Infant Interim Care

Interim care providers are expected to:

• Provide a safe, stable, and nurturing home environment.
• Meet an infant’s daily physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
• Follow the child’s medical and developmental care plan.
• Attend medical appointments, as needed, and communicate with CHS of NJ about the child’s care.
• Maintain timely, open communication with the CHS of NJ team.
• Honor the child’s parent(s) and their role in making decisions for their child.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect the privacy of the child and family.
• Work collaboratively with CHS of NJ throughout the interim-care period and the child’s transition.

Individuals and families interested in becoming an interim care provider must meet applicable licensing requirements and CHS of NJ program requirements. Requirements generally include:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Live in New Jersey or Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
• Be in sufficient physical and emotional health to provide safe, consistent care for an infant.
• Have the support and agreement of all household members.
• Have a home or apartment that meets applicable health and life-safety standards, including appropriate sleeping arrangements for a child in care.
• Complete required criminal-history background checks, including applicable local, state, and federal checks.
• Complete Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) and other child abuse/neglect clearances, as applicable.
• Provide required medical documentation.
• Complete required orientation, training, and First Aid/CPR certification.
• Complete a CHS of NJ home study and home inspection.
• Demonstrate the ability to provide consistent, responsive care to infants, including children who may have medical, developmental, or other specialized needs.

Additional requirements may apply based on the applicant’s circumstances and the needs of a child who may be placed in the home.

Providing temporary care for an infant can be deeply meaningful, but it can also bring questions, transitions, and strong emotions. CHS of NJ is committed to ensuring that interim care providers receive support before, during, and after a placement.

CHS of NJ provides:

• Ongoing guidance from experienced social work and counseling staff.
• Access to 24/7 support for urgent, placement-related needs.
• An individualized plan addressing the child’s needs and the interim care provider’s role.
• Specialized education and training related to infant care and the needs of children experiencing transitions.
• Coordination with medical providers and other professionals involved in the child’s care.
• Regular communication, supervision, and consultation throughout the interim-care period.
• Respite and in-home support, when available and appropriate.
• Support in preparing for and navigating the child’s transition from the interim-care home.

CHS of NJ’s Infant Interim Care Program is intentionally small and specialized.

• Interim care providers generally care for one infant at a time.
• In some circumstances, a provider may be considered to care for two infants, depending on the children’s needs and the provider’s household capacity.
• Interim-care placements are temporary and may range from a few days to several weeks.
• The length of any placement depends on the child’s and parent(s)’ circumstances and cannot be predicted in advance.
• Interim care providers should be prepared for the possibility of a quick transition once a child’s plan is determined.
• Interim care providers may develop a strong attachment to a child. CHS of NJ offers guidance and support as the child transitions to the next step in their plan.

The approval process generally takes about three months. Timing may vary based on the completion of paperwork, required clearances, medical documentation, training, the home study, and the home inspection.

Interim care is temporary. A child may stay for only a few days or may remain in your home for several weeks. The length of care depends on the child’s and parent(s)’ circumstances and cannot be guaranteed in advance.

No. CHSofNJ’s Infant Interim Care Program is not an adoption-placement or foster-to-adopt program.

The purpose of the program is to provide temporary care for an infant or young child while the child’s expectant or birth parent(s) receive counseling and support as they consider their options and develop a plan for their child. If a parent chooses adoption, they may select an adoptive family, and the child will generally transition directly to that family.

Because placements primarily involve infants and young children- and some children may have medical or developmental needs- an approved interim care provider must be available to provide care during the day. Applicants with flexible work arrangements or another approved caregiver arrangement may be considered based on the needs of a particular placement.

Interim care providers receive a daily board rate to help support the care of a child placed through CHS of NJ. The current rate is $20 per day.

CHSofNJ staff will review the current reimbursement rate, eligible expenses, and payment process during the application process. Reimbursement is intended to help meet a child’s care needs and should not be considered income.

Children receiving interim care are eligible for health-care coverage through Medicaid, subject to applicable program requirements. CHS of NJ will coordinate with the interim care provider and relevant medical providers to support the child’s health-care needs.

Every placement is different. CHS of NJ recognizes the importance of maintaining a child’s connection to their parent(s) whenever appropriate and consistent with the circumstances of the case.

CHSofNJ staff will provide guidance about communication, contact, boundaries, and the interim care provider’s role in supporting the child and family.

Transitions are an important part of interim care. CHS of NJ will work with you to prepare for the child’s transition and will provide support throughout the process.

Interim care providers should be prepared for the possibility of forming a strong attachment to a child and then saying goodbye when the child’s plan moves forward. Providing loving, stable care during this time is a meaningful way to support a child and their family.