Foster and Adoptive Family Services
FAQ 
 Why was FAFS started? 
 How does FAFS help Foster Parents? 
 Who can Become a Foster Parent? 
 How can I help a Foster Child? 
 What is the Future Outlook? 
 Volunteer Today! 
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Why was FAFS started?

The New Jersey legislature mandates that the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) remove children who are unsafe in their homes. Reasons for removal include a lack of parental supervision, abuse, neglect, emotional problems, a parent's inability to care for a medically fragile child, among others. Foster parents provide the care and support needed at a critical time in the lives of these children.

Founded in 1972, New Jersey Foster Parents Association (NJFPA) played an integral part in the development, training and support of foster parents statewide.

In 1984, the New Jersey Dept. of Human Services, through DYFS, provided additional funding to the NJFPA to hire staff, expand programs, and implement new support services to foster parents.

The results are impressive.

In 1996, the NJFPA offered training and support sevices statewide to more than 2,600 foster parents. In turn, foster parents cared for over 6,000 children.

In 2000, the New Jersey Foster Parents Association realized the need to provide the same functions to Adoptive Families that they provide to foster families, as approximately 80% of foster children who are adopted through the child welfare system are adopted by their foster parents! As a result, in July 2000, the NJFPA changed it's name to Foster and Adoptive Family Services (FAFS).

There are local Foster and Adoptive Family Services representatives in every county, and we encourage foster and adoptive parents to join. The results are impressive, but there is much work to be done.

How does FAFS help Foster Parents?

FAFS provides training and comprehensive support services to newly approved and experienced foster parents.Training occurs in a variety of ways:

  • County and Regional
  • Small Group, upon request
  • Home Correspondence
  • Teleconferences
  • Advanced Support Training
  • Informational brochures
Our support services are extensive. Support Specialists are in direct contact with foster and adoptive parents in each county. They act as a liaison between FAFS, local DYFS offices, the local Foster Parents Associations, individual foster parents, and volunteer and community-based organizations.

We support a toll-free Hotline, 1/800/222-0047, to provide information and emotional support on an immediate basis. For more complicated needs, referrals are made to a FAFS Support Specialist. In an emergency the Hotline can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Who can become a Foster Parent?

You can! Requirements include:

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Be Single, Married, Divorced, Widowed or have room for the foster child's personal belongings
  • Provide bedroom space for the child
  • complete a foster parent application
  • obtain references from: three personal friends; current employer; school/day care provicer (if you have school-age children); and, physician (medical records on all household members)
  • Cooperate with State and Federal police checks
  • Allow DYFS to interview all household members
  • Allow DYFS to conduct a home evaluation
  • Possess sufficient income to meet the family's needs. Foster care board payments are for foster child's expenses only
  • Attend pre-service and ongoing training
  • exceptions are considered under special circumstances
How can I help a Foster Child?

You can become a foster parent.

You can become a member of FAFS. Annual dues allow you to join both FAFS and your local association.

Your dues and contributions support the Hattie Talley Scholarship Fund for foster and adoptive youth advocacy efforts on behalf of foster families, recreational events for foster children, and many other exciting programs.

You can become a member by clicking here: FAFS Membership or by contacting FAFS at PO Box 518, Monmouth Junction, NJ, 08852. You may call us toll free at 1-800-222-0047.

All contributions are greatly appreciated and tax deductible.

What is the Future Outlook?

Experts predict an increase in the number of foster children needing care in the future. Many will enter foster care with complex problems.

Children, infected with HIV/AIDS, victimized by drug and alcohol abuse, exposed to domestic violence, poverty and homelessness, will require specialized care.

You can provide that care, and we can help you. Consider becoming a foster parent and/or a member of FAFS.

You are needed. Take action today. Touch a life.

Click Here: Volunteer!