RELEASE: November 3, 2000

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TRENTON - As part of an ongoing effort to recruit more foster parents, the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) has recently launched a new foster care web site.

The web site, http://www.njfostercare.org, provides information on how to become a foster parent and the many rewards associated with caring for a child in need. Visitors to the site can read quotes by current foster parents about their experiences and can download information about the foster parent approval process.

Visitors may also submit a request for additional information and learn more about orientation sessions conducted by Foster and Adoptive Family Services, a private agency that coordinates all new foster and adoptive family inquiries on behalf of DYFS.

"With the help of this new web site, we are providing another avenue to share information about foster care," said DYFS Director Charles Venti. The availability of additional foster homes would allow DYFS to place siblings together more frequently. It would also help children to remain in only one foster home before they are adopted or returned to their birth families.

In addition to the new web site, the foster care recruiting effort includes newspaper ads and radio and TV announcements along with community outreach efforts. A toll-free number, 1-877-NJ FOSTER, is also available.

According to Venti, increasing the number of foster parents is a major part of DYFS’ goal to reform the NJ foster care system. Over the past two years, DYFS has also enhanced its support system for families providing services such as counseling and behavioral supports for children.

Other reform efforts include a more extensive pre-service training program for new foster parents as well as an expanded in-service training curriculum. The Division has also increased the monthly stipend it pays foster parents to help cover their expenses in raising a child.