Kinship Care
In New Jersey and across the country, many grandparents, relatives and family friends are providing care to children who are unable live with their birth parents. It is more common than you might think. When situations arise and a child can no longer safely reside with their birth parent/legal guardian, DYFS first looks for relatives and family friends who may be familiar to the child to provide care.  Relatives and family friends are usually known to a child and can often help ease the trauma of separating from a birth parent by providing a safe, nurturing environment.
Family
You Can Do This
Before DYFS can place a child with a relative or family friend, the following must occur:
  • A thorough home inspection.
  • Local police checks on all household members, age 18 years and older.
  • A Child Abuse Record Information Check (CARI) check on all household members.

Within five business days of the child's placement, DYFS must work with a relative or family friend to obtain an application to become a licensed resource parent.

As of July 1, 2005, all relatives and family friends caring for a child under DYFS supervision are required by the State of New Jersey to be a licensed resource parent.  By becoming a licensed resource parent, a relative or family friend will be eligible for a monthly board payment, a clothing allowance, health coverage for the child and other support services.  Click HERE for more information.

Kinship Navigator
If you are a relative caring for a child who was not placed through DYFS you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Kinship Navigator program administered by the Division of Family Development, Department of Human Services.  Click HERE for more information.
Features
Foster Care Tuition-Scholarship Program

Download Foster and Adoptive Parent Recruitment Materials:

Recruitment Flyer: English/Spanish
Frequently Asked Questions Flyer: English/Spanish
Training, Licensing and Support Flyer: English and Spanish