Volunteering

Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer Q & A Volunteer Contact Form

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What are the requirements to become a volunteer?
   You will be required to attend an Agency Overview for New Volunteers where you will learn about what we do at Children's Aid and Family Services, our programs and services, and the many volunteer opportunities available. This is a required meeting for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer. Once you have completed this meeting, you will be given a volunteer application package.

   The application includes a contact information sheet, referral forms (three referrals are required); a Mantoux Test (Tuberculosis Test) to be administered by your personal physician; fingerprint form (paid for by DYFS, Division of Youth and Family Services); and a background check form. All forms should be completed and returned to our Volunteer Manager for processing.

2. When and where are the Agency Overview for New Volunteers meetings held?
   These meeting are held twice a month at 200 Robin Road, Paramus, NJ. Please contact the Volunteer Manager at 201-261-2800 x222 for the monthly schedule. Dates are subject to change based on attendance.

3. How long does it take to complete my paperwork?
   It usually takes 4 - 6 weeks, since we have to wait to receive the paperwork from Trenton.

4. What are the age requirements to volunteer?
   You must be 20 years old or older to work in any of the group homes. Mentors must be 21 or older. High school students can volunteer for community service projects at either our daycare center, or at The Depot gift shop in Midland Park.

5. What type of volunteer opportunities do you offer?
   Please check our volunteer opportunities section on the website. We have a list of current opportunities available that are throughout the agency. This list is updated frequently as new assignments become available.

   

6. What is the time commitment for volunteering?
   We ask that you commit to at least one year depending on the program. Volunteer contact information will remain in our database and we send updates on volunteer opportunities as they become available. Some projects are short term and others may require the longer commitment.

7. How do I become a Mentor?
   You will need to attend an Agency Overview for New Volunteers meeting and follow the same application process as all our volunteers. Once you receive your application, you will be contacted by our Mentor Coordinator to meet and discuss the program. After the training, which is a nine-hour program, you will be matched with the appropriate child. Mentoring does require a longer commitment, so only serious candidates should apply for this program.

8. Can you become a volunteer and then go on to adopting?
   Yes, we have a separate program, PATH to Adoption, where you can apply to volunteer with the purpose of future adoption. To apply for the PATH to Adoption program, contact Shannon Prescott at 201-226-0300.