RELEASE: November 26, 2002

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Jersey City parent featured in DYFS foster care video

TRENTON - Foster parent Estelle Barnes of Jersey City 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, the title of which is actually a quote from her description of the qualities needed to be a foster parent.

Ms. Barnes, who resides with her brother, Preston, was retired when she first became a foster parent in 1997. After becoming involved with Head Start as a foster parent, she ended up working there. Ms. Barnes adopted both of her foster children, Quran and Shakeema. She also attends St. Peter’s College and is a strong advocate for foster families, currently serving as vice-president of the Hudson County Foster Parents Association. "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 will 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 Estelle 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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