TRENTON - Foster parents Jane and Stephen Cook of Bergenfield have stepped in front of the cameras to serve as recruitment ambassadors in the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services’ (DYFS) new foster care recruitment video Time, Love and Patience.

The Cooks have been foster parents since 1996 and adopted their first foster child two years later. They currently care for three other foster children. A stay-at-home mom, Mrs. Cook [seen below on the left] is very involved in the school and community where they live. The Cooks became foster parents because they felt they had a lot to offer to children. Mrs. Cook often serves as a recruitment spokesperson for the Northern Region Foster Care Unit. "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 the Cooks 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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