New Jersey Department of Children and Families  The New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) is the state government agency dedicated to ensuring the safety, well-being and success of children, youth, families and communities in New Jersey through comprehensive oversight and programming. In 2006, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine proposed a revamping of the statewide child welfare system, which was under the auspices of the Department of Human Services, and creation of a new cabinet-level department. He selected Kevin Ryan to lead as the first commissioner. The DCF was created in July 2006 with the dedicated goal to serve and safeguard the most vulnerable children and families in the state. It has evolved to be more inclusive of the extended community. As of 2018, there were approximately 6,600 employees.