Packet B – New Jersey

Please be sure to read all instructions carefully. These represent the state specific documentation needed for a home study. We recommend you begin gathering these documents as soon as possible. Some of the clearances take considerable time to process and a home study can not be finished without all being received. You may send documents to WHFC as you receive or complete them, or submit all documents at once. Remember that we are here to help you every step of the way! Please do not hesitate to contact your Adoption Coordinator with questions.

Items that can be scanned to your adoption coordinator:

Please only send .pdf format (not .jpg or other image files). You may, of course, mail copies if that is easier for you.  Please send the first two items ASAP:

  1.  These forms related to various clearances.
  2.  A copy of a photo id (license or passport) for each household member age 15 and older
  3. Birth certificates for all household members
  4. Marriage certificate for applicants (if applicable)
  5. Final divorce decree(s) for either applicant (if applicable)
  6. Most recent 1040 (first two pages only)
  7. If applicable, Certificate of Citizenship/Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card

Please note that you will likely need a few originals of 3, 4, and 5 later in the adoption process. Copies are fine for our file. Also, additional financial information may be needed on a case by case basis.  

Items that you need to give others to complete:

  1. MEDICAL STATEMENT
    Complete one for each person living in your home
  2. RELEASE OF COUNSELING INFORMATION  If applicable
  3. AFFIDAVIT OF HEALTH INSURANCE  Completed by your employer or insurance company
  4. LETTERS OF REFERENCE
    See enclosed instructions

NJ criminal clearance:

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CLEARANCE INSTRUCTIONS

For all household members over 18. Please send your finger print receipt to your adoption coordinator once printed. There is information on that receipt that is needed for us to access your results.

If you have had any arrests or court appearances: :

Review these instructions for additional items needed.

Child abuse registry checks:

Your adoption coordinator will initiated the New Jersey Child abuse registry clearance. Watch your email for an email from the state of NJ (start of email is no-reply). You will be able to complete the application and pay the $15 fee online and results will be sent to the agency.

VERY IMPORTANT: Additionally, child abuse registry checks (CARIs) must be conducted (for all adult household members) for all places of residence you lived in the last five years (for domestic adoption) or since age 18 (for international adoption). Please provide the list via the form linked above (item #1) and your adoption coordinator will provide state specific instructions.

Pre-adoptive education

While much of parenting through adoption is simply parenting, there are some unique facets of becoming a family through adoption. WHFC is committed to your and your future child’s health and well-being. A component of this is helping you prepare as completely as possible for the adoption process and for parenting through adoption. Our pre-adoption education curriculum focuses on several key areas including the impact of prenatal and early environments, loss and grief in children, early adjustments of children and families, birth families, talking about adoption, and racial identity.

For WHFC programs, education happens in three phases.  For now, you will focus on the 10+ hours of education that provide you with a well-rounded education and comply with the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption.  You will meet these requirements through a combination of readings, on-line courses, and seminars that are completed at different stages of your process. Your social worker will review Phase 1 of the education requirements in his or her first meeting with you. Education requirements differ slightly based on the types of adoption being explored – international, domestic, older child, and/or special needs. International Adoptions require additional Phases of education that your Program Manager will review with you after your home study.

If you are adopting through the program of another agency/primary provider, WHFC will coordinate with that agency and adhere to their pre-adoption education plan.  If you are married or adopting with a partner, both of you must participate.   

If possible, we recommend completing 8 of the required hours through this live course:

Immigration filing instructions

(for towards the end of your home study if adopting internationally)

Please mail to the address below after making copies for your records.

Wide Horizons For Children
144 Moody Street, Building 24, Second Floor
Waltham, MA 02453
Attn: Your Adoption Coordinator (Christina, Jessica, or Maryanne)