Q: Hello, Thank you in advance. I was in the foster care system and want a copy of my records. How can I obtain these?
I was age 11 to 17 when I the system.
A:
To obtain your foster care records from your time in the system in New Jersey, follow these steps:
1. **Contact the Agency:** Get in touch with the agency responsible for your foster care placement, such as the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) or a private agency.
2. **Request Form:** Ask for the appropriate request form from the agency's records department. Fill it out with your details, like name and birthdate.
3. **Provide ID:** You might need to provide identification to confirm your identity, such as a driver's license or passport.
4. **Wait for Processing:** Allow time for the agency to process your request and retrieve your records.
5. **Review Your Records:** Once ready, you can review the records in person or request a copy. Note that there might be a copying fee.
6. **Appeal:** If you encounter challenges, inquire about the appeals process for assistance.
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