New Jersey Foster Care Adoptions

A child is placed in foster care when their biological parents are no longer able to provide them with the care they require. In these cases, it is not safe to return the child to their home. The ultimate goal of the foster care system is to reunite the foster child with their families and return them to their homes. When one of these children cannot go home, the biological parents have their parental rights terminated, and that child becomes available for adoption.

Why You Need An Attorney for This Process

When you are beginning the journey of adopting a foster child, there are a lot of requirements that you need to meet. The legal requirements alone can be daunting. Going into this process without representation can make the process longer than it needs to be. The process can be smooth if you have the right New Jersey adoption lawyer guiding you through it.

Adopting a Foster Child

Most foster care adoptions go to the foster parents who have already developed a relationship with the child. Although the biological parents are given a number of chances to meet the requirements to get their children back, it is not always in the best interest of the child. The adoption process cannot begin until the parental rights of the biological parents have been terminated by the state.

The path to a foster child adoption can be long and frustrating as the child welfare division is responsible for safeguarding all parties: the prospective foster parents, the child and the biological parents. When a child’s status changes from foster child to eligible for adoption, it can take a while for the adoption process to be complete. This is why having a New Jersey adoption lawyer by your side is important to minimize the risk of an adoption not being completed or being overturned.

What Do They Look for in Adoptive Parents?

When screening adoptive parents, the state wants to make sure that the adoptive parents are emotionally ready to take on the responsibilities. Many children in the foster care system are high risk due to physical or mental handicaps. Their disabilities can be taxing on the best parents.

The prospective parents will have to go through an extensive background check. This is to avoid any potential for domestic violence or child abuse. A history of drug abuse can be a problem; however, if the parents can prove a dedication to their sobriety, it does not automatically rule them out.

The prospective parents will need to be prepared for the home visit. A social worker will want to come into the home to determine if it is appropriate to bring a child into. They will look into your employment, financial statements, and background. It can be a grueling process. Showing stability is key to passing the home visit.

Financial Benefits of Adopting From Foster Care

Many of the costs of adoption from foster care can be subsidized by various financial assistance options offered by the state of New Jersey. These include:

• Monthly payments to help meet daily needs, including a clothing allowance
• One time payment for legal fees related to the adoption
• Medicaid coverage to supplement coverage for the child to assist with conditions not covered by the family’s insurance
• Specialized care for kids with handicaps to provide specific medical, health or equipment they may need

Are You Ready for Foster Care Adoption?

When preparing for a foster care adoption, you need to remember that foster kids have been through a lot. They are looking for a life of stability. Most of them have mental health or developmental challenges and require extra attention and care. It is common for them to have abandonment issues. Many will act out. It takes a great deal of patience and understanding. If you believe you are ready for the challenge, contact a New Jersey adoption lawyer to help you get started.

Why Daniel Cofsky Is Your Best Choice

Daniel Cofsky has been an adoption lawyer for many years. He has provided legal counsel in more than 1500 adoptions. He knows New Jersey adoption law backward and forwards and has strong relationships with the adoption courts. Contact us today to request a consultation and to get started on your foster care adoption journey.