Change a Life
Learn how to become a foster parent in NJ and make a real difference in the life of a child in need.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a resource parent to children and youth in state care. NJ resource parents are essential members of the professional team working collaboratively towards meeting the needs of the child/youth. Our most successful resource parents possess an abundance of patience, empathy, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in a young person’s life.
In New Jersey, the number of youth in foster care continues to be reduced each year due to a focus on services that strengthen and assist families to prevent abuse and neglect, and the prioritization of kinship care when out of home placement is required.
As a result, the state has begun to process only the inquiries of prospective resource families who are willing and able to provide a loving home to the following:
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Children and youth with complex behavioral health, developmental and medical needs
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Adolescent youth ages 13-17
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Sibling Groups of 4 or more
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NJ children and youth cleared for adoption – children and youth who are currently cleared for adoption have unique needs and include characteristics of the other 3 specialized populations described above.
Are you curious as to why NJ and the rest of the country is prioritizing kinship care? Watch the video below.
If you have any questions about becoming a Resource Family contact embrella at: support@embrella.org or 1-800-222-0047.
If you feel that you can care for these specific populations as noted above, please click the link below or use the QR code to complete the New Jersey Department of Children and Families – Resource Family Application.
For those who would like to be assessed as a placement option for your kin, please call the Office of Resource Families at: 609-888-7055. They will assist you with the application process.
