New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services Adoption Exchange
Foster families provide a home for children who have been abandoned, neglected or abused and who temporarily are not able to live at home. During the time that children live in a foster home, the foster parents provide the same care that the children's own parents would provide. Foster parents also help the children understand that they will be either returning to their own families or adopted, whichever is the case. Foster parenting is a commitment to make a meaningful contribution to a child's life, although it may not require a lifetime commitment to a child.
Being a foster parent is a big responsibility that brings with it great rewards. The requirements for becoming a foster parent are not complicated, and DCF's Child Protection and Permanency, CP&P (formerly the Division of Youth and Family Services, DYFS), will help you through the steps to become a foster parent and provide training to help you understand the special needs a child in care may have. While a child in care is in your home, CP&P provides many supports to assist in their care.
Services and information
- Traditional Foster Care
- Emergency Foster Care
- Respite Foster Care
- Adoption
- Other
Requirements to become a foster parent
New Jersey offers excellent support and services for foster parents in the state. Let's take a closer look at what's offered.
Foster Parent Training
To become a foster parent in New Jersey, you are required to attend PRIDE training. There are three major components to the training including pre-service training, core training, and advanced and specialized training. Within the three components, you will learn skills in five essential competency categories:
- Nurturing and protecting children
- Meeting the developmental needs and addressing developmental delays of children
- Supporting the relationships between families and children
- Making safe and nurturing family connections that will last a lifetime
- Working as a member of a professional team
All licensed foster parents will also have access to many additional workshops, both in-person and online. This may be through e-Learning, webinars, home correspondence courses, or support groups and meetings.
Parent Support
Foster parents receive a monthly payment starting at $716, a clothing allowance, and health care coverage for the child in their care. The amount you receive varies, depending on the child's age and specific needs.
You may also be eligible for:
- Childcare services while working or attending foster parent training
- Special needs transportation reimbursement
- Infant care items
- Essential safety gear such as car seats and bicycle helmets
- Flexible funds for child's special needs
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