November marks the start of National Adoption Month. For over twenty years, communities have celebrated National Adoption Month throughout the United States. The awareness month highlights the work our state agencies, local foster and kinship care, and adoptive family groups do.
According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), there were 5,674 children adopted from foster care in Texas during fiscal year 2018. Of those, 1,024 were finalized last November as part of National Adoption Month. The annual number of adoptions has increased by 25 percent in the past decade; however, the need for safe, loving, and permanent adoptive homes has not diminished as children continue to enter foster care. When these children cannot return home, many of them will need adoptive families.
As of September 2018, there were more than 3,700 children available for adoption. During National Adoption Month, there are adoption events across the state that highlight the critical need for permanent families. This need is even greater for teens, older youth, and those with special needs. All children deserve a safe and loving home. You do not have to be perfect to be an adoptive parent. This November and throughout the year, CPS asks “Why not you? Why not adopt?” Find out more at AdoptChildren.org.
“We have many adoptive and foster parents in Southeast Texas. These folks have stepped up to provide loving homes to these Texas children,” said State Representative James White. “I am also thankful to DFPS and many of the local groups that help promote adoption and provide the necessary supports to ensure that these families flourish.”
Please do not hesitate to contact Saul Mendoza, Chief of Staff with questions regarding this release at 512-463-0490.
