With just over 3,000 kids in foster care throughout the state of New Jersey, selfless foster parents are still very much needed in The Garden State.
If you’re wondering how you can become a foster parent and make a difference, we have the answer and some helpful information to get you on the right path.
Below, we’ll highlight how to become a foster parent in NJ, from the basic requirements to the home study process and beyond.
Before you dive into becoming a foster parent in New Jersey, you’ll need to know what your responsibilities are.
Being a foster parent is so much more than just providing a home to a child in need.
Here’s what you need to know.
Every child in care deserves to feel safe and loved! Part of that means providing the basics of a good childhood.
The little extras beyond the basics help a child in care to have a regular, stable life and grow into a healthy adult.
Helping a child in care understand and create good relationships with those around them is crucial.
Foster parents play a key role here — this isn’t just about the bond between you and a child in care, but also, if possible, rebuilding that connection with a child's birth parents.
Foster parents help develop and nurture these connections, knowing how important they are for a child in foster care.
Understanding the emotional needs of children in care is another main responsibility of foster parents.
When it comes to education, children in foster care are one of the groups most at risk in terms of high school completion rates. Many also struggle to get into college later in life. As a foster parent, you’d be helping a child during crucial formative years when they need help the most.
Foster parents play a big role in helping a child in care grow into a successful adult.
Sadly, many teens in care in New Jersey face “aging out” of the system — this is when a teen in foster care reaches the age of 18 and no longer qualifies for care. By helping prepare a child in care for adulthood as a foster parent, you help provide them with the chance at a brighter future.
By providing kids in care with a stable, loving, and supportive home — especially to our teens in NJ — you dramatically help improve their outcomes in young adulthood and reduce their risk of becoming homeless or unemployed.
Are you ready to become a foster parent in New Jersey?
If so, here’s how the process works in the state.
To become a foster parent, there are a set of requirements that you’ll need to meet in every state.
In NJ, the requirements are as follows:
Anyone looking to become a foster parent in NJ will need to start by filling out an application — as long as the basic requirements are met!
For example, Mentor Foster Care helps prospective foster parents in NJ with the application process and to become foster parents. We can answer any questions you might have about fostering. Plus, the process of becoming a foster parent with support from our experts tends to be much faster than trying to complete the process alone.
The state of New Jersey, like many states throughout the US, requires a certain amount of preservice sessions. These sessions help potential foster parents prepare for the journey of caring for a child in need. Additional hours may also be needed for those caring for children with complex needs.
In NJ, the preservice sessions are called “PRIDE,” which stands for Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education. It's a training program for those wanting to become foster or adoptive parents.
There are three Main Parts of PRIDE:
Some of the skills taught include:
This program is about preparing and supporting families to provide the best care for children in need.
To become a foster parent in NJ, you’ll need to have a home study done.
During a home study, a social worker will ensure that your home is a safe and nurturing environment for a child. They will also discuss your family life, lifestyle, and reasons for wanting to be a foster parent.
This step is not just a requirement; it's also an opportunity for you to reflect deeply on the decision to become a foster parent, as it's a significant commitment.
Ready to become a foster parent? If so, our upcoming webinar can help point you in the right direction.
By attending a Foster Parent Information Session Webinar and learning more about the fostering process, you can take the first step toward becoming a foster parent and providing a safe, loving, and supportive home for a child in need.
Sign up for our webinar today or call our local office to get started!