November is National Adoption Month

November is National Adoption Month

TALLAHASSEE – November 15, 2008, is National Adoption Day, and the theme is "A Family for Every Child."

"Every foster child deserves a loving, permanent family, and this administration is dedicated to helping all children in state care find a safe and caring home," said Governor Charlie Crist, who

issued a proclamation recognizing November as National Adoption Month.

"This month is an opportunity to highlight Florida’s ongoing efforts in matching our children awaiting adoption with loving families."

Governor Crist has made increasing adoption awareness a priority since taking office. Through the "Explore Adoption" campaign, the Governor and other state officials are educating the public about the adoption process, and about the children in Florida who need permanent homes. The Governor’s "Explore Adoption" promotes the benefits of public adoption and urges families to consider creating or expanding their families by adopting a child who is older, disabled or part of a sibling group.

"This month is a celebration for all adoptive families, whether they have adopted six children or are adopting their first," said Department of Children and Families Secretary George Sheldon. "While last year we had a record number of adoptions, there are still many children who need loving and permanent homes. I encourage everyone this November, and every month of the year, to explore adoption."

State officials recently announced a record number of adoptions for the 2007-08 year – 3,674 adoptions were finalized, up from 3,079 the previous year. Every year, about 3,000 Florida children become available for adoption when a court permanently severs ties to their birth parents due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. Of those, 40 percent are adopted by relatives, and another 40 percent are adopted by their foster parents. The remaining children must have recruitment efforts to identify a family previously unknown to them, which is the goal of the "Explore Adoption" initiative. Most of the children who wait the longest are teenagers, are sibling groups or have a physical or emotional disability.

"National Adoption Month reminds our Florida communities that many local children are still waiting for a permanent, loving family of their own," said Jim Kallinger, Florida’s Chief Child Advocate. "It is our hope that through ‘Explore Adoption’ and the Governor’s efforts, we can find forever families for our children in state care."

Since Governor Crist launched "Explore Adoption" in May 2008, the state’s adoption hotline, 1-800-96-ADOPT, has received a record number of calls. The new website for "Explore Adoption", www.adoptflorida.org, feautures real Floridia family stories, the road map to the adoption process, a detailed listing of the benefits to adoption, all campaign materials and much more. The campaign also includes radio and television spots that are airing statewide in English and Spanish, as well as a 30-minute television special featuring the adoption stories of three Floridia families. Recently, the Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences nominated the series of five "Explore Adoption" ads created for an Emmy award.

Throughout National Adoption Month, all Floridians are encouraged to learn more about how they can change the lives of children through adoption. For more information on the adoption process and a listing of community National Adoption Month events, please visit http://www.adoptflorida.org.