Help with Foster care agencies

[Jenn]

I am considering becoming a foster parent, and will like to know if anyone has information on how to obtain a list of foster care agencies within New Jersey (southern). I actually have an application in process with the one and only agency I know, but am being told that even though they are processing my application, they are in no need for homes in my area (that is, the area that I live). Also do I need to go through an agency?? Any advise will help..... Thanks

[Karen Jorgenson]

I would encourage you to connect with the Foster and Adoptive Family Services association for specific information in New Jersey. They can be reached at 800-222-0047 or mawrachow@fafsonline.org.

[SaQuek]

If my son and his wife have foster children, what do I need to do to be approved to provide child care for these kids if my son & his wife need to attend to business or appointments?

[Nanna]

All states are different so it is best to contact the agency or ask your daugter/son. They should be able to answer that because when I went through the class they told us that anyone who care for the child more then four hours would need to take the class, physical, fingerprint, background check. In other words the same porocedures the foster parent go through. However, they could not stay all night unless they were licensed with the same agency.If our children, which are grown ever move back home they would have to get license too. I hope this helps. It may seem strict but it is in the best interest of the children, to make sure they are in the hands of a reliable, safe person.