RELEASE: November 26, 2002

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TRENTON—Foster parent MaryAnn Russomano of Toms River has stepped in front of the cameras to serve as a recruitment ambassador in the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services’ (DYFS) new foster care recruitment video Time, Love and Patience.

Ms. Russomano is a single parent who became a foster and adoptive parent in 1987. In addition to her three adult children, she has adopted four children: Brenda, 5; Angel, 6; Khaleel, 10; and David, 13; and she provides vacation respite care for medically fragile children. She is also a certified foster parent trainer and often mentors new foster parents. Her adult children, Joey, Michael and Christine, all assist in the care and nurturing of her adopted children, and her fiancé Mark recently completed the foster parent training program and is also very supportive of her work. "Through the years, we have learned our foster parents are our best recruiters - they often refer family and friends to our training program," said Department of Human Services Commissioner Gwendolyn L. Harris. "With this video, more people wil be able to learn how being a foster parent enriches so many lives."

The recruitment video is part of DYFS’ continuing efforts to recruit additional foster homes. Currently, there are 4,900 licensed foster homes in New Jersey caring for 7,000 children in foster care. However, DYFS often faces the difficult task of finding foster homes for teenagers and large sibling groups.

According to Commissioner Harris, DYFS is also looking to increase the number of Special Home Service Provider (SHSP) foster homes. In these homes, medically fragile children receive around the clock care and treatment from a foster parent trained to meet their specific medical needs. Statewide there are over 250 SHSP homes.

"Words can not describe the commitment and generosity of foster parents like MaryAnn who open their hearts and homes," said Acting DYFS Director Doris Jones. "Our children in foster care have already experienced so much in their young lives."

The video was produced in cooperation with New Jersey Network. It will be used by DYFS foster care recruiters and contract agencies to illustrate the joys and rewards of being a foster parent.

Prospective foster parents are required to complete 24 hours of training along with appropriate background and reference checks. DYFS provides a variety of supports to foster parents including a monthly support payment, clothing allowance, medical insurance for the foster child and child care assistance if needed.

The video is part of a larger recruitment effort that includes newspaper ads, radio and television announcements and community and faith-based partnerships. In addition, DYFS’ foster care web site, http://www.njfostercare.org allows visitors to obtain information about foster parenting. A toll-free number, 1-877-NJ-FOSTER, is also available to assist prospective foster parents.

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