RELEASE: October 17, 2002

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TRENTON—As part of New Jersey’s ongoing commitment to children in foster care, Department of Human Services Commissioner Gwendolyn L. Harris introduced today the Division of Youth and Family Services’ (DYFS) latest foster care recruitment initiative – a video featuring the personal stories of five DYFS foster families.

"Through the years, we have learned our foster parents are our best recruiters—they often refer family and friends to our training program," said Commissioner 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 our foster parents who open their hearts and homes," said Commissioner Harris. "Our children in foster care have already experienced so much in their young lives."

Entitled Time, Love and Patience, the recruitment video features actual DYFS foster parents including:

• Hope and Roland Donald of Plainfield – foster and adoptive parents who care for medically fragile children
• Maritiza and Ernesto McFaline of Elizabeth – foster parents who care for medically fragile children
• MaryAnn Russomano of Toms River – a foster and adoptive parent since 1987 who also mentors new foster parents
• Estelle Barnes of Jersey City – a foster and adoptive parent who is currently vice-president of the Hudson County Foster Parents Association
• Jane and Stephen Cook of Bergenfield – foster and adoptive parents.

The video was produced in cooperation with New Jersey Network at a cost of $19,000. 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.