Hackensack University Medical Center’s Audrey Hepburn Children’s House Receives Grant that Will Help to Fund Training for New Mental Health Protocols

Grant issued by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families

The Audrey Hepburn Children’s House - located on the campus of Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center - and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, have received a grant of $76,000 from the New Jersey Department of Children and Families. The Audrey Hepburn Children’s House performs comprehensive evaluations for children who live in out-of-home placements — including well-child medical and age-appropriate developmental/mental health evaluations for children in foster care in Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Morris and Sussex counties.

The funds will provide support for projects that include the upgrades to the program’s internal case management system and clinical training on new mental health treatment protocols.

“These grant funds will be used to provide state-of-the-art care for children in foster care,  including all-important mental health care according to necessary and required protocols,” said Judy Aschner, M.D., physician-in-chief for Pediatrics at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health.

“Our program connects foster children and families with expert treatment that is essential for their physical and mental well-being,” said Brett Biller, Psy.D., mental health director, Audrey Hepburn Children’s House, Hackensack University Medical Center. “We are grateful for this grant because it supports our mission to care for some of our region’s most vulnerable children — some of whom have experienced child abuse or maltreatment.”

“The Audrey Hepburn Children’s House provides critical services for children in our communities,” said Mark Sparta, FACHE, president and chief hospital executive, Hackensack University Medical Center. “This grant ensures that this continues, and that we also provide the high-quality medical and mental health care that our children and families need.”

To donate to Audrey Hepburn Children’s House, click here or contact Amy Glazer, executive director, Children’s Health, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, at amy.glazer@hmhn.org.