Wanted. Chosen. Loved. Adopted.
Children’s Aid and Family Services has been helping children who don’t have families able to care for them for over 120 years. We’ve placed more than 11,000 little ones with loving adoptive families and adoption continues to be a core part of our mission. We continue this life-changing work today and are seeking individuals interested in expanding their family through adoption.
At Children’s Aid and Family Services, we believe families thrive when they have the support and resources they need. We offer a variety of services for families and individuals to help navigate this new terrain. Adoption is a life-changing experience for both the parents and children, and we are here for you every step of the way.
“I trust John. He’s taught me things I didn’t know. I’m excited and relieved he adopted me.”
Marcus, adopted at age 18
“I trust John. He’s taught me things I didn’t know. I’m excited and relieved he adopted me.”
Marcus, adopted at age 18
“I trust John. He’s taught me things I didn’t know. I’m excited and relieved he adopted me.”
Marcus, adopted at age 18
New Jersey Adoption Resource Clearing House (NJ ARCH)
The New Jersey Adoption Resources Clearing House (NJ ARCH) is a statewide one-stop adoption information and resource service for those touched by adoption.
NJ ARCH provides adoption advocacy, support, education, information, and resource services to adoptees, birthparents, adoptive and pre-adoptive families, families interested in adoption, and professionals and community members interested in adoption issues.
Services are provided via the NJ ARCH website, www.njarch.org and a toll-free Warm Line which is staffed 40 hours per week. The NJ ARCH Warm Line provides information, resources and an empathetic ear. Whether you need help with adoption issues, have questions about how to start the adoption process or just had a difficult day with your adopted child, you will receive a supportive reception when you call NJ ARCH.
Visit the NJ ARCH website or call the toll free number at 877-4-ARCHNJ or 877-427-2465.
“Jersie is a good kid and deserves the opportunity to be a part of a family and have a good future.”
Mya, adoptive mother
“Jersie is a good kid and deserves the opportunity to be a part of a family and have a good future.”
Mya, adoptive mother
“Jersie is a good kid and deserves the opportunity to be a part of a family and have a good future.”
Mya, adoptive mother
“I would recommend adopting older children because they have such personality, and a rich history. They have so much to give; age should never be a factor in determining love for a child. It’s not really about what I’ve gained from becoming an adoptive father, but what I would have lost if I didn’t become one.”
Saul, adoptive father
“I would recommend adopting older children because they have such personality, and a rich history. They have so much to give; age should never be a factor in determining love for a child. It’s not really about what I’ve gained from becoming an adoptive father, but what I would have lost if I didn’t become one.”
Saul, adoptive father
“I would recommend adopting older children because they have such personality, and a rich history. They have so much to give; age should never be a factor in determining love for a child. It’s not really about what I’ve gained from becoming an adoptive father, but what I would have lost if I didn’t become one.”
Saul, adoptive father
Birth Parent Counseling
If you are considering adoption for your child, Children’s Aid and Family Services can help you review all your options and choose a plan which is best for you and your child. We provide services to Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris and Passaic counties. There is no fee for short term foster care placement of babies.
Our Services Include:
- Free Confidential Counseling
- Referral and Support Services
- Participation in the Selection of Your Child’s Adoptive Family
- Short-term Foster Care
- Adoption Placement
- Post-Adoption Services
Professional Guidance and Support
Confidential counseling services are available free of charge, before and after the child’s birth – regardless of your decision. As you begin to plan your child’s future, a case worker with Children’s Aid and Family Services will meet with you to discuss and explain your options and assist you in making an informed decision. Should you choose adoption for your child, trained professionals will help you address any emotional issues you may face. Counseling is also available for your parents and other family members.
For more information, please call Marcia Fisher at (201) 740-7038.
Birth Parent Support Group
The Birth Parent Support Group is a free support group that meets monthly for anyone who is thinking about placing a child for adoption or who has placed a child for adoption in the past. This group is also open to the birth parents’ family members. The group discusses issues of grief and loss that may arise as a result of this decision. For more information, call Marcia Fisher 201-740-7038.
Search and Reunion
Children’s Aid and Family Services, formerly known as Children’s Aid and Adoption Society, provides background and search services to persons adopted through this agency or the Sister Mary Eugene Foundation, an agency that merged with Children’s Aid and Adoption Society in 1974. These services are for adopted persons who are interested in obtaining non-identifying information about their medical and social histories, and/or who are interested in establishing contact with their birth families. The agency also conducts searches on behalf of birth parents who would like to meet the adult sons and daughters they placed for adoption through this agency or the Sister Mary Eugene Foundation. Search services also include searching for adopted siblings on behalf of birth parents.
People interested in these services can contact Gloria T. Smith, L.C.S.W., coordinator of the program, at 201-740-7135 or gsmith@cafsnj.org.
Birth Family Reunion Planning and Support
Many adopted individuals make the decision to research, seek and locate their birth parents or members of their birth family. If you’ve taken this step and have obtained the contact information for individuals you believe are members of your birth family, we can help you navigate the next steps in your reunion journey. Our Navigations Birth Family Reunion and Support program assists adopted individuals to facilitate the reunion journey with their birth families from initial first contact planning to personal counseling. Click here to download the flier.
People interested in these services can contact Gloria T. Smith, L.C.S.W., coordinator of the program, at 201-740-7135 or gsmith@cafsnj.org.
