RELEASE: November 7, 2002

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They may have been abused or abandoned by their parents. They may have medical needs. Or they may simply be in foster care and need a permanent home.

They come from all parts of the state and they are from all age groups. They need your support, your strength, your guidance, and your love. And they need you as a role model. These are New Jersey's children and they need permanent fathers and mothers.

November is Adoption Awareness Month, a celebration of families who have made the commitment to adopt a child and a call to arms for more prospective parents to step forward and help our state's children.

As a former caseworker, I can tell you there is nothing more satisfying than the smile of a child who has been adopted and now has a place to call home.

Last year, 911 children were adopted through the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services. However more and more children are waiting for that opportunity.

In the last four years, the number of children eligible for adoption in New Jersey has doubled from 633 to more than 1300. Eighty three percent of these children are adopted by their DYFS foster parents. But there is still a shortage of adoptive parents.

Who are these children? They’re children like nine-year old Calill who was born with cerebral palsy. Or 14-year old Kahlif who loves playing sports. They are children who deserve an opportunity to grow up in loving home. More importantly, they are children -- like 11-year old Shakill who waited seven years for a new family -- who have already waited too long for a permanent home.

For many families, adopting a child can be an exciting and anxious experience. DYFS has recognized that by making the process simple and family friendly by providing:

--a home study including interviews, a home visit, background/reference checks and 24 hours of training

--possible financial support including a monthly payment and clothing allowance

--free medical insurance for the adopted child

--and payment of the required legal fees needed to finalize the adoption.

DYFS also assists families who adopt a special needs child through its innovative Home Ownership for Permanency Project. Through this nationally recognized initiative, eligible families can purchase a new home or renovate their current home to meet the changing needs of their new family.

Since its inception two years ago, 40 adoptive families have received assistance through DYFS and the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency including low interest rates, zero down payments and no closing costs on their new mortgage. An additional 24 adoptive families have also been approved and are in the process of purchasing a new home.

Still don’t think you can adopt? Think again.

DYFS is working with more people adopting children of a different race, families from other states, unmarried couples and single individuals. In fact, single parents account for 46 percent of DYFS adoptions.

Open your heart and your home-- adopt. You’ll receive love, joy and more. There are children out there who need your help.

To learn more about adopting a child, please call 1-800-99-ADOPT or visit the DYFS adoption web site http://www.njadopt.org.