How do I adopt a child through Children's Aid and Family Services?
There are three possible routes to adoption through our agency. Those seeking to adopt children ages 8 and above should consider the CAFS Older Child Adoption Program. The children in this program have been legally freed for adoption by the courts. Prospective parents intern at one of our agency's group homes or therapeutic foster homes for 8 weeks. This gives them ample opportunity to acquaint themselves with the children, understand how their living environment is structured. Interested families receive invaluable help from foster parents and group home staff in meeting the needs of these children who have often suffered abuse, neglect and trauma in the past. Once a child is identified by a family, prospective parents receive both pre and post placement support form knowledgeable professionals. When a child joins their family, there is a six month period before the adoption can be finalized.
Our CAFS Fost-Adopt program is designed to provide loving, permanent homes for children, newborn to age four. In these cases, Division of Youth and Family Services foresees that the goal for the child will be adoption. Children for whom fost-adopt homes are sought usually have parents who have had their parental rights to other children terminated and continue to exhibit behavior which puts children at risk. Family members provided by the birth parents have been explored and are not available to care for these children. Fost- adopt children are not yet legally free so there is a minimal risk. A Fost-adopt family begins by fostering a child while the legal process goes forward. When fost-adopt children are legally free, they are adopted by the fost-adopt family who has loved and cared for them and with whom they have bonded.
The CAFS Infant Adoption program has been in existence for over a century. In recent years, as single parenthood has become more acceptable and most birth parents choose to raise their children, very few infants are available for adoption. However, if a birth chooses to make an adoption plan for a child, CAFS works with the birth family to help choose and adoptive family and make the best plan for their child.
Who are the children in need of adoptive homes?
Most of our older, school aged children are African American. A smaller number are Hispanic. Because these children have a history of abuse or neglect; most have emotional, behavioral or learning challenges.
Most of our infant and toddlers are African American. A smaller number are Hispanic. Many have been exposed to drugs or alcohol and may have developmental delays and health issues. Some are medically needy and may have been exposed to HIV, Hepatitis C, or have heart or respiratory problems. However, it has been our experience that given loving, nurturing care and proper medical attention, these children grow and thrive.
Do I have to be married to adopt a child?
No. Singles as well as families are welcome to adopt. All applicants go through PRIDE training and the home study process.
Do I have to own your own home?
No. The apartment or home in which you live would need to have enough room to accommodate your family members as well as the number of children you wish to have. In order to be licensed, your home must meet the criteria established by the Office of Licensing. CAFS will send a staff person out to your home to guide you through this process.
Can I work outside the home?
Yes, except if you choose to foster and/or adopt children who are medically needy, aged newborn to 4 years. For these children, we would like at least one parent be a full time caregiver. For all other children, parents must have the flexibility in their work schedules to accommodate medical appointments, visitation (where applicable) and therapy. Children's Aid and Family Services makes every effort to work with the family's schedule when placing a child but flexibility is a must.
Are there age restrictions?
An adoptive/ foster parent must be at least 10 years older than an adoptive child.
What kinds of support can an adoptive/ parent expect in parenting an adoptive child?
Except for parents in our Infant-in-Care Program, the adoptive family will receive a monthly stipend and Medicaid coverage up to the age of 18. Comprehensive adoption counseling services are available without cost to the adoptive family through the Post Adoption Counseling Services (PACS) program.
Will I receive any training regarding adoption?
Prospective parents take a state mandated 27-hour PRIDE training. PRIDE introduces parents to the physical, emotional and educational issues of children needing placement and offers strategies to best deal with those issues. For Older Child adoption, an 8 week internship occurs at one of the agency's pre - adoptive treatment homes. Prospective adoptive parents have the opportunity to meet and spend time with the children in our care and talk with the staff about the unique needs of each child. Once a child is placed in your home mandatory post-placement training is scheduled. This training is designed not only to help you deal with issues that affect the child and your family but also to provide you with the support of other adoptive parents.
If I am interested, what is the first step?
The first step is to call the agency at (201) 226-0300 and ask to speak to the Recruitment Specialist, who will give you additional information about our children, our services and the application process. The Recruitment Specialist can answer any additional questions you may have about the program. The recruitment specialist will inform you about the next available orientation meeting.
What does the home study process involve?
The home study process involves an application in which we gather information about you, your family and others in your home. The application includes a request for personal and medical references.
After the application is received, a CAFS worker will be assigned to complete your home study. The home study is a written document about you, your family and your interest in providing foster/ adoptive care. It is completed through a series of interviews with a CAFS worker. As part of the home study process, a state and federal background check will be done for you and all other adults living in your home. The home study process takes approximately four months.
What fees are involved in the adoption process?
All fees for the homestudy and adoption process are waived for those adopting an older child or a medically needy infant or toddler in our Older Child or Fost-adopt programs. Fees for the Infant-in-Care program are assessed on a sliding scale basis.
CLICK HERE
Who are the children in need of foster families?
Children's Aid and Family Services is searching for foster families for children who have been abused or neglected and infants who have been born exposed to drugs and/or alcohol. These children are in need of temporary homes until their birth families are able to care for them or adoptive families can be found. A loving, stable environment where all their needs can be met can help these children thrive.
How can I make a difference as a foster parent?
As a foster parent, you have the opportunity to teach, guide, and nurture a child.
Is financial assistance available for foster parents to help with the care of the infant?
Yes. A monthly stipend is provided and the children receive a clothing allowance. Medicaid covers medical expenses. Free formula and supplemental food is available through the Government funded WIC program for children age newborn to five.
Is training provided for foster parents?
Yes. PRIDE Training is provided during the application and home study process. Once a foster home is licensed, mandatory monthly training is provided. The training is designed to educate parents about issues that affect foster children and the families who care for them.
If I am interested, what is the first step?
The first step is to call the agency at (201) 226-0300 and ask to speak to the Recruitment Specialist, who will give you information about our children, our services and the application process. The Recruitment Specialist can answer any questions you may have about the program.
What does the home study process involve?
An application in which we gather information about you and your family. The application includes a request for personal and medical references.
After completing the application, you will begin the home study. The home study is a written document about you, your family and your interest in providing foster care. It is completed through a series of interviews with a worker. Training also takes place during this period. This process takes approximately four months.
If the child becomes available for adoption, will my family be considered as the adoptive family for that child?
Most foster children are reunited with their birth families. However, if the child in your care becomes available for adoption, your family can be assessed as a potential adoptive family for the child.
Frequently Asked Questions...