This week the Orange County Board of Supervisors proclaimed November 2021 as Adoption Awareness Month and presented a resolution to the County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) in recognition of the Agency’s significant contributions to support and mentor foster youth, as well as to resource and adoptive families in Orange County.
SSA also recognized adoptive parents Laura and Martin on behalf of Orange County families who provide “forever” homes to children in need of permanency.
“Every child deserves a loving family environment that provides a sense of belonging and security,” said Chairman Andrew Do, First District Supervisor. “Parents like Laura and Martin who grow their families through adoption provide the love and support critical to the healthy development and success of our children.”
From July 2020 to June 2021, 336 adoptions were finalized in Orange County, an increase of 24% from the previous fiscal year. Overall, the primary goal is to reunify children with their parents, but there are times when this is not possible.
“This month we recognize all foster and adoptive families for their selfless efforts on behalf of Orange County’s children,” said Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District Supervisor. “The impressive increase in the number of adoptions at a time when many are struggling demonstrates how dedicated our community is to providing loving homes.”
The theme for this year’s National Adoption Month is “Every Conversation Matters,” encouraging all to have conversations about adoption and adoption-related matters. SSA prioritizes conversations with youth in foster care to engage them in the process of finding the right adoptive family.
Supervisor Katrina Foley, Second District, stated, “Every single child matters and adoption is an intentional process that brings the joy, safety, and commitment of a family to so many. Adoption is all around us and I am grateful to recognize Adoption Awareness Month and the many incredible families in our communities.”
National Adoption Awareness Month has been celebrated every November for more than 25 years after President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed National Adoption Week in 1984 and President Clinton expanded it to the entire month in 1995.
“November is a month for gratitude, and I would like to extend my gratitude to those people who open their hearts and homes to our children in foster care,” said
Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Third District. “Their compassion provides the path toward a stable adult life. Again, I thank you for your selfless work.”
Each year, the Children’s Bureau, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, focuses on outreach and raising awareness of the need for adoptive families for teens in the United States. Currently, more than 122,000 children and youth across the nation waiting to be adopted are at risk of aging out of foster care without permanent family connections.
“National Adoption Month is a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on adoption and reaffirm our commitment to give every child, especially teenagers waiting to be adopted, the chance to become part of a family,” said Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett. “It is a time to pay tribute to those in our community who have opened their hearts and homes to adopted children, thereby establishing permanent family connections in a loving and supportive environment.”
For more information on becoming a resource family, please call (888) 871-KIDS or visit www.oc4kids.com.
