Transitional Opportunities Program
TOP Day Program/DYFS Drop Off Center
Transitional Opportunities Program
TOP, operating since 1985, provides a continuum of residential services and offers life skills training, after-school programming and recreation programs for youth ages 13 through 21 years. Referrals to the program are made from statewide Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) and the Division of Children’s Behavioral Health Services. For more information on this program click here.
TSP offers independent living skills assessment and training, vocational counseling and training, employment assistance and other support services to youth ages 13-21 who reside in out-of-home placements in Union County. This program is funded by DYFS. For more information on this program click here.
The TOP Day Program is structured to provide vocational and educational counseling for members who are not competitively employed, in a training program or in school. Activities include community service, career exploration, social skills, independent living skills and self advocacy. TOP also provides a Drop Off Service for DYFS/CMO youth in need of day-time structured respite care.
On Your Way to the Top encompasses summer youth employment opportunities linked with occupational training. Job readiness addresses the competency skills of career exploration, interviewing, role-playing and proper work behavior. Social skills include, but are not limited to, the areas of positive communication, anger management and active listening.
Each summer, CAU youth plan and implement a Youth Conference. In the fall, CAU plans and implements the statewide IV-E Conference. Topics are centered on development of independent living skills and maneuvering through the at-risk system.