Foster Parents Stories - Foster and Adoptive Family Services Blog

Finding Help in the 21st Century: Foster Parent Networks

December 30, 2016December 30, 2016Frank Alvarez, Digital Media Coordinator Comment

Foster parents have to cope with a lot of unique situations, whether they’re dealing with medically fragile children or navigating the complexities of [...]

‘Our Love For Our Children’ Is No Different: Adoption Story

September 24, 2014September 9, 2015Lloyd Nelson, FAFS Digital Media Manager Comment

Without the state of New Jersey and its policies, Jason Becton and Patrick Evans’ family would be incomplete. That’s not an exaggeration; it’s [...]

The Lucky One: Foster Parents and the Children in Their Care

August 6, 2014September 9, 2015Lloyd Nelson, FAFS Digital Media Manager 1

Ashley Chiappano wanted to be a mother. “We tried traditionally and that was not working for us,” Chiappano said. “We looked into foster [...]

Foster Parent Story – The Love for the Children

July 11, 2014September 9, 2015Salendria Mabrey, FAFS Communication & Development Associate 1

How does one decide to become a foster parent? Maybe you’re inspired from another person’s story. Maybe you see a child on television [...]

Why Become a Foster Parent?

June 21, 2013September 9, 2015Janis Nietzer, Secretary FAFS Board of Directors 1

“Why become a foster parent?” is a question that is often asked of people who are fostering. It’s also a question that people [...]

Why Do People Become Foster Parents?

May 23, 2013September 9, 2015Lynn Nowak, VP, FAFS Board of Directors 5

Why do people become foster parents? There are many foster parenting stories – this is mine. We fostered for 11 years; during that [...]

Toya - Adopting From Foster Care: Why Does It Take So Long?

Hi, I have had my 22 month foster daughter for 11 months now and we are in the process of adopting her. The judge may be terminating the mothers parental rights next month. now a family member from another state has come forward to take the child. my question is if the judge terminates the mothers rights does that mean the rights of relatives are terminated as well ? or can a relative hold up the process of adoption?

Dianne - Adopting From Foster Care: Why Does It Take So Long?

Hi- I am currently in an appeal ( Termination of parental rights Dec. '16) . I was told it may take another 4-5 months before it is overturned. However- I have a job waiting in another state. Can I take the children while we are going through the appeal?

Lloyd Nelson, FAFS Digital Media Manager - Summer Camp Scholarships for Children in Foster Care

Hi Anna, Here's a list of things we could find -- some of these camps even offer scholarships! Please let us know if we could help. http://fcnp.org/resources/camps/

Anna Jacobsen - Summer Camp Scholarships for Children in Foster Care

Hey I am a Foster child in sil and I was wondering if there are any summer camps for youth ages 16-18 that. Are free in michigain?

Jessica Hernandez, FAFS Family Advocate - Adopting From Foster Care: Why Does It Take So Long?

Hi Celia Thank you for reaching out to us. It is very important to point out if at any point in time there is any suspicion of abuse and/or neglect of a child it is important that it be reported by reaching out to Child Protective Services in the state that the child resides in. Here in NJ, you would call 877-NJABUSE (877-652-2873) to report abuse and/or neglect and if the NJ Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) determined that the situation warranted the removal of a child they will do so. Child Protection Services (CPS) in any state or country are required to assess the safety of each child that reside within them, taking into consideration the child‘s need for safety, permanency, and well-being, and the ability of the caregiver to meet these needs. When a child is removed from their biological parents within the U.S., as per US Federal Law, the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 requires that States move towards termination of parental rights for children who have been in foster care for 15 out of 22 months. There are acceptations to this requirement as certain factors can delay this timeline greatly. With this federal guideline the clock of 15 out of 22 months does not stop. Therefore, if a child is removed from biological parents prior for 10 months and then removed again this federal timeline technically does not stop but again certain areas can delay the process. When a child is removed from their biological parents within the U.S. the state the family resides in will usually place court ordered services for the biological parents to complete such as but not limited to substance abuse evaluations and treatment, psychological evaluations and/or parenting classes. Also, if the child is of an age and maturity the child can voice their wishes to their caseworkers and Judge if the child does not want to return to the care of their biological parents. The child’s wishes will be taken into considerations as a permanency plan is made for the child. In regards to who would obtain custody of the child, this depends greatly and is handled on a case by case scenario. Usually, CPS will try to place children with relatives for someone that has a developed relationship with the child as this type of care will be less traumatic for the child. If the child has a relationship and positive connection with the foster parent then it is likely that the child will remain with this individual. If this is the case and the child’s permanency goal is adoption and the foster parent is seeking to adopt the child it is again likely that this would occur; however every case within the U.S. is handled on a case by case basis and there are many factors that play into a child’s permanency plan. I hope this information is helpful to you! Jessica Hernandez FAFS Family Advocate