Making a Difference

By Tanya Reams

At 25, single, and no children of their own, last thing someone would expect is to foster a child born addicted to drugs. That is what Shawn Jacobs of Paterson did. Baby “X” was born on a Monday and home with Shawn on Friday. DYFS, Division of Youth and Family Services, became involved immediately due to drugs being found in the infant’s system. The biological mother did not want her child lost in the system regardless of the wrong choices she made in life. The mother called on family and friends to assist her, the only one who had room in her home and her heart was family friend Shawn Jacobs.

Shawn has been a family friend for over 20 years. She has always loved caring for children even though she hasn’t given birth to her own. She has several years as a child development specialist through an intervention program ran by the state of New Jersey. She works with children ranging in the ages of 1-3 years old. The children have varying developmental delays. The delay can range from a speech delay to something as complex as a child on the spectrum of autism. Just in a recent visit to the doctor, Baby “X”, was documented as having the early signs of autism. “I am really glad I am the one who is here to help him. No one else would be as patient,” Shawn has stated regarding her new challenge.

Shawn is ready to take on more children. Baby “X” has made a huge impact on her life. “I love him so much already, I am not sure I will able to send him home to his biological mom if she gets herself together.”

It is not an easy task to become a foster mother. A criminal background check must be conducted on everyone living in the household. The foster parent must participate in parenting classes. Months of court hearings would decide permanent placement of the child.

DYFS supported Shawn as she was making arrangements for the child. She received emergency funding in order for the child to get the various necessities a newborn needs. DYFS also provided a crib, car seat and other essential items. In the years to come, DYFS will continue to support the child. The program offers the child many home ownership programs and scholarship funding as they enter adulthood.

Shawn’s dreams and life plans include baby “X.” She already knows what schools he will be going to, activities he will participate in and adventures they can try together. She is proud to make a difference in a young life that may not have made it out in the real world otherwise. Inquire about being a foster parent. Call 1-877- NJ FOSTER, a representative of Foster and Adoptive Family Services (FAFS) will ask you a few questions about yourself, your family, and your interest in fostering or adopting a child.