ICPC State Pages
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About the ICPC
The Association of Administrators of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (AAICPC) was established in 1974 and consists of members from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The AAICPC has authority under ICPC to "promulgate rules and regulations to carry out more effectively the terms and provisions of this compact." The AAICPC obtains its Secretariat Services, as an affiliate of the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA).
For more information, please visit the AAICPC website.
Contact the AAICPC
American Public Human Services Association
1133 Nineteenth Street, NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 682-0100
fax: (202) 289-6555
Web Manager: Carla Fults [cfults@aphsa.org]
Click on a state to see it's page:
New Jersey
-
Adoption
- Age of Majority
- Appeals
- Border Agreements
- Criminal Background Checks/Abuse and Neglect Registry
- Custody Matters
- NON ICPC - Consultants/Specialists
- Definitions
- Education - Public Education Costs
- Financial Plans, Medicaid, IV-E, Daycare, Payments
- Foster Care
- Home Studies (Adoption/Foster Care/Kinship/Parent/Relative)
- ICPC Processing
- Licensing/Certification/Approval
- Parental Placements
- Relative Placements
- Residential Treatment Centers/Facilities
- Supervision/Reports/Guidelines
- Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
Compact Administrators
| Compact Administrator Gilbert Soto
|
Deputy Compact Administrator Gilbert Soto Supervises Consultants: Monica Nelson, Supervisor Supervises Consultants
|
Consultants
| ICPC Specialist (A-H) New cases are assigned on rotation. Please submit new referrals in NEICE or to our dedicated mailbox- .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Alba Hernandez Ashley Lamenta Cynthia McKeever Casey McKenna Jose (Carlos) Pena Gloria Richardson Sylvia Siler Jessica Vigale Veronica Villanueva-Rosas
|
Administrative Assistant (A-L) Tina Young Yoquila Morris
|
| ICPC Specialist (I-Q)See above | Administrative Assistant (M-Z) See above |
| ICPC Specialist (R-Z) See Above |
Mailing Address
| Regular Mailing Address NJ Dept. of Children and Families |
Federal Express Address NJ Dept. of Children and Families |
Useful Telephone Numbers
| Child Abuse Hotline In State: (877) 652-2873 |
Juvenile Compact Office Administrative Office of the Courts/Probation Service Division |
| Mental Health Compact Office Department of Human Services/Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services |
Useful Websites
General Iinformation
Co-Located Compacts - ICPC, ICAMA, ICJ
Adoption
Independent /Private
Independent/Private Adoptive Placements:
New Jersey permits private attorney, private agency and/or independent adoptions
| Adoption Type | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| Private Agency | Yes |
| Private Attorney | Yes |
| Independent | Yes |
Adoption Statute-Non-Agency; Independent; Private Adoptions:
N.J.S.A. 9:3-37 et seq, N.J.S.A. 30:1A-1 et seq and 30:4C-4(b)
N.J.S.A. 9:3-37 et seq, N.J.S.A. 30:1A-1 et seq and 30:4C-4(b)
N.J.S.A. 9:3-37 et seq, N.J.S.A. 30:1A-1 et seq and 30:4C-4(b)
Public
Public Adoptive Placements-Requirements
Chapter 50, Manual of Requirements for Adoption Agencies, N.J.A.C. 3A:50
Chapter 51, Manual of Requirements for Resource Parents, N.J.A.C. 3A:51
INDEPENDENT / PRIVATE / PUBLIC
The following information applies to independent, private and public adoptions
Adoption Assistance
Adoption assistance payments begins
- After the adoption is finalized
Sending State Adoption Subsidy Payments (Guidelines)
New Jersey has a special needs adoption assistance program information can be found http://www.state.nj.us/njfosteradopt/subsidy/
Special Needs
New Jersey definition of "Special Needs"
Criteria for Special Needs Determinations. Each child must meet at least one of the following criteria for detemination as a child with "special needs" child :
1. The child has a serious medical or dental condition that will require repeated or frequent hospitalization or treatment.
2. The child has any physical disability which makes the child totally or partially incapacitated for education or potential to earn income.
3. A child with a substantial disfigurement.
4. A child with a diagnosed emotional, mental health, and/or behavioral problem, psychiatric disorder, serious intellectual incapacity, or brain injury which seriously affects the child's ability relate to his or her peers or authority figures, including, but not limited to, a developmental disability.
5. The child is one of a group of three or more siblings (including half-siblings) placed together, or the child is the third or additional sibling placed in the same home, even though the first or second sibling receive no subsidy.
6. The child is one of two siblings (including half siblings), one of whom meets the special needs criteria, and the resource home is considered most appropriate setting for the siblings or the child is being placed in the home with a sibling receiving subsidy.
7. The child belonging to an ethnic or minority group for whom adoptiive homes are not readily available to CP&P. Information regarding adoption home availability can be obtained from CP&P.
8. The child is ten years old or older.
9. The child experience abuse or neglect that resulted in an out-of-home placement by CP&P.
10. The child meeting the medical or disability requirements for Supplemental Security Income pursant to 42 U.S.C. 673 (c).
11. Any other condition of a specific child which may be approved by the CP&P Director or designee that is not contrary to Federal or State statute and regulations which may include, but is not limited to:
• Child is at high risk of developmental, educational, or emotional problems secondary to prenatal drug exposure.
• Child has a high risk of genetic predisposition to mental illness due to parental mental health history.
• Child is placed with relative or kin who will not adopt without subsidy.
Finalization
Adoption may be finalized in another state:
- Yes
Before finalization can occur in New Jersey, child must be in adoptive placement:
- 6 months
Statutory code/cite for Adoption Petition
N.J.S.A. 30:4C-11.3
Court Jurisdiction for Adoption Cases
Surrogate Court
Home Study (Adoptions)
Statutory code/cite for the Adoptive Home Studies:
Public: N.J.A.C. 3A:51 and N.J.A.C 3A:50
Private: N.J.A.C 3A:50.
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- No
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- Private Adoptions: Yes
- Independent Adoptions: Yes
Age of Majority
State's age of majority
- 18 years
Statutory code/cite and the age of majority:
- N.J.S.A.9:17B-3, N.J.S.A. 30:4C1 to 30:4C-44
Services (after Age of Majority)
As the Receiving State, the following services will be provided/continued at the age of majority:
- Supervision
- Medicaid
Appeals
Appeals permitted:
- Home Study: Yes
- ICPC Decision: No
Border Agreements
Border Agreements permitted:
- Yes
Current Border Agreements with:
- New Jersey
Criminal Background Checks/Abuse and Neglect Registry
Home Studies which Require Criminal / Perpetrator Record Checks
New Jersey requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Criminal Background Screening
The following methods are used to capture fingerprints to conduct criminal records checks/and abuse and neglect.
- Live Scan or other computerized technology
Criminal background checks/screening via Live Scan or other computerized technology are offered at the following levels:
- National
- State
- Local
Background Screening
State or Local Criminal Record Checks Requirements/Process:
National, State, Local and Abuse/Neglect checks are required.
Applicant will not be approved if the person has committed any of the following misdemeanor or felony offenses:
If the criminal history record background check of the staff member or applicant reveals a record of conviction for any of the following crimes and offenses:
a. In New Jersey, any crime or disorderly persons offense as follows:
(1) a crime against a child, including endangering the welfare of a child and child pornography pursuant to N.J.S.2C:24-4;
(2) abuse, abandonment or neglect of a child pursuant to R.S.9:6-3;
(3) endangering the welfare of an incompetent person pursuant to N.J.S.2C:24-7;
(4) sexual assault, criminal sexual contact or lewdness pursuant to N.J.S. 2C:14-2 through N.J.S.2C:14-4;
(5) murder pursuant to N.J.S. 2C:11-3 or manslaughter pursuant to N.J.S.2C:11-4;
(6) stalking pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1992, c. 209 (C.2C:12-10);
(7) kidnapping and related offenses including criminal restraint, false imprisonment, interference with custody, criminal coercion, or enticing a child into a motor vehicle, structure or isolated area pursuant to N.J.S.2C:13-1 through N.J.S.2C:13-5 and section 1 of P.L.1993, c. 291 (C.2C:13-6);
(8) arson pursuant to N.J.S.2C:17-1, or causing or risking widespread injury or damage, which would constitute a crime of the second degree pursuant to N.J.S.2C:17-2;
(9) aggravated assault, which would constitute a crime of the second or third degree pursuant to subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:12-1;
(10) robbery, which would constitute a crime of the first degree pursuant to N.J.S.2C:15-1;
(11) burglary, which would constitute a crime of the second degree pursuant to N.J.S.2C:18-2;
(12) domestic violence pursuant to P.L.1991, c. 261 (C.2C:25-17 et al.);
(13) terroristic threats pursuant to N.J.S.2C:12-3; or
(14) an attempt or conspiracy to commit any of the crimes or offenses listed in paragraphs (1) through (13) of this subsection.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
New Jersey requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | |||
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Results
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 31-60 days
- Local/County: 4-7 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: Not Offered
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background
- Signature verifying background check completed
Definitions
New Jersey Specific Definitions
If the following terms are defined differently than below (General Definitions), please provide definitions for the following types of placements as defined within your state. If definitions in your state are the same, please type the word same in the space provided. (only 250 characters per answer will be accepted).
Adoption
Same
Foster-Adopt
Same
Foster Care
Same
Parent
Same
Relative
NJ does not have a separate relative home study. All relatives (non-parent) must become licensed resource parents for public placements.
Relative Foster Care
Same. Relatives must meet the same standards are non-relatives to become license resource parents for placement.
Public Education Costs
New Jersey charges for public education:
- Other: However, if a New Jersey public school district requests payment of educational costs for a child residing with a non-related person or a relative, including one who cannot prove relationship, The sending state is responsible for tuition payments.
New Jersey charges the sending state for specialized services (occupational, speech therapy)
- Other: School districts may charge the sending district for specialized services.
New Jersey charges the Sending State to obtain assessments/diagnostics and/or services for education purposes:
- Other: Sometimes. If a child requires special services, the Local Office informs the out-of-state agency and obtains their approval. The out-of-state agency advises the Local Office of the method of vendor payment if appropriate, before securing the required services.
Financial Plans, Medicaid, IV-E, Daycare, Payments
FINANCIAL PLANS
New Jersey permits a child in the legal custody of a Sending State to apply for and receive the following state administered assistance/benefits in New Jersey as the Receiving State.
- TANF Child Only
As the Sending state, following are considered as a viable financial/medical plan when making interstate placements:
- Applying for TANF - Child Only
- Title IV-E Foster Care
- Title IV-E Adoption Assistance
- Sending State Adoption Assistance
- Kin-Guardianship - Fostering Connections (IV-E)
- Kin-Guardianship - State
- Sending State’s Coverage for Medical Assistance
As the Receiving state, following are considered a viable financial/medical plan when receiving interstate placements:
- Applying for TANF - (Family Income Based)
- Applying for TANF - Child Only
- Title IV-E Foster Care
- Title IV-E Adoption Assistance
- Sending State Adoption Assistance
- Kin-Guardianship - Fostering Connections (IV-E)
- Kin-Guardianship - State
- Sending State’s Coverage for Medical Assistance
MEDICAID / MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
The state will ensure medical coverage benefits and services can be received through benefits, programs and providers in the Receiving State before placing a child across state lines.
- Yes
Medicaid
The receiving state is responsible for the Medicaid benefits of children eligible under Title IV-E. Otherwise, the responsibility is with the sending state (see Foster Care Payments).
- Other: When the NJ Public Child Welfare Agency is the sending agency; it provides board payments for foster, adoption and Kinship placements once the home is licensed.
WAITING PERIOD FOR MEDICAID BENEFITS
Waiting period to apply for benefit assistance:
- 30 days
Waiting period to receive benefits for a child who is under the legal custody/legal jurisdiction of the sending state:
- No waiting period
STATE MEDICAL INSURANCE/COVERAGE
As the Sending State, New Jersey will provide medical coverage if the child is NOT IV-E eligible
- No
As the Sending State, New Jersey will permit Placement Resources to apply for medical benefits in the Receiving State or use their personal insurance.
- Yes
PAYMENTS MADE
TANF Payments
- Relatives need to show proof of relationship; birth certifications of the children and their parents may be required by Social Services. Sending states should provide a letter to the resource family if the child is in state/agency custody and the resource family is not being provided financial or medical support for the child.
Adoption assistance payments begin:
- At the time the child is placed.
Foster Care Payments
Rate tables for Resource Care and Subsidy are updated annually. Rates can Googled. Contact the ICPC Office for current rate table if matching payment..
Special Education Payments
- Yes
Daycare Payments
- Other
New Jersey will pay on a case by case basis.
Kinship Program
Kinship Navigator Information www.nj.gov/dcf/families/support/kinship/
TITLE IV-E
Medicaid - The receiving state is responsible for the Medicaid benefits of children eligible under Title IV-E. Otherwise, the responsibility is with the sending state (see Foster Care Payments).
- Other: When the NJ Public Child Welfare Agency is the sending agency; it provides board payments for foster, adoption and Kinship placements once the home is licensed.
Title IV-E documentation/verification required
- Yes:
Foster Care
RATES (Foster Care)
Foster care rate paid at:
- Sending State’s rate
New Jersey foster care rates:
| Service Level of Care | Amount per day |
|---|---|
| basic | |
| moderate | |
| specialized | yes |
| intense |
REQUIREMENTS (Foster Care)
Foster Care Resource Requirements:
Chapter 51 Manual of Requirements for Resource Family Parents. N.J.S.A 3A;51-1.1.
Training (Education and Training)
- Pre-Service training is conducted by trainers in the Resource Family Support Unit (RFSU) of each Local Office. Successful completion of one or more of the following training programs is required prior to issuance of a license by the Office of Licensing: A. Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education (PRIDE) - the standardized, pre-service training program required for each primary and each secondary resource parent applicant. The goal of the PRIDE training is to strengthen the quality of resource family care. B. Traditions of Caring - the standardized, pre-service training geared specifically for relatives, or those who have a kinship connection with the child. Relatives and family friends applying for resource family care are required to take the Traditions of Caring training, in lieu of PRIDE training. C. Specialized training is provided for resources parents interested in caring for families interested in caring for children with medical needs.
Home Studies (Adoption/Foster Care/Kinship/Parent/Relative)
Types of Home Studies
New Jersey conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Foster- Adopt
- Adoption
NJ requires public agency relatives and non relatives to become licensed Resource Parents.
New Jersey designates staff in each county/region to conduct home studies and/or process interstate placements.
- Yes
New Jersey considers a home study as current/valid for:
- 6 mos.
Private Contract Services - Home Study
As the Sending State, New Jersey will pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study
- No
As the Receiving State, New Jersey will permit a Sending state to pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study.
- Yes
As the Receiving State, New Jersey will accept/update a home study that was not originally conducted by the receiving state or a private contractor acting on behalf of the Receiving State.
- Will not Update or Accept
Adoptive Home Studies
Home study for adoption conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- No
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- Private Adoptions: Yes
- Independent Adoptions: Yes
DCPS contracts for Purchase of Services with private agencies in other states:
- Yes
Foster Care Home Study
Home study for foster care conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Parent Home Study
If child has been removed from the parent, New Jersey requires a home study evaluation before reunification.
Yes
Non-Custodial Parents
Placements with non-custodial parents are not covered under the ICPC if:
If the child is not in the custody of the state public welfare agency. Private custody matters would not be covered by the ICPC.
Proof of Paternity is required:
- No
Relative/Kinship Home Study
Home study for relatives conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Define Relative
"Relative" means a person who is related by blood or marriage/civil union partnership, and includes a parent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, first cousin, niece, nephew, relatives of half blood and those denoted by the prefixes "step", "grand" and "great".
"Search" means the activities undertaken to identify or locate missing parents, relatives, and caregivers.
Relatives must be licensed:
- Yes
Proof of Paternity is required:
- No
New Jersey considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
- 1st Degree (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter)
- 2nd Degree (grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin)
- 3rd Degree (great grandmother, great grandfather, great aunt, great uncle, grand-niece, grand nephew, second cousin)
- 4th Degree (great, great-grandmother, great, great-grandfather, great, great aunt, great, great aunt, great, great uncle, great grand-niece, great grand nephew, third cousin)
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
New Jersey performs priority placements:
Yes
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Public
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 90 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- 90 days
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Private
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- Other: Most studies include criminal record checks.
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- 60 days
New Jersey determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Other
Date received and stamped
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | y |
| Send home study request to Local office | y | y | y | |
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | y |
Criminal Record Checks
New Jersey requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
New Jersey requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | |||
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Results
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 31-60 days
- Local/County: 4-7 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: Not Offered
ICPC Processing And Data Collection
New Jersey conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Foster- Adopt
- Adoption
NJ requires public agency relatives and non relatives to become licensed Resource Parents.
ICPC Placement Checklists
| Adoption | Foster | Foster-Adopt | Parent | Relative | Residential | Electronic Transmission Accepted * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICPC 100A (Placement Request) | yes | ||||||
| ICPC – 100 B (if child is in the Receiving State) | yes | ||||||
| Home Study Report | yes | ||||||
| Court Order | yes | ||||||
| Medical Documentation/History | yes | ||||||
| Criminal History | yes | ||||||
| Education and Training Verification | yes | ||||||
| (License/ Certification/Approval) | yes | ||||||
| Financial/ Medical Plan to support placement | yes | ||||||
| Social History/ Case Plan | yes | ||||||
| Medical plan to support placement | yes | ||||||
| Title IV-E Status | yes | ||||||
| Supervisory/ Progress Reports | yes | ||||||
| Termination of Paternal Rights | yes | ||||||
| Consent to Adoption | yes |
Date of Receipt - Home Study
New Jersey determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Other
Date received and stamped
New Jersey designates staff in each county/region to conduct home studies and/or process interstate placements.
- Yes
Private Contract Services - Home Study
As the Sending State, New Jersey will pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study
- No
Criminal Records Checks
New Jersey requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
New Jersey requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | |||
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y |
Mailing Process - Interstate Home Study
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | y |
| Send home study request to Local office | y | y | y | |
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | y |
Wait/Processing Times
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Public
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 90 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- 90 days
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 31-60 days
- Local/County: 4-7 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: Not Offered
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 3-6 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 3 years
New Jersey offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherPublic agency classes are scheduled by county. Typically a minimum of one class per month will be scheduled. Private agencies schedule training as needed.
Wait Time for ICPC Decision
| Foster Care | Relative | Relative - Foster Care | Parent | Foster - Adopt | Adoption (Public) |
Adoption (Private) |
Adoption (Independent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6- 9 months | 6- 9 months | 6- 9 months | 2-3months | 6- 9 months | 2-3months | 1- 30 days | 1- 30 days |
Data Collection
New Jersey collects, tracks and reports interstate data via:
- Manually (By hand)
New Jersey collects, tracks and reports interstate home studies via
- Manually (By hand)
Licensing/Certification/Approval
Licensing
Dual Licensing state:
- Yes
New Jersey uses the following terms to authorize a resource family for foster care and (or) adoption after completion of education and training in state:
- Approve (Adoption)
- Verified (Foster Home)
- Certified
New Jersey requires the following types of placement resources to be licensed/approved/certified:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Adoption
- Foster/Adopt
New Jersey resource training program is as follows:
- PRIDE (Parents Resource Information Development Education)
New Jersey will give full or partial credit for foster care and adoption education and training completed in another state:
- Adoption
OtherHandled on a case by case basis. Full credit given to PRIDE or Traditions of Caring depending on the timeframe when completed. All other must submit curriculum for review. - Foster Care
OtherHandled on a case by case basis. Full credit given to PRIDE or Traditions of Caring depending on the timeframe when completed. All other must submit curriculum for review.
Title IV-E documentation/verification required
- Yes:
Requirements (Licensing)
Licensing Requirements
Chapter 51 Manual of Requirements for Resource Family Parents (N.J.S.A 3A:51-1.1)
Applicant must be at least 18, resident of NJ, agree to home study, inspection of home by the Office of Licensing, interviews with each family member, complete pre-service training as specified in N.J.S.A. 3A;51-1.1, consent for release on information, medical, personaL, employment, school/day day care, references, CARI, Federal and State checks, Resource Family Care Agreement, agreement not to use unacceptable methods of discipline, statement of financila resources, life/safety inspection, check of DCF's recordes and court records of incidenst of abuse, or neglect. Reltive, foster, adoption, placement facilities, and child-caring facilities must be licensed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.
Foster Care Placements
Licensure by the Department of Children and Families. Out-of-state homes must be licensed or re-certified
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 3-6 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 3 years
New Jersey offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherPublic agency classes are scheduled by county. Typically a minimum of one class per month will be scheduled. Private agencies schedule training as needed.
Parent Studies
New Jersey conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Foster- Adopt
- Adoption
NJ requires public agency relatives and non relatives to become licensed Resource Parents.
Custodial Parent Evaluated Per Reunification
If child has been removed from the parent, New Jersey requires a home study evaluation before reunification.
Yes
Non-Custodial Parents
Placements with non-custodial parents are not covered under the ICPC if:
If the child is not in the custody of the state public welfare agency. Private custody matters would not be covered by the ICPC.
Proof of Paternity is required:
- No
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
New Jersey performs priority placements:
Yes
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study)
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 90 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- 90 days
New Jersey determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Other
Date received and stamped
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | y |
| Send home study request to Local office | y | y | y | |
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | y |
Criminal Records Checks
New Jersey requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
New Jersey requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | |||
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 31-60 days
- Local/County: 4-7 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: Not Offered
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 90 days
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
New Jersey requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | |||
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y |
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background
- Signature verifying background check completed
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 3-6 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 3 years
New Jersey offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherPublic agency classes are scheduled by county. Typically a minimum of one class per month will be scheduled. Private agencies schedule training as needed.
Relative Placements
New Jersey conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Foster- Adopt
- Adoption
NJ requires public agency relatives and non relatives to become licensed Resource Parents.
Relative Home Study
Define Relative
"Relative" means a person who is related by blood or marriage/civil union partnership, and includes a parent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, first cousin, niece, nephew, relatives of half blood and those denoted by the prefixes "step", "grand" and "great".
"Search" means the activities undertaken to identify or locate missing parents, relatives, and caregivers.
Relatives must be licensed:
- Yes
Proof of Paternity is required:
- No
New Jersey considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
- 1st Degree (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter)
- 2nd Degree (grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin)
- 3rd Degree (great grandmother, great grandfather, great aunt, great uncle, grand-niece, grand nephew, second cousin)
- 4th Degree (great, great-grandmother, great, great-grandfather, great, great aunt, great, great aunt, great, great uncle, great grand-niece, great grand nephew, third cousin)
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
New Jersey performs priority placements:
Yes
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study)
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 90 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- 90 days
New Jersey determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Other
Date received and stamped
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | y |
| Send home study request to Local office | y | y | y | |
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | y |
Criminal Records Checks
New Jersey requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
New Jersey requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | |||
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 31-60 days
- Local/County: 4-7 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: Not Offered
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 90 days
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
New Jersey requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | |||
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y |
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background
- Signature verifying background check completed
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 3-6 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 3 years
New Jersey offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherPublic agency classes are scheduled by county. Typically a minimum of one class per month will be scheduled. Private agencies schedule training as needed.
Residential Treatment Centers/Facilities
Before New Jersey will approve a child for an interstate placement with an RTF, Certification/verification of acceptance is required from the Residential Treatment Facility (RTF).
- Yes
Residential Placements
No information provided
Supervisory Reports
New Jersey Requires face-to-face supervision:
- Other : Yes. Five days after placement. Within 30 days after placement .
New Jersey will provide supervision of an interstate placement:
- Until the ICPC case is closed
New Jersey Submits a supervisory report to the Sending State
- Quarterly
New Jersey will send a supervision report to:
- The ICPC in the Sending State
Supervision Guidelines
Please see Regulation 11 for supervision requirements under the ICPC (Link provided below):
Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
Home study for adoption conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- No
Home study for relatives conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
After TPR, relatives are no longer relatives and a foster care or adoptive home study must be requested.
- Yes
Relative Home Study
Define Relative
"Relative" means a person who is related by blood or marriage/civil union partnership, and includes a parent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, first cousin, niece, nephew, relatives of half blood and those denoted by the prefixes "step", "grand" and "great".
"Search" means the activities undertaken to identify or locate missing parents, relatives, and caregivers.
Relatives must be licensed:
- Yes
Proof of Paternity is required:
- No
New Jersey considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
- 1st Degree (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter)
- 2nd Degree (grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin)
- 3rd Degree (great grandmother, great grandfather, great aunt, great uncle, grand-niece, grand nephew, second cousin)
- 4th Degree (great, great-grandmother, great, great-grandfather, great, great aunt, great, great aunt, great, great uncle, great grand-niece, great grand nephew, third cousin)
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