"Waiting Children"
Facts Page*
 

The primary objective of the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) www.njadopt.org as well as other private agencies such as Children’s Aid and Family Services  (www.cafsnj.org) is to preserve families.  However, sometimes it is not possible for children to be raised by their birth families. When this is the case, adoption usually becomes the plan for the children.

For many families, adopting a child can be an exciting and a scary time.  People who consider adoption ask themselves many questions.  Sound and reasonable questions deserve honest and factual answers. 

The following information is offered both to respond to these questions and to provide the basic information about adoption.  It is to explain that the adoption process should be as family friendly and as simple as possible.

While potential adoptive parent(s) don’t have to be wealthy, own a home or be married, they must be loving and caring people. The goal is to find loving, nurturing and permanent homes for children who need them.  Many of the children waiting for families are older, of African American ancestry or have special needs. These special needs can be physical, emotional and/or these children may have been exposed to drugs or alcohol.

People who adopt children with special needs are eligible to receive an adoption subsidy.  This includes a monthly maintenance payment, medical coverage and assistance with legal fees for the adoption finalization.  They may also be eligible to receive reimbursement for one-time expenses associated with finalizing the adoption.

To assure DYFS as well as private agencies understand the adoptive applicant’s ability to parent and to provide a child with a nurturing environment, a home study must be completed. The home study also helps to match a child with a family who can best meet his or her specific needs. 

As you review Profiles, please remember: these children need families who will make a lifelong commitment to them.  DYFS will be as responsive as possible to ensure that adoptive parents have the support they need to help provide their adopted children with the quality of life they deserve.

For more information on private adoption agencies in New Jersey that can help you adopt a waiting child, please visit our web links page by clicking here.

*  NJ Division of Youth and Family Services “Profiles of Waiting Children” Summer 2004;  For more information about children available for adoption through DYFS, contact 1-800-99- ADOPT or visit their website at www.njadopt.org.

For information about waiting children available through Children’s Aid and Family Services, please call 201-226-0300 or visit their website at www.cafsnj.org.