RELEASE: September 15, 2003

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DYFS awarded federal bonus for increasing adoptions 31 percent New Jersey recognized with second largest bonus

TRENTON— The New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) announced today it has received a $1.9 million federal bonus for increasing its adoptions 31 percent during the 2002 federal fiscal year. New Jersey was recognized with the second largest bonus this year.

“More and more people are making the commitment to adopt,” said Department of Human Services Commissioner Gwendolyn L. Harris. “Thanks to the love and support of these individuals, more children across the state are now in loving and permanent homes.”

In total, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $14.9 million in bonuses to 25 states and Puerto Rico for exceeding the number of children adopted the previous year. Last federal fiscal year, DYFS finalized 1,367 adoptions compared to 1,043 in 2001. The bonuses are part of the federal Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) of 1997.

As part of ASFA, the Adoptions 2002 program provides annual incentives to states to increase their adoptions. The 1,367 adoptions also enabled DYFS to meet the federal requirement to double its adoptions in five years by surpassing its five-year goal of 1,242 adoptions by 10 percent.

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.

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DYFS AWARDED BONUS
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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.

“Fifteen months is a long time in a child’s life,” said Commissioner Harris. “A permanent and stable home is so important to these children and as more children become available for adoption, we continue to need even more people who are willing to open their heart and home by adopting."

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.

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 regardless of race, families from other states, unmarried couples and single individuals. In fact, single parents account for 43 percent of DYFS adoptions.”

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.