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.