Basically, there are five possible routes to finding and adopting a waiting child in the U.S. They are listed here in order of simplicity….easiest (less complicated) first.

1. DCP&P - As the state agency with custody basically all NJ foster children, working with DCP&P is the most direct way. They will do your homestudy and provide training. DCP&P has hired additional staff and is working hard to comply with the Adoption and Safe Families Act in moving children to permanent homes as quickly as possible.
2. A NJ agency which places NJ children - Agencies which are contracted by DCP&P to place NJ children, such as Downeyside, Children’s Aid and Family Service, Youth Consultation Services, Catholic Charities in Perth Amboy and Burlington.
3. A NJ agency which will help you find a child from another state - Certain NJ Agencies, such as Downeyside, Lutheran Social Ministries, will do your homestudy and assist you in locating a child from another state and in dealing with both state bureaucracies.
4. A NJ licensed, but out-of-state agency - These agencies are licensed to conduct your homestudy and will help you find and place a child from another state.
5. Dealing directly with an out-of-state private or public agency which is NOT licensed in NJ - You will still need to have a homestudy done by a NJ licensed agency and that should be a full-service agency which can provide training and post-placement services. This is the most arduous route and will require your dealing with two state bureaucracies. You can use the internet or photo listings, especially the AdoptUSKids listing, or regional or national exchanges to identify the child.

A listing of agencies, exchanges, and websites is available on CPFA’s “How to Begin an Older Child Adoption” factsheet.