
that they have considered certain factors like the seriousness
of the crime, the circumstances of the crime, the date and your
age when convicted, whether the crime was an isolated or
repeated event, social conditions, and evidence of
rehabilitation. You can ask your parole officer about applying
for a “certificate of rehabilitation,” which can be used in your
license application.
D. Benefits for Employers Who
Hire People With Criminal Records
As you look for a job you can tell employers that the federal
government has programs to support employers who hire
people coming out of prison.
FYI: Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): With the Work
Opportunity Tax Credit, your employer may be able to save up
to $4800 the first year you are hired. Make sure to inform your
potential employer of this benefit.
For questions regarding WOTC, please call 609-292-5525
or 1-800-792-8881
Federal Bonding Program: Provides bonding “or insurance
coverage” for employers who hire individuals with criminal
histories who are otherwise qualified but cannot gain
employment due to their criminal backgrounds. Please contact
your local one stop for more information. (732) 418-3347.
46
E. Opening a Checking or Savings Account
After you’ve gotten a source of income, you may want to open
a checking or savings account. A checking account is a great
idea because many jobs provide direct deposit, and your check
is automatically deposited into your account on payday. Using
checks to pay for your bills is also cheaper than using money
orders. To open a checking account you usually need a picture
I.D. (driver’s license or non-driver state I.D.), proof of
address, birth certificate, and a social security card. You can
also request a debit card with your account, which you can use
just like a credit card (as long as you have the money in your
account already). You can get a debit card for either a
checking account, or a savings account, but with a savings
account you can earn interest on the money you’ve saved.
Fees for these accounts will vary depending on the type of
account and bank. Many banks now offer free checking.
F. Public Libraries
Your local public library can be a good resource for your job
search. Public computers provide internet access (and help
using the computer), job and course listings, and other local
directories. Libraries also often carry the government forms
mentioned in this guide, and librarians can help you find other
information that you need.
LIBRARIES
Libraries-Middlesex Automation
Avenel, NJ
(732) 750-2525
Open until 8:30 PM
Middlesex Public Library
Middlesex, NJ
(732) 356-6602
Open until 9:00 PM
New Brunswick Free Public Library
New Brunswick, NJ
47
(732) 745-5108
Open until 9:00 PM
Monroe Township Library
Monroe Township, NJ
(732) 521-5000
Open until 9:00 PM
East Brunswick Public Library
East Brunswick, NJ
(732) 390-6950
Open until 9:00 PM
Middlesex County Planning Department
New Brunswick, NJ
(732) 745-3062
Edison Public Library: North Edison Branch
Edison, NJ
(732) 548-3045
Open until 9:00 PM
Westergard Library
Piscataway Township, NJ
(732) 752-1166
Open until 9:00 PM
Piscataway Twp Library
Piscataway Township, NJ
(732) 463-1633
Plainfield Public Library
Plainfield, NJ
(908) 757-1111
Open until 9:00 PM
Milltown Public Library
Milltown, NJ
(732) 247-2270
Open until 8:00 PM
Clara Barton Library
Edison, NJ
(732) 738-0096
Closing soon: 5:00 PM
48
Edison Public Library: Main Branch
Edison, NJ
(732) 287-2298
Open until 9:00 PM
Woodbridge Public Library
Woodbridge, NJ
(732) 634-4450
Open until 9:00 PM
South Brunswick Public Library
Monmouth Junction, NJ
(732) 329-4000
Open until 9:00 PM
Woodbridge Public Library
Fords, NJ
(732) 726-7071
Open until 6:00 PM
Woodbridge Public Library - Henry Inman Branch
Colonia, NJ
(732) 726-7072
Open until 9:00 PM
Franklin Township Public Library, Franklin Park Branch
Public Library · Franklin Towne Center
Franklin Park, NJ
(732) 873-8700
Closing soon: 5:00 PM
Mercer County Library Windsor
Princeton Junction, NJ
(609) 799-0462
Open until 9:00 PM
Old Bridge Public Library
Old Bridge, NJ
(732) 721-5600
Open until 9:00 PM
49
Reconnecting with Family
As you prepare to come home, you may be thinking about
reuniting with family members, including those you may not
have seen for a long time. You may be excited to see your
kids, your spouse, your parents, and others who are part of
your family, and while most will be glad to see you home,
others may be reluctant. All kinds of issues can come up, and
you may need some help solving some of the problems that
arise. This section provides some information and resources to
help solve these issues.
Hotlines For Family Services Resources
NJ Child Abuse/ Neglect Hotline:
1(877)NJABUSE (652-2873)
Child Care Hotline:
1(800) 332-9227
NJ Child Support Hotline:
1 (877) NJKIDS- 1 (655-4371)
Division of Family Development:
1(800) 792-9773
NJ Division of Youth and Family Services:
1 (800) 331-DYFS (3937)
Family Health Line:
1 (800) 328-3838
Family Help Line (for stressed parents):
1 (800) THE KIDS (843-2537
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
1(800) 799-7233
NJ Domestic Violence Hotline:
1(800) 572-7223
Parents Anonymous:
1(800) 843-5437
A. Family Counseling Resources
The following places can provide support, marital and family
counseling and parenting classes to help you reunite with your
family.
50
Catholic Charities – Middlesex Counseling Center
319 Maple Street
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
732-324-8200
*DYFS Clients Only
271 Smith Street,
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Phone: 732.826.9160
*Non-DYFS clients accepted
Catholic Charities – Connections Program
26 Safran Avenue,
Edison, NJ 08816
732.738.1323
Hours: Call for hours
Provides high quality, low cost, individual, couple, family and
group counseling services to all individuals requesting
treatment.
New Jersey MENTOR
80 Cottontail Lane, Suite 330
Somerset, NJ 08873
732.627.9890
Family Support Organization of Middlesex County
1 Ethel Road, Suite 108 A
Edison, NJ 08817
732.287.8701
Parents Anonymous of New Jersey, Inc.
127 US Highway 206, Suite 10, Hamilton
609-585-7666
800-843-5437 (24 hour hotline)
Hours: Call to confirm group times at different locations
Self-help for parents who are under stress and who want to
improve their relationship with their children. Groups meet
weekly and are facilitated by a volunteer professional; many
groups provide child care. Groups meet in most counties
throughout the state with some bilingual groups available.
Parents Anonymous also offers an on-line support group as
well.
B.
Child Custody and Visitation
Establishing visitation and gaining custody of your children
once you are released is not an overnight procedure. If you
had custody of your kids at the time you were incarcerated,
and no family was able to take care of them, they may have
51
been placed in foster care. If this is the case, and you do not
know your child’s case manager’s name or number, contact
the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS), at 732-
246-5640 or 800-531-1091. You will have to make an
appointment with the case manager for an interview. They
may not be willing to give you information over the phone.
You’ll be asked a series of questions in order to assess when
and if you will be given visitation rights, so that you may
reestablish your relationship with the child and hopefully gain
custody again. This is just a quick overview of what to do and
what you can expect. Family
If you were convicted of any violent or sexual offenses
against children, you may be unable to live with or regain
custody of your children.
C. Getting and Paying Child Support
Whether you have custody of your children on your own when
you get out, and need help from an absent “non-custodial”
parent, or you do not have custody of kids who need your
support, child support payments will be an important part of
your life after you are released. Some basic information is
included below, as well as other places to go to get more
information.
Child support, custody and visitation issues are very
complicated, and if you can get a lawyer, you should.
Contact the Legal Services of New Jersey hotline, from 9:00
am - 4:30 pm, at 888-576-5529, or the Middlesex County Bar
Association Lawyer Referral Service at (732) 828-3433. You
can also contact Middlesex County Legal Services, at 317
George Street, Suite 201, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: (732) 249-7600 / 313 State Street, Suite 308
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 Phone: (732) 324-1613. From prison,
you can also contact the Prisoner’s Self Help Legal Clinic,
P.O. Box 768, Newark, NJ 07101.
Getting and Enforcing a Child Support Order
If you have custody of your children, and want financial
support from the non-custodial parent, you can apply for child
support at the Superior Court of NJ Family Division, 56
Paterson St., New Brunswick, (732) 519-3200. There is a
possible fee. You can also call 1-877-NJKIDS1 for more
information about this. If you are receiving public assistance,
there is no fee, and Work First New Jersey/TANF can help
with the application, locating the absent parent, and paternity
testing, but you will also not get most of the money paid in
support while you are receiving public assistance, because it
will go to pay back the state for what has been paid to you.
52
Child Support Services of the Probation Division is located at
the Perth Amboy office: 262 State St., Perth Amboy/ New
Brunswick office: 96 Bayard St, New Brunswick which helps
enforce child support orders. The phone number for Child
Support Enforcement is (877) 655-4371.ith Family
Paying Child Support
If you have kids that you did not have custody of before you
went to prison, there may be a child support order requiring
you to pay a certain amount every month for their support.
Even if you did not go to court — if, for example, the parent
with custody filed for the order while you were incarcerated
— the court can still order you to pay child support. The
amount you pay in child support is tied to your income, and if
the court does not know your income, they will assume you
are working 40 hours a week at minimum wage. Child support
payments are usually taken out of your paycheck. If you have
not paid at all or missed payments, you will owe “arrears.”
Unless you got a modification of your child support order
when you went into prison (see below), the amount of arrears
that you owe will have continued to grow while you were
inside. When you come out, and get a job, they can begin to
take out not just the monthly amount you owe for child
support, but more money to pay back the arrears (up to 65% of
your pay in total). They may also suspend your driver’s
license. Here are some things you can do:
Pre-Release: Before you are released, you can seek a
modification of a child support order, based on your change in
circumstances (incarceration). You would be asking the court
to reduce the amount you owe, so that arrears do not continue
to build up while you are in prison. This process can be done
without a lawyer but it is complicated, because you have to fill
out and send the appropriate papers to court, the other parent
or his or her lawyer, and to the Probation Division. The forms
you need and the instructions are available at the state
judiciary website:
www.judiciary.state.nj.us/prose/infmpjm.pdf
or may be available in your prison law library.
Post-Release: You can find out how much you owe, and
whether there is an existing child support order by going to the
Family Division at the Hall of Justice, 120 New St. PO BOX
2691 New Brunswick NJ 08903. If you have not been paying
child support, you should be aware that there may be a warrant
issued for your arrest — this may have been addressed at the
time you were being released, but you should still call before
you go there: 732-519-3242. Tell them who you are, that you
have just been released from prison and want to find out about
how to pay your child support, and ask if there is a warrant.
53
You can ask if they will “recall” the warrant so that you can
come in, possibly work out a payment plan, and get a
modification of the child support order.
D. Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Resources
The following places provide counseling, support and shelter
or referrals to shelter in domestic violence situations. You can
also call these 24 hour hotlines:
New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women:
(800)-572-SAFE.
Domestic Abuse Hotline for Men and Women:
(888) 7HELPLINE (1-888-743-5754)
Manavi
24-hour Hotline: 732-435-1414
http://www.manavi.org/
An organization that provides a unique blend of culturally
specific support services and intervention methods to address
the unmet needs of South Asian women who are victims of
violence. Manavi offers group and individual counseling,
interpretation, accompaniments and transportation.
Women Aware, Inc.
250 Livingston Ave.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
24-Hour Hotline: 732-249-4504
732-249-4900
http://womenaware.net/
An organization that addresses the needs of women and
children living in violent homes by making available free and
confidential services which range from emergency crisis
intervention to long-term efforts toward independent living. If
necessary, it also plans safe-housing shelters and assist the
women in obtaining temporary restraining orders.
Women Helping Women
24-hour Hotline: 1-877-889-5610
https://www.womenhelpingwomen.org/
Provides crisis intervention and prevention advocacy on three
areas of gender-based violence: sexual assault, domestic
violence, and stalking. Although survivors of gender-based
violence are predominantly women, we extend all of our
support services to men and the LGBTQ community. The
agency offers both individual and family counseling for men
and women in addition to support groups.
54
Getting More Education
Although getting more education may not be part of your short
term plans, it certainly should be something to think about for
the future, especially if you do not have a high school diploma
or a GED.
A. High School Diploma/GED
Certificate/High School Equivalency
Degree (HSED)/Vocational School
Certificates
It is very important to keep records of any degrees and
certificates of completion and work-related licenses that have
earned. Before you are released, you can write to the school or
agency where you earned your degree or certificate to obtain a
copy. Once you have a copy in your possession, this should
be kept in your strong box.
FYI: If you earned your GED while incarcerated please call
the Education Department of the institution you were in to
obtain a copy.
You can also request your GED transcript or diploma
verification from the New Jersey Department of Education
providing you completed your diploma in a traditional setting.
You will have to fill out a GED Information Request Form.
Please call 609-777-1050 for further assistance.
You may ask that it be sent to you; or you may pick up the
form at a local testing center (which you can do after you are
released); by downloading the form from the website
http://www.state.nj.us/njded/students/ged/ged7.htm; or by
writing to: GED Testing Program, Bureau of Adult Education
and Family Literacy, New Jersey Department of Education,
PO Box 500, Trenton, NJ 08625.
Your chances of getting a job that pays a living wage, and of
moving forward in a career will improve with more education,
and not having the high school diploma or GED will simply
lock you out from a lot of opportunities.
B. GED Classes
The places in Middlesex County below offer classes to help
you prepare for the GED exam. Call for exact times and
55
procedures. Many locations offer classes at low cost or no
cost.
GED Locations
Middlesex County College
2600 Woodbridge Avenue | Edison, NJ 08818 - 3050 |
Phone: 732.548.6000 | Information Line: 732.906.2555
Admissions: 732.906.4243 |
Continuing Education: 732.906.2556
Middlesex County One-Stop/Workforce New Jersey
Middlesex Office
550 Jersey Avenue
New Brunswick NJ
One Stop: 732-937-6200
Workforce NJ: 732-745-3955
Hours: M-F 8:30am-5:30pm
Perth Amboy Office
161 New Brunswick Ave
Perth Amboy, NJ
One Stop: 732-293-5016
Workforce NJ: 732-826-3200
Hours: M-F 8:30am-5:30pm
East Brunswick Adult and Community Education
380 Cranbury Road
Room A1
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Phone: (732)613-6981
Jewish Family and Vocational Service of Middlesex
County (732) 777-1940 Fee may be required.
East Brunswick High School
(732) 613-6980
Community Learning Center at Roosevelt
1 Roosevelt Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
Phone: (732)321-2201
Perth Amboy Adult School
178 Barracks Street
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Phone: (732)376-6243
56
C. Higher Education
If you already have a high school diploma or a GED
certificate, you may want to move forward and get your
associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree or graduate degree.
Below are phone numbers for Middlesex County.
Local Area Colleges
Middlesex County College
2600 Woodbridge Avenue | Edison, NJ 08818 - 3050 |
Phone: 732.548.6000 | Information Line: 732.906.2555
Admissions: 732.906.4243 |
Continuing Education: 732.906.2556
Middlesex County College, New Brunswick Center
140 New Street
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901
Telephone : 732-745-8866
Middlesex County College, Perth Amboy Center
60 Washington Street
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Tel: 732.324.0700
Rutgers University
65 Davidson Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854
732-445-4636
Can I Get Financial Aid?
To pay for this, you will probably try to get some financial
aid. If you are applying for any federal financial aid programs
after release (such as Pell Grants, Perkins Loans, Federal
Family Education Loans, etc.), you are not restricted unless
you have a drug-related offense. For possession offenses, a
first offense means one year of ineligibility (after your
conviction), a second offense, two years, and third offense
means you are “indefinitely” ineligible, which to the
government means permanently ineligible. For a sales or
distribution crime, a first offense has two years of ineligibility,
a second offense makes it permanent. Private financial aid or
loan programs may not have any restrictions.
57
Other Things
You Need to Know
A. Getting Legal Assistance
To get assistance with civil (not criminal) cases, you can
contact the toll free hotline for Legal Services of New Jersey
(LSNJ), which provides information and referrals, 888-576-
5529. For local Middlesex County legal services please
contact the office located nearest to you.
Perth Amboy
313 State Street, Suite 308
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Phone: (732) 324-1613
Fax: (732) 324-6253
New Brunswick
317 George Street, Suite 201
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: (732) 249-7600
Fax: (732) 249-7966
B. Checking and Correcting Your
Criminal Record (Rap Sheet)
Since employers, landlords and others will be performing
criminal background checks and getting copies of your
criminal record, it is important that you know what is on it,
and whether it is accurate. It will also help you be prepared to
answer any questions about your background. Go into your
local police station and make an appointment to be
fingerprinted on a State Applicant Fingerprint Card (SBI19).
On that card, include your full name, social security number,
date of birth and purpose for the record check. Mail the card
with a cover letter listing the purpose of the request, the name
of the person whose records are being requested, and the
address where the records should be sent, to: (see next page)
State Section of Identification
Records and Identification Bureau
New Jersey State Police
P.O. Box 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628
609-882-2000 ext 6425
609-530-4856 fax
You must include a $41 money order or cashier’s check,
certified check, or business check made payable to:
58
DIVISION OF STATE POLICE-SBI. No personal checks are
accepted.
C. Expungement:
Cleaning Up Your Criminal Record
You may have heard about expungement as one way to clean
up your criminal record as you get some distance from your
old arrests and convictions. Unfortunately, expungement is
fairly limited in New Jersey. You can expunge any arrest that
did not lead to a conviction at any point. You can expunge
“disorderly persons offenses,” which are low level offenses in
New Jersey, after 5 years, and most municipal ordinance
offenses after 2 years. Convictions for “indictable offenses”
(felonies), can be expunged 10 years from the date of
conviction, payment of any fine, satisfactory completion of
probation or parole or release from incarceration, but
whichever is latest. The most serious of these offenses, such as
murder, kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, arson,
perjury and distribution, sale or possession with intent to
distribute of controlled dangerous substances (drugs), can
never be expunged. Expungement is a broader remedy for
offenses committed as a juvenile. Legal Services of New
Jersey has published a guide to cleaning up your record
through expungement.
To obtain a copy of the book, call 888-576-5529, or go to the
LSNJ website, where you can download it for free:
http://www.lsnj.org/english/crime/municipalcourt/clearingyou
rrecord.cfm.
D. Checking and Correcting
Your Credit Record
While New Jersey allows employers to look at your criminal
record, many employers — and others like landlords and
mortgage companies — will use a credit report instead of or in
addition to the state’s records. Credit records are maintained
by private companies and generally have information about
your debts, your history of paying bills and other financial
matters, but may also have information about your criminal
record. The information may not be correct, and the law does
offer you some protections. For example, if an employer uses
a credit record to deny you a job, they have to tell you this,
and give you the name, address and phone number of the
agency that provided the report, and the agency must give you
a copy of that information on your request. They cannot
charge you money for that request if the employer used the
report to deny you a job. If the records of the credit agency
59
contain incorrect information, they must investigate and
correct inaccurate information.
You can get ahead of the curve by getting a copy of your
credit record and making sure there isn’t any incorrect
information on it. New Jersey residents are allowed one free
credit report each year. Three companies that provide this
service are:
Equifax Information Systems, LLC.:
Write to them at P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA,
30374, or call 800-685-1111. By mail, be sure to
include your full name, current address, Social
Security number, and most recent former address
for file-matching purposes.
Transunion Personal Credit Report:
PO Box 1000, Chester PA 19022
Call 800-888-4213.
Experian:
PO Box 2002, Allen, TX 75013
Call 800-397-3742.
E. Voting Rights
New Jersey law does not allow you to vote while you are in
prison, or while you are on probation or parole for an
indictable offense (disorderly persons offenses don’t
disqualify you). Once you have completed your parole or
probation term, you may register to vote. Make sure that
you are registered in the county in which you reside.
Applications for registration can be obtained from Social
Services prior to release. Also you may apple with the
Division of Elections, the Commissioners of Registration
office in the County where you live or from your Municipal
Clerk once you are released. Registration forms are also
available in various State agencies and at Division of Motor
Vehicle offices and can be obtained while transacting agency
business. If you are not sure, you can visit
http://www.state.nj.us/lps/elections/vote_doe.html. You will
be able to download a voter’s registration form and mail it in.
This site also explains who can register to vote and where you
can register.
T
F. Registration of Sexual Offenders
(Megan’s Law)
Sex offenders are required to register with the police under
Megan’s Law. Offenses include: aggravated sexual assault;
sexual assault; aggravated criminal sexual contact;
endangering the welfare of a child by engaging in sexual
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conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of the
child; luring or enticing and, if the victim were a minor and
the offender not a parent, kidnapping; criminal restraint and
false imprisonment and promoting prostitution of a child
under 18. You will be registered prior to release, but must
re-register your home address at least 10 days prior to any
move with the law enforcement agency with which you
were registered when released. You will also need to verify
your address annually or every 90 days if you are a repetitive
and compulsive offender.
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The Game Plan
Your first weeks out after leaving prison can be
overwhelming. This section is set up to help you get organized
and keep yourself on track toward your goals. First, think
about what those goals are? What do you want or need to get
done in your first week out? In your first month out? Where
do you want to be in six months? There are lots of things that
other people need you to do — your parole officer, for
example, and your family — but you also need to think about
what you expect from yourself.
Here are some pages to use to plan your first days out of
prison. There are some questions to ask yourself about what
you plan to do. It’s best to write things down and plan ahead.
***You should also refer to your discharge plan created by
your social worker that outlines your needs. Have a
wonderful and successful reentry!
DO I Have my Basic Needs?
Shelter:___________________________________________
Food:_____________________________________________
Health Care:_______________________________________
Clothing: _________________________________________
Transportation: ____________________________________
DO I Have Support?
Family: ___________________________________________
Friends:___________________________________________
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Do I Have Identification?
I.D. Checklist
Documents Have? Need?
Strong Box ____ ____
Social Security Card ____ ____
Birth Certificate ____ ____
County I.D. ____ ____
Driver’s License ____ ____
Non-driver’s I.D. ____ ____
Certificate of Naturalization ____ ____
Green Card ____ ____
Military Discharge Papers ____ ____
Passport ____ ____
High School Diploma
Or GED Certificate ____ ____
Prison Release Papers ____ ____
Other things I need to do (job leads, appointments,
prescriptions, go to a support group, etc.):
Notes:________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Important Names and Phone Numbers
(Parole, Mentor, Emergency Contact, etc)
Name:_____________________________________________
Phone Number: _____________________________________
Name:_____________________________________________
Phone Number: _____________________________________
Name:_____________________________________________
Phone Number: _____________________________________
Name:_____________________________________________
Phone Number: _____________________________________
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Smart Book Topics
Getting Started:
I.D. and Other Documents
First Steps After Release:
Where Do I Go to Find…
Taking Care of You:
Getting Support
Taking Care of You:
Health Care Resources
Finding a Job:
Employment Assistance
and Training Programs
Reconnecting With Family
Getting More Education
Other Things You Need to
Know
The Game Plan
