State-Based Tracking SystemsNew Jersey Program: Birth Defects
and Autism Reporting System (BDARS), Special Child Health
Services Registry Organization: New Jersey Department of Health
and Senior Services Project Period: February 2010–January 2015
Project Director: Leslie Beres-Sochka, MS The Birth Defects and
Autism Reporting System (BDARS), formerly the New Jersey Special
Child Health Services Registry, was created in 1926 to collect
information on children with birth defects and other special
needs. BDARS monitors about 114,000 births per year in the state
and collects information from multiple sources to identify
children under 5 years of age who are born with a birth defect.
The program uses a state-of-the-art data system to monitor
children born with a birth defect as they progress through the
referral and support services system. Grantee Goals and
Activities - Expand reporting sources to the state tracking
system, including outpatient clinics. - Share birth defects
information with CDC and other partner