CP&P14-160
(rev. 10/1982)
[Enter date]
[Enter names of adoptive parents]
[Enter street address]
[Enter city/town, state, and zip code]
RE: [Enter full name of child being adopted]
Dear [Enter names of adoptive parents]
Child Protection and Permanency agency has been appointed by the [Enter appropriate county/Court] Court to investigate the proposed adoption of [Enter full name of child being adopted]. We would like to inform you of the procedures involved in such a situation, as well as the necessary steps which we must take in order to best serve your interests and those of the child(ren) you wish to adopt.
Under the law an agency representative is required to visit you and your family in your home within the next few weeks. The representative will inquire about the above mentioned child(ren)’s background, the circumstances of placement, general information regarding you and your family, and the living adjustment which your family and the child(ren) have made. All members of your family and the child(ren) you wish to adopt will be interviewed. In order to complete our investigation, the following documents should be made available to the Worker during this time:
· All birth certificates of your family;
· Birth certificate for the adoptive child(ren) (other proof of birth will be accepted only if the birth certificate cannot be obtained);
· Marriage certificate, if previously married;
· Death or divorce certificates (if divorce was granted in New Jersey, Judgment Nisi is needed as well as the final decree); and
· Proof of wages, income, assets (e.g. savings, property ownership, etc.).
As part of our investigation and report to the Court, we are required to do a police check on all persons who are not related to the child they seek to adopt. To initiate this check, please be prepared to provide your Worker with your social security numbers and birth dates when he or she calls to set an appointment for an interview.
This information will then be included in the written report which will be submitted to the Court at the Preliminary Hearing.
At the Preliminary Hearing the Court, if satisfied with the suitability of the placement, normally assigns this or another approved adoption agency to supervise the placement for a period of time specified by the Court – usually from 6 to 12 months – and to submit a report of its findings and recommendations concerning the adoption to the Court, which then makes a final determination on the adoption. If the adoption is by a relative (as defined by law) the Court, at its discretion, may eliminate supervision activities and grant the adoption at the Preliminary Hearing.
The Division’s fee for Preliminary Services which includes investigation and a report is [Enter $296.00 or appropriate amount]. If CP&P supervision is required, the monthly fee is [Enter $61.00 or appropriate amount]. Total cost for such services ranges from [Enter $441.00 or appropriate amount] for a six month supervision and report to [Enter $624.00 or appropriate amount] total cost for a nine month supervision and report. These fees represent the administrative cost to the agency for investigation and supervision services. When the Division’s Worker visits, he or she will obtain the necessary information from you and determine the method of payment. Monthly installments are available for payment of the fee.
You will be billed in one of two ways, depending upon the disposition of your case. The first bill, for the Preliminary Investigation, will be sent out within a reasonable time after the Worker has visited you. It is expected that this bill will be paid before the date of the Preliminary Hearing. If your case continues into supervision, a second bill will be submitted prior to the Final Hearing. You will have been notified after the Preliminary Hearing of the charges for this.
We will be contacting you at a later date to schedule an appointment. If you have an unlisted phone number, please send us your number as soon as possible. If you have any questions concerning the above matter, please feel free to contact us at the above address or telephone us at [Enter telephone number].
We look forward to working with you towards the completion of your adoption.
Very truly yours,
Signature of Supervisor[Enter typed name of Supervisor]
[Enter title of Supervisor]
Signature of Worker
[Enter typed name of Worker]
[Enter title of Worker]
[Enter name of Local Office]
Reply to: [Enter appropriate information]