How to Become a Foster Parent in New Jersey

Description

New Jersey's Resource Family Program provides safe, temporary homes for children who cannot safely remain with their families because of abuse, neglect, abandonment, or other circumstances. Resource families may provide foster care, adoptive care, kinship care, or a combination of these services while supporting children's physical, emotional, educational, developmental, behavioral, and social needs.

Agency

The New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P), oversees resource family licensing, foster care, kinship care, adoption, and permanency planning throughout the state.

Who Can Apply

New Jersey welcomes qualified adults who are at least 18 years old and able to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing home. Applicants may be single, married, divorced, widowed, in a civil union, or domestic partnership and may rent or own their residence. Licensing decisions focus on the applicant's ability to meet children's needs rather than family structure.

Average Time To License

Most applicants complete the licensing process within approximately four to five months, although timelines vary depending upon training schedules, paperwork completion, background screenings, home evaluations, and any necessary home safety corrections.

Website

Visit the official agency website

Minimum Age

Applicants must generally be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit provided applicants are in reasonable physical and emotional health and able to safely care for children.

Residency

Applicants must reside in New Jersey and participate fully in the licensing process, including orientation, training, background screenings, home evaluations, home inspections, and ongoing supervision.

Marital Status

Applicants may be single, married, divorced, widowed, in a civil union, or domestic partnership. New Jersey does not deny applicants based solely upon marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Income Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial stability to support their household without relying upon foster care reimbursement payments. Board payments are intended to reimburse expenses associated with caring for foster children rather than serve as household income.

Home Ownership

Applicants may rent or own their residence. Houses, apartments, condominiums, duplexes, townhomes, manufactured homes, and other lawful residences may qualify if they meet New Jersey licensing standards for safety, sanitation, utilities, and adequate living space.

Bedroom Requirements

Children must have safe and appropriate sleeping arrangements, including their own bed. Bedroom arrangements must comply with New Jersey licensing regulations regarding age, gender, sibling relationships, privacy, developmental needs, and child safety.

Transportation

Applicants must maintain reliable transportation for school, medical appointments, counseling, family visitation, court hearings, extracurricular activities, and emergencies. Drivers must maintain valid licenses, insurance, and appropriate child restraint systems.

Health Requirements

Applicants may be required to provide medical information demonstrating that physical or mental health conditions will not interfere with safely caring for foster children. Licensing specialists evaluate overall health and caregiving ability.

Pet Policy

Pets are permitted provided they are healthy, appropriately vaccinated when required, safely supervised, and do not present an unreasonable risk to children placed in the home.

Firearm Policy

Firearms, ammunition, and other dangerous weapons must be legally possessed and securely stored to prevent unauthorized access by children. Firearms should remain unloaded while stored, with ammunition secured separately whenever possible.

Contact Agency

Prospective resource parents begin by creating a profile through New Jersey's Binti Resource Family Portal or by contacting the New Jersey Department of Children and Families to express interest in becoming licensed.

Attend Orientation

Applicants attend an informational orientation, called a Group Engagement session, explaining New Jersey's Resource Family Program, reunification, licensing requirements, training, financial assistance, placement expectations, and the responsibilities of resource parents.

Choose Agency

Applicants work with a local DCP&P Resource Family Recruiter throughout the licensing process. Recruiters help families determine the type of resource parenting that best matches their experience, interests, and abilities.

Documents Needed

• Completed resource family application
• Government-issued identification
• Birth certificates when requested
• Marriage certificate, civil union certificate, or domestic partnership documentation if applicable
• Social Security numbers
• Background screening authorization forms
• Medical examination forms
• Employment verification
• Income documentation
• Personal references
• Driver's license
• Vehicle registration
• Proof of automobile insurance
• Emergency contact information
• Pet vaccination records when applicable
• Additional documentation requested by DCP&P

Required

Yes

Description

New Jersey requires prospective resource parents to attend an orientation (Group Engagement) before beginning the formal licensing process. Orientation introduces applicants to trauma-informed parenting, child development, abuse and neglect, reunification, permanency planning, confidentiality, cultural competency, licensing expectations, and available support services.

How To Register

After submitting an inquiry through the Binti Resource Family Portal or contacting DCP&P, applicants are contacted by a local Resource Family Recruiter to schedule a Group Engagement orientation session.

Duration

Orientation length varies by recruiting office but is generally completed before applicants begin pre-service training and the formal home evaluation process.

Application Process

Following orientation, applicants complete the resource family application, authorize background screenings, provide required documentation, complete pre-service training, participate in interviews and home evaluations, undergo home safety inspections, and work with a licensing specialist until final approval is granted.

Required Documents

• Completed resource family application
• Government-issued identification
• Background screening authorization forms
• Medical examination forms
• Employment and income verification
• Personal references
• Marriage certificate, civil union certificate, or domestic partnership documentation if applicable
• Driver's license
• Vehicle registration
• Proof of automobile insurance
• Emergency contact information
• Pet vaccination records when applicable
• Additional documentation requested by DCP&P

References Required

Applicants provide personal references who can evaluate their character, parenting abilities, emotional stability, reliability, relationships, and overall suitability to become licensed resource parents.

Interview Process

Licensing specialists interview applicants and household members regarding family history, parenting philosophy, discipline practices, finances, health, trauma awareness, support systems, placement preferences, motivation to foster, cultural competency, and readiness to partner with birth families and child welfare professionals.

Required

Yes

Curriculum

New Jersey requires prospective resource parents to complete approximately 27 hours of pre-service training consisting of nine weekly three-hour sessions before licensure. Training prepares applicants to understand trauma-informed parenting, child development, attachment, grief and loss, behavior management, abuse and neglect, cultural competency, permanency planning, reunification, confidentiality, mandated reporting, and working collaboratively with birth families, schools, healthcare providers, and child welfare professionals.

Required Hours

Prospective resource parents complete approximately 27 hours of pre-service training before becoming licensed. Licensed resource parents must also complete annual in-service training approved by the Department of Children and Families.

Online Available

Yes. Portions of New Jersey's required training may be completed virtually depending upon scheduling and program availability. Some training activities, demonstrations, or discussions may require in-person participation.

Certification

Completion of pre-service training satisfies one requirement for resource family licensure but does not independently approve a home. Applicants must also successfully complete the home evaluation, background screenings, home inspection, interviews, references, and all other licensing requirements.

Required

Yes

Interviews

A New Jersey DCP&P licensing specialist conducts multiple interviews with applicants and household members to evaluate parenting abilities, family relationships, motivation to become resource parents, emotional stability, financial readiness, discipline philosophy, health, trauma awareness, support systems, and overall preparedness to care for children.

Home Visits

Licensing specialists conduct one or more home visits to verify compliance with New Jersey Resource Family licensing standards. The residence is evaluated for cleanliness, adequate living space, sleeping arrangements, sanitation, utilities, fire safety, and overall child safety.

Topics Covered

• Motivation for becoming a resource parent
• Understanding foster care as temporary care
• Commitment to reunification whenever possible
• Family history and household relationships
• Marriage, civil union, domestic partnership, or partner relationship when applicable
• Parenting experience and caregiving skills
• Discipline philosophy and behavior management
• Understanding trauma and attachment
• Child development
• Grief, loss, and separation
• Ability to care for children with medical or behavioral needs
• Physical and mental health
• Substance use history
• Criminal and child abuse history
• Employment and financial stability
• Transportation arrangements
• Support systems
• Emergency preparedness
• Cultural competency
• Working with birth families
• Confidentiality requirements
• Firearms and weapon storage
• Pets and animal safety
• Household safety hazards
• Bedroom arrangements
• Placement preferences
• Educational advocacy
• Family strengths and areas needing additional preparation

Timeline

The home evaluation is completed alongside training, background screenings, document collection, and home inspections. Most applicants complete the overall licensing process within approximately four to five months.

Bedroom Rules

Each child must have an individual bed with appropriate bedding and adequate personal space. Bedroom arrangements must comply with New Jersey licensing regulations regarding age, gender, sibling relationships, privacy, developmental needs, and child safety.

Smoke Detectors

Working smoke detectors must be installed throughout the home according to state and local fire safety requirements. Licensing specialists verify proper operation during the home inspection.

Fire Extinguisher

Homes should maintain accessible fire extinguishers and establish an emergency evacuation plan. Emergency preparedness is reviewed during the licensing process.

Medications

Prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, medical supplies, controlled substances, and potentially dangerous items must be securely stored and inaccessible to children.

Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning products, chemicals, pesticides, poisons, alcohol, fuels, sharp objects, and other hazardous materials must be stored securely to prevent child access.

Firearms

Firearms must be unloaded and secured in locked storage. Ammunition should be stored separately in a locked location. All weapons must remain inaccessible to children.

Pools

Swimming pools, hot tubs, ponds, and other bodies of water must have approved barriers, fencing, locking gates, covers, alarms, or other protective measures that prevent unsupervised child access. Additional local safety requirements may apply.

Pets

Pets must be healthy, appropriately vaccinated when required, safely supervised, and not pose an unreasonable danger to children. Licensing specialists may request veterinary documentation when necessary.

Vehicle Requirements

Vehicles transporting foster children must be legally registered, insured, maintained in safe operating condition, and equipped with age-appropriate child restraint systems. Drivers must maintain valid driver's licenses.

Fingerprinting

Applicants and all required adult household members must complete fingerprint-based New Jersey and FBI criminal history background checks before licensure.

Child Abuse Registry

New Jersey reviews child abuse and neglect registry records for applicants and applicable household members. Additional child welfare record checks may be completed for applicants who previously resided outside New Jersey.

Criminal History

Licensing specialists review criminal history, child protection records, prior resource family licensing history, and other information relevant to child safety. Applicants should fully disclose prior criminal incidents during the licensing process.

Disqualifying Offenses

Certain felony convictions, violent crimes, crimes against children, sexual offenses, serious drug-related offenses, substantiated child abuse findings, and other disqualifying conduct may prevent resource family licensure under New Jersey and federal law.

Additional Checks

Additional evaluations may include driving record reviews, employment verification, personal references, financial stability assessments, household composition verification, medical clearances, and other screenings necessary to ensure child safety.

Steps

• Submit an inquiry through the Binti Resource Family Portal or contact New Jersey DCP&P.
• Attend a Group Engagement orientation session.
• Complete the resource family application.
• Submit required documentation.
• Authorize background screenings.
• Complete fingerprinting.
• Provide personal references.
• Complete approximately 27 hours of pre-service training.
• Participate in home evaluation interviews.
• Complete home safety inspections.
• Correct any identified deficiencies.
• Receive licensing approval recommendation.
• Receive Resource Family home license.
• Discuss placement preferences and approved capacity.
• Complete annual in-service training and license renewal requirements.

Average Timeline

Most New Jersey applicants complete the licensing process within approximately four to five months depending upon completion of training, paperwork, inspections, interviews, and background screenings.

Renewal Requirements

Licensed Resource Family homes must renew their license according to New Jersey regulations. Renewal includes updated home visits, continued compliance with licensing standards, annual in-service training, and submission of required documentation.

Ongoing Training

Licensed Resource Family parents complete annual in-service training covering trauma-informed care, behavior management, child development, permanency planning, educational advocacy, medical issues, cultural competency, abuse prevention, and other topics identified by DCF.

How Placements Work

After licensure, New Jersey DCP&P matches children with resource families based upon the child's needs and the family's approved capacity, experience, location, preferences, training, and ability to meet medical, emotional, educational, developmental, and behavioral needs. The agency also considers school stability, sibling relationships, and proximity to birth families whenever possible.

Can Decline Placements

Yes. Resource parents may decline placements they do not believe they can safely or successfully support. Families are encouraged to ask questions regarding the child's history, medical needs, behaviors, visitation schedule, medications, school placement, and services before accepting a placement.

Emergency Placements

New Jersey maintains resource families willing to accept emergency placements when children must be removed immediately for their safety. Emergency placements often occur with limited background information available at the time of placement.

Sibling Groups

New Jersey makes every reasonable effort to keep siblings together whenever it is safe and appropriate. When siblings cannot remain together, DCP&P works to preserve sibling relationships through visitation and continued contact whenever possible.

Age Preferences

Applicants identify the ages, number of children, sibling groups, placement types, medical conditions, disabilities, behavioral needs, and other characteristics they are prepared to accept. These preferences are documented during licensing and considered when children are matched with resource families.

Monthly Board Rate

Licensed New Jersey Resource Families receive monthly board payments to help cover the daily costs of caring for children placed in their homes. Payment rates are established by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and generally vary based upon the child's age, level of care, and documented medical, behavioral, developmental, or therapeutic needs.

Clothing Allowance

New Jersey may provide an initial or supplemental clothing allowance when a child enters care without adequate clothing or requires additional clothing because of growth, seasonal changes, school needs, placement circumstances, or other approved reasons. Community organizations and foster closets may also assist Resource Families with clothing and personal items.

Daycare Assistance

Childcare assistance may be available when necessary to support a Resource Parent's employment, training, medical appointments, or responsibilities included within the child's case plan. Childcare services generally require approval through the child's caseworker before services begin.

Medical Coverage

Children placed in New Jersey foster care generally receive healthcare coverage through New Jersey Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare). Coverage typically includes medical care, hospital services, dental care, vision services, behavioral health treatment, counseling, therapy, prescriptions, and other medically necessary services. Foster children generally should not be added to the Resource Family's private health insurance unless specifically directed by DCF.

Mileage Reimbursement

New Jersey may reimburse Resource Families for approved transportation associated with the child's case plan, including travel to medical appointments, counseling, family visitation, court hearings, educational services, and other authorized activities. Reimbursement rates and documentation requirements are established by DCF.

Additional Benefits

Depending upon the child's individual needs, Resource Families may receive respite care, specialized training, behavioral health services, crisis intervention, clothing assistance, transportation assistance, childcare assistance, enhanced maintenance payments, educational support, interpreter services, and referrals to community resources.

Respite Care

New Jersey offers respite care to provide Resource Families with temporary relief, reduce caregiver stress, strengthen placement stability, and help prevent placement disruptions. Respite services are generally provided by approved caregivers and coordinated through the child's caseworker or Resource Family Support Unit.

Support Groups

Resource Families may participate in support groups, educational workshops, caregiver networking opportunities, and community events sponsored by the Department of Children and Families, Foster and Adoptive Family Services (FAFS), local agencies, and nonprofit organizations serving foster, adoptive, and kinship families.

Mentoring

Peer mentoring opportunities may be available through Foster and Adoptive Family Services (FAFS), Resource Family Support Units, and experienced Resource Parents who provide guidance regarding licensing, placements, trauma-informed parenting, reunification, court involvement, documentation, and available services.

Counseling

Children in New Jersey foster care may receive trauma-informed counseling, behavioral health services, psychiatric care, developmental evaluations, occupational therapy, speech therapy, family therapy, substance use treatment, and other services based upon their individual needs. Resource Parents receive guidance on supporting treatment plans and coordinating services.

Crisis Support

Resource Families have access to crisis support through their DCP&P caseworker, Resource Family Support Unit, supervisors, behavioral health providers, emergency response resources, and community partners. Emergency contact procedures are provided during licensing so caregivers know whom to contact whenever urgent situations arise.

Available

Yes. New Jersey's Resource Family Program is specifically designed to support foster care, foster-to-adopt, kinship care, and adoption within a single licensing system. Licensed Resource Families may be considered as adoptive resources when reunification, placement with relatives, or other permanency options are no longer appropriate.

Process

Applicants interested in adopting through foster care complete the Resource Family licensing process, including orientation, training, background screenings, interviews, home evaluation, and home safety inspections. While reunification remains the child's permanency goal, Resource Families are expected to actively support the child's relationship with their birth family. If adoption later becomes the approved permanency plan, DCP&P evaluates whether the current Resource Family is the most appropriate permanent home based upon the child's best interests.

Legal Risk

Yes. Foster care placements involve legal risk because reunification remains the primary goal for most children entering care. Some children reunify with their parents or achieve permanency with relatives before adoption becomes appropriate. Resource Families should understand that accepting a foster placement does not guarantee adoption.

Adoption Subsidy

Eligible children adopted from New Jersey foster care may qualify for adoption assistance. Benefits may include monthly financial assistance, continued Medicaid coverage, reimbursement of certain nonrecurring adoption expenses, and other support services based upon the child's documented needs.

Available

Yes. New Jersey strongly prioritizes placement with relatives and fictive kin whenever those placements are safe, appropriate, and in the child's best interests. Many kinship caregivers become licensed Resource Families through the same licensing process used for traditional foster families.

Licensing Differences

Relatives and kinship caregivers may sometimes receive temporary placement approval while completing portions of the licensing process. However, New Jersey encourages kinship caregivers to become fully licensed Resource Families in order to access the full range of financial assistance, services, and support available through the Resource Family Program. Certain non-safety licensing standards may be considered individually when permitted by state policy.

Financial Support

Licensed kinship Resource Families generally receive the same board payments, Medicaid coverage, training opportunities, respite care, and support services available to other licensed Resource Families. Depending upon eligibility and the child's legal status, kinship caregivers may also qualify for Kinship Navigator services, NJ FamilyCare, childcare assistance, transportation assistance, guardianship assistance, adoption assistance, and referrals to community resources.

Can I become a Resource Parent if I am single?

Yes. New Jersey welcomes qualified single adults, married couples, individuals in civil unions or domestic partnerships, and other eligible applicants. Licensing decisions focus on the applicant's ability to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing home.

How old do I have to be?

Applicants must generally be at least 18 years old to become licensed Resource Parents in New Jersey.

Do I have to live in New Jersey?

Yes. Applicants must reside in New Jersey and complete the licensing process through the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.

Do I need a high school diploma?

New Jersey does not establish a statewide high school diploma requirement for Resource Parents. Applicants are evaluated on their ability to safely meet the needs of children placed in their care.

Do I have to own my home?

No. Applicants may rent or own their residence provided the home meets all applicable Resource Family licensing requirements.

Can I work outside the home?

Yes. Many Resource Parents work full-time. Applicants must demonstrate that appropriate childcare, supervision, transportation, and scheduling arrangements are available when necessary.

Do I need to have children of my own?

No. Many successful Resource Parents have never raised biological children. Training and ongoing support help prepare caregivers for fostering.

Is there a minimum income requirement?

Applicants must demonstrate financial stability and the ability to meet their household expenses without relying on foster care reimbursement payments.

What background checks are required?

Applicants complete fingerprint-based state and federal criminal background checks, child abuse registry checks, and any additional screenings required by New Jersey law.

Will a criminal record automatically disqualify me?

Not necessarily. Certain convictions automatically disqualify applicants, while other offenses are evaluated individually according to New Jersey and federal licensing requirements.

How many references are required?

Applicants generally provide multiple personal references who can speak to their character, parenting abilities, emotional stability, and suitability to become Resource Parents.

Is training required?

Yes. Prospective Resource Parents complete approximately 27 hours of pre-service training before licensure and continue participating in ongoing annual training after becoming licensed.

Is a home study required?

Yes. Every applicant completes a comprehensive home evaluation that includes interviews, home visits, background screenings, references, and safety inspections.

Can I have pets?

Yes. Pets are permitted when they are healthy, safely supervised, appropriately vaccinated, and do not present an unreasonable risk to children.

Can I own firearms?

Yes. Firearms must be legally possessed, unloaded, securely locked, and inaccessible to children. Ammunition should be stored separately in a locked location.

Can foster children share bedrooms?

Yes, when permitted by New Jersey licensing standards regarding age, gender, sibling relationships, privacy, developmental needs, and available bedroom space.

Can I choose the ages of children I foster?

Yes. Resource Parents identify the ages, sibling groups, placement types, medical conditions, disabilities, and behavioral needs they are prepared to accept.

Can I decline a placement?

Yes. Resource Parents may decline placements they do not believe they can safely support. Families are encouraged to gather as much information as possible before making a decision.

Does New Jersey prioritize placing children with relatives?

Yes. Whenever safely possible, DCF first considers placement with relatives or other adults who have significant existing relationships with the child.

Can relatives become licensed Resource Families?

Yes. Many relatives become fully licensed Resource Families and receive the same support services and financial assistance available to other licensed caregivers.

Am I expected to support reunification?

Yes. Resource Parents play an important role in supporting reunification whenever it remains the child's permanency goal by encouraging healthy family relationships and participating in visitation planning.

Will I receive financial assistance?

Yes. Licensed Resource Families receive monthly board payments, Medicaid coverage for children, and may qualify for additional assistance depending upon the child's individual needs.

Do foster children receive health insurance?

Yes. Children placed in foster care generally receive medical coverage through New Jersey Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare).

Is respite care available?

Yes. Approved respite care is available to help Resource Families manage caregiver stress, emergencies, and placement stability.

Can I adopt a child placed in my home?

Possibly. If reunification and other permanency options are no longer appropriate, the Resource Family caring for the child may be considered as the adoptive family when adoption serves the child's best interests.

Does fostering guarantee adoption?

No. Foster care is intended to be temporary, and reunification remains the primary goal for most children entering care.

Is adoption assistance available?

Yes. Eligible children adopted from New Jersey foster care may qualify for monthly adoption assistance, Medicaid, reimbursement of certain adoption expenses, and ongoing support services.

How do I report suspected child abuse or neglect?

Contact the New Jersey Child Abuse Hotline (State Central Registry) immediately. Call 911 whenever a child is in immediate danger.

State Agency

New Jersey Department of Children and Families, Division of Child Protection and Permanency

Phone

1-877-NJ FOSTER (1-877-653-6783)

Email

[email protected]

Address

50 East State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625