RELEASE: November 14, 2005

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Local adoptive families honored by DYFS
NJ celebrates Adoption Awareness Month

TRENTON – Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner James M. Davy helped honor local adoptive families throughout the state today at the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) annual Adoption Awareness Month awards luncheon.

“Our success is a direct result of the hundreds of families who have opened their hearts and homes by adopting,” said Commissioner Davy. “Thanks to the love and support of these individuals like those we honor today, more children across the state are now in loving and permanent homes.”

Last year, a record 1,410 children were adopted through the Division of Youth and Family Services. As a result of the federal Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) of 1997, states have seen a significant increase in adoptions over the past several years. The law stresses the safety, permanency and well being of children by reducing their time in foster care and creating more opportunities for adoption.

“A permanent and stable home is so important to these children,” said Commissioner Davy. “As more children become available for adoption, we continue to need more people like those families we honor here today.”

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.

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. Prospective adoptive parents are required to complete a home study, which includes training, interviews and a home visit along with background and reference checks.

“Many people don't think they can adopt but it's just not true,” said Commissioner Davy. “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 41 percent of DYFS adoptions.”

As part of the event, Commissioner Davy presented a proclamation from Acting Governor Richard J. Codey 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.

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