The 1980s were a time of growth and change that led to many positive developments for New Jersey’s foster families.
“We are proud of New Jersey’s distinction as the national model of partnership between a State child services agency and foster parents. Together we are setting an example for state agencies in recognizing the invaluable contribution that foster parents can have – not only in caring for thousands of children on a daily basis, but also in shaping the quality and diversity of substitute care services for the future.” Nicholas Scalera
NJ Foster Care History Timeline: The 1980s
1983 – Foster and Adoptive Family Services‘ partnership with DYFS as advocates, not adversaries, begins
1983 – NJFPA becomes the first state association to receive state funding for advocacy, in-service training and recruitment of foster homes
1983 – NJFPA receives DYFS policy regarding foster care for review and comment before implementation
1983 – Support Groups for Foster Parents (then known as Volunteer Committees) now in every county in NJ
1983 – Legislation on foster care programs/services amounting to over four million dollars introduced in Senate and Assembly
1983 – Governor Thomas Kean designates May as Foster Parent Month in NJ
1986 – Touch A Life (Become a Foster Parent) ad campaign debuts – created for NJFPA from donations of professional service through the NJ Council on Advertising.
1987 – Liability insurance program for foster parents established
1987 – Foster Parent support worker position introduced
What started off as a partnership between three foster parents grew into a statewide group of foster care advocates.