Therapeutic Foster Care

Respite Care: Available on occasional weekends, or for several days during holidays or the summer? Click here

In 1975 Children's Aid and Family Services, in conjunction with the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services, developed their therapeutic foster homes program, commonly known as "Treatment Homes". This program was designed to help vulnerable youngsters and teens receive therapeutic care under the guidance of trained foster parents while living in the homes of these treatment foster parents.

At Children's Aid and Family Services, Inc. we believe that every child deserves a stable, nurturing family and a place to call home - a place to grow, develop relationships, and become part of their community. Many of our foster children have been abused, neglected, or abandoned and have been removed from their biological families. These painful losses have often resulted in emotional and behavioral problems. Without the loving support of therapeutic foster parents, these children may never have the chance to building healthy, productive lives.

When you agree to become a treatment foster parent to a child in need, you bring the child into a safe environment. With the support of your team of treatment professionals and community resources, these children will learn the skills essential to healthy living.

Could I Become a Foster Parent With Children's Aid and Family Services? Opening your home as a treatment home and opening your heart as a foster parent to an older child is extremely rewarding, but how do you know if it's right for you? Click here for an outline of some of the characteristics of a successful foster parent.

Words from our treatment parents: Words from our treatment foster children:

How does Children's Aid and Family Services support treatment home families?

• Training - All treatment home parents and any adult they designate as an alternate caretaker participates in a program orientation and training process which is designed to help caretakers understand their role and work effectively with the children in their care.
• Counseling - Services to treatment foster children and their treatment families are provided by our clinical and case management team which is comprised of a CAFS social worker/psychologist, psychiatrist, case manager, teaching consultant, nurse, and mentor.
• Respite* - If treatment parents and their treatment foster child(ren) need a short time apart, a rest or "respite" accommodation can be provided.
• Monthly Stipend - Treatment parents receive a monthly stipend to help pay for the child's care, as well as a quarterly clothing allowance.
• Health Insurance - Treatment foster children receive Medicaid to cover the costs of their medical and dental care.
• 24/7 On -Call Assistance - A treatment home case manager is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist during crises, or other times of need.
• Educational Support - Our Learning Disabilities Teaching Consultant works with treatment parents, treatment children, program staff, as well as state and local school personnel to insure the most appropriate educational plans for children in care.
• Recreation - Camp is a positive memory for so many children. CAFS provides a small camp stipend yearly. In addition, we work very closely with camp resources to secure scholarships for treatment foster children in care.
• Mentors - Many of our treatment foster children are matched with mentors who are volunteers. They spend 1:1 quality time together having fun and developing trusting, positive connections.

"EMERGENCY ONLY" Provider: If you think you might be interested in becoming an "emergency provider" to a child or adolescent on a short-term basis, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you. Emergency placements are frequently made on weekends and are generally for 2-10 days.

Frequently Asked Questions: How is "treatment foster care" different from "regular foster care"? CLICK HERE In therapeutic foster care, treatment parents receive extensive training to learn how to care for foster children with behavioral, emotional, and/or academic issues. They are key members of our "treatment team". Therapy, psychiatric services, case management, and educational monitoring are several of the ongoing supportive services provided to treatment families, along with 24/7 emergency assistance. The monthly stipend provided to treatment foster parents is higher than regular foster parents because of the special "therapeutic" care that is required. What are the kids in the Treatment Homes Program like? CLICK HERE The majority of youth referred to the Treatment Homes Program range in age from 10-17 years. These children have been removed from their biological families due to histories of abuse and neglect. Our greatest need is treatment homes for adolescents. Can a treatment foster parent work outside the home? CLICK HERE Yes. In fact, the majority of our treatment parents are employed outside the home. In some circumstances, we are able to secure financial support for day care or an after school program for your treatment foster child. How long does a treatment child remain in the treatment home? CLICK HERE The time treatment foster children remain in their treatment homes varies with each child's situation. Some children remain only a few months, while others may remain for a year or longer. Can a single person become a treatment foster parent? CLICK HERE Yes. In fact, the major qualifications of a treatment home parent are the capacity to love and nurture a child, and work as a team member.

If you are interested, what is the first step? The first step is to telephone Children's Aid and Family Services at (201) 226-0300 and ask to speak with the Recruitment Specialist who will answer your questions. You will receive information about our agency, our children, our services, and the application process.

If you are feeling anxious about making this call, that's okay. Most people are. However, this is a call that can change your life and that of a child in need in so many positive ways. Call today.