RELEASE: August 8, 2002

Previous Screen

TRENTON— Throughout the month of August, the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) is sponsoring sibling camp programs for brothers and sisters separated in foster care.

"Keeping siblings together is important to maintain family bonds," said Human Services Commissioner Gwendolyn L. Harris. "It’s another level of support for these children who have experienced so much already in their young lives."

Children may be placed in foster care when they cannot safely remain in their own home because of abuse or neglect. Statewide there are 6,900 children in foster care including 4,600 siblings. Thirty-five percent of siblings are placed in separate foster homes. As part of its efforts to keep more siblings together, DYFS has targeted families who would be willing to care for sibling groups in its foster parent recruitment campaign.

"Over the past several years we have been able to increase the number of foster homes available enabling more siblings to stay together," explained Commissioner Harris. "However, it is still not always easy to find a foster home willing to care for a group of four or five siblings at one time."

Now in its third year, the sibling camp program provides children in foster care with the opportunity to take part in a variety of camp activities including swimming, canoeing and arts and crafts. More importantly, it enables siblings to spend quality time together.

More than 100 siblings will take part this year in two regional sibling camp programs in Burlington (August 11-17) and Warren (August 18-24) counties.

To learn more about becoming a foster parent visit the DYFS foster care web site at http://www.njfostercare.org or call toll-free 1-877-NJ-FOSTER.