Foster youth have unique needs as many enter the system with social, emotional, psychological, cognitive, and medical problems. While many foster youths in New Jersey can be placed with licensed resource families or relatives, those with unique needs and challenges may be placed in residential care facilities. Residential care differs from traditional foster care in that the youth is not placed with one family. Rather, residential care facilities oversee the board and care of several individuals and offer professional services such as addiction treatment and counseling in an intensive setting.
Group Care and Support
Residential care facilities need to meet strict licensing requirements just as resource families do. Typically geared toward youth with special needs such as addictions, psychological problems, and chronic conditions, these facilities ensure the child’s individual needs can be met in a supportive environment. Youth with complex psychological diagnosis, disabilities, and behavioral problems often need more intensive support and supervision many resource families aren’t able to provide. Residential care facilities and therapeutic care facilities geared specifically toward youth who need some form of therapy fill this gap in placement options. Once a child is in a residential care facility, reunification is still possible if it is in the child’s best interests. Parents and family members can still visit with the child in most circumstances and can provide the facility staff with important information about the child’s needs and preferences.
If your child has special needs, consult with an experienced New Jersey child welfare attorney about placement options. Some children do best in residential care facilities where they can get the help they need in a group environment. If your child has been taken from you, it’s important that you can communicate your child’s needs to the right people. An attorney can help ensure your child is placed in an appropriate and supportive environment because that is what he or she deserves. As the parent, you play an important role in communicating your child’s needs to the proper authorities, so you deserve to provide input regarding where your child lives and what services he or she uses.
If you have questions about permanency options, the Williams Law Group, LLC is here to help. Our skilled attorneys can provide legal guidance and defend your rights. Located in Short Hills, New Jersey, Williams Law Group, LLC provides compassionate and dedicated legal services to Union, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Monmouth, and Middlesex counties, and the surrounding areas. Our knowledgeable attorneys handle divorce and family law, child custody, and child abuse/neglect cases. Call our office at (908) 810-1083, email us at info@awilliamslawgroup.com, or contact us through our confidential online form to schedule a consultation and ultimately get you connected with an experienced New Jersey divorce and child custody attorney.
