RELEASE: December 19, 2002

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TRENTON— Adoptive parents Deborah and James Ragan of Manasquan were honored recently by the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) at its annual Adoption Awareness Month recognition event.

At the event, DYFS announced it had met the federal requirement to double its adoptions in five years by finalizing 1,367 adoptions during the last federal fiscal year – surpassing its five year goal of 1,242 adoptions by 10 percent.

As part of the federal Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) of 1997, the Adoption 2002 program provides annual bonuses to states which double their adoptions by 2002. Last year, New Jersey received the sixth largest bonus at $1.12 million and anticipates a similar bonus next year. This year’s 1,367 adoptions is a 31 percent increase over the previous year’s 1,043 adoptions.

"Our success is a direct result of people like the Ragan family who have opened their hearts and homes by adopting," said Department of Human Services Commissioner Gwendolyn L. Harris. "Thanks to their love and support, more children now have a place to call home."

The Ragans, married for 32 years, have three biological children – Jamie, Kendal and Rylie – all grown and out of the house. As they decided to increase their family by becoming foster parents, they soon realized that many of the youngsters that were placed with them might have a difficult time being adopted and did not have families who could care for them.

Of the countless children they have fostered, they have now adopted two boys and three girls, who range from 3 to 15 years old, and who are bi-racial, Hispanic, and

African-American. The Ragans are Caucasian. "Our family is a beautiful blend of ethnicities," said Mrs. Ragan.

States across the nation continue to see a significant increase in adoptions as a result of ASFA. The law stresses the safety, permanency and well being of children by requiring less time in foster care and more opportunities for adoption.

Specifically, if a child has spent 15 out of the last 22 months in foster care, the state may proceed through the courts with terminating a parent’s rights, thus clearing the way for the child’s adoption.

"A permanent and stable home is so important to these children," said Commissioner Harris. "As more children become available for adoption, we continue to need more people like the Ragan family."

DYFS has traditionally faced the challenge of placing older and special-needs children in permanent homes. There has been a shortfall of these homes, especially for African American children according to Commissioner Harris.

Prospective adoptive parents are required to complete a home study, which includes 24 hours of training, interviews and a home visit along with background and reference checks. DYFS provides a variety of programs for adoptive parents and special needs children including a monthly support payment, clothing allowance, free medical insurance for the adopted child and payment of the required legal fees needed to finalize the adoption.

"Many people don’t think they can adopt but it’s just not true," said Commissioner Harris. "We are 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 43 percent of DYFS adoptions."

As part of the Adoption Awareness Month recognition event, Commissioner Harris presented a proclamation from Governor James E. McGreevey declaring November as Adoption Awareness Month.

To learn more about adopting a child, visit the DYFS adoption web site http://www.njadopt.org. A step-by-step overview of the adoption process is available along with profiles of children waiting to be adopted. A toll-free number, 1-800-99-ADOPT, is also available.