The FOSTER CARE COUNSELING PROJECT, founded in 1989, uses a multisystemic approach to meet the mental health needs of children placed in foster and relative care through the Division of Youth and Family Services.

The clinical aspect of the program has two primary components: (1) short-term intervention, including needs assessment and problem-focused counseling for children and caregivers soon after placement in foster or relative care homes; and (2) intensive intervention for children who have been in placement for some time and are experiencing problems of adjustment. Clinical interventions include individual play therapy, family therapy, group therapy, parent guidance in therapeutic parenting and consultation and collaborative work with child protective workers, school personnel and other professionals involved with the child. 

FCCP also provides training to caregivers, agency workers, school personnel and other professionals in topics such as adjustment to foster care, impact of trauma and loss, behavior management and therapeutic parenting, sexual abuse, and stress management for caregivers.

The program has provided mental health services to more than 500 children and families and has trained over 100 graduate students in doctoral psychology programs at Rutgers University in the provision of services to children in foster and relative care. 

For further information contact:
Robin Lang, Psy.D.,
Project Director
(723) 445-7789 x14
Email: lrlang@rci.rutgers.edu