Youth Consultation Service Search & Reunion Program
Each day YCS provides services to thousands of New Jersey families who have children, birth – adulthood,
with special needs. Some of the children at our group homes are separated from their loved ones and have
been affected by trauma, others are affected by intellectual and developmental disabilities that adversely
affect their behavior. Many families receive the intensive in-home and community support that enables their
families to stay together. Whatever the need, the caring YCS staff is prepared to offer individualized
educational, mental health and/or behavioral health programming. With your support, we can help every
individual find hope, and cultivate strength and resilience for a brighter future.
Our mission is to partner with at-risk children who have special needs and adults with developmental disabilities, to build, happier, healthier, more hopeful lives within their families and communities.
Services and information
- Traditional Foster Care
- Specialized / Therapeutic Care
- Emergency Foster Care
- Respite Foster Care
- 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
Ratings and Reviews
Average user rating
4.3 / 55 | |
4 | |
3 | |
2 | |
1 |
Dec 08, 2019
Been working with this organization for about a month, and I LOVE it!
Oct 01, 2018
Ok
Mar 26, 2017
There is a waiting list for children to be seen by a therapist but I'm glad I waited because my son loves his therapist and she's really great with my other kids and us.! If it wasn't because I waited for almost a year nd a half I definitely would've given them 5 stars.