Options Counseling
Counseling with a CAFS worker is provided to birth parents to help them make an informed decision as to whether they wish to make an adoption plan for their child. Options counseling is provided at no cost to the birth parents. The worker helps them to face the variety of emotional issues surrounding adoption, such as separation and loss, grief and mourning, guilt, and depression. There is no time limit on these sessions. When appropriate, counseling is also offered to grandparents and other significant persons.
Foster Care
Children's Aid and Family Services' foster families provide short-term care for infants while the birth parents test their separation and consider their decision about adoption.
The Adoption Process
If the birth parents decide to place their child for adoption, every effort is made to comply with their specific requests, including race, religion, etc., of the adoptive family. The birth parents are encouraged to be fully involved in the adoption process. They may elect a traditional adoption placement, or they may wish to design a more flexible adoption plan, which might include choosing and meeting the adoptive family. In some instances, maintaining contact between families is facilitated by Children's Aid and Family Services.
Birth Parent Support Group
Meet with others who share your journey. We offer a place for understanding and support for birth parents in all stages of the adoption process, including those who are contemplating adoption, have placed their child for adoption, or are in the process of search and reunion. The group meets on the third Wednesday of every month, from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm at Riggs House, 148 Prospect St., Ridgewood, NJ. There is no fee. For further information, call Shea Campbell at (201)226-0300, ext. 240 or email us at info@cafsnj.org.
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