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'Bark in the Park' Raises Alzheimer's Awareness
National Adoption Month--Kids and Teens Ask 'Why Not Me?' 11/7/12
DFPS Press Release
November 7, 2012
ECTOR COUNTY - National Adoption Month spotlights kids in foster care waiting for families.
Today almost 6,400 children in Texas Foster Care are waiting for the right family to call their own. Every child is unique but they all have one thing in common - they were all victims of abuse or neglect and now need new homes that are safe and nurturing. These children and teens often ask "Why not me? Why can't I have a family?"
That's why the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and its Child Protective Services (CPS) program are asking Texans “Why not you? Why not adopt?” Each November, during National Adoption Awareness Month, CPS' Why Not Me? Campaign spotlights children in state care who are waiting for adoption - especially older and minority children who tend to stay in state care longer.
"More children than ever were adopted from state care last year but the need for homes for adoptive families is as great as ever, especially for older children, siblings, and children of color," says DFPS Assistant Commissioner for Child Protective Services Audrey Deckinga. “Children and teens never outgrow the need for parents and families."
This November, there are many adoption ceremonies, match parties, and other events all across the state that focus attention on the plight of children waiting for permanent homes and normal lives. Many Texas adoption events happen around National Adoption Day, which falls on November 17 this year.
Ector County will celebrate National Adoption Day on Friday, November 16 at 10:00 AM in the Ector County Courthouse 300 North Grant Street in Odessa Central Jury Room #323 on the third floor. The Honorable Judge Sylvia Chavez will preside over the adoptions of twenty children from the foster care system. These adoptions will be finalized on that day. Families from the Permian Basin who have adopted children from the foster care system during the year will also be recognized.
A reception for the families will be hosted by Ector and Midland CASAs, Centers For Children and Families, High Sky, Buckner’s, Midland Community Partners, Ector and Midland County Child Protective Services Boards.
Last year 5,003 children and teens were adopted from state care. While there are many success stories, there's no shortage of children or teens waiting for permanent homes and Texas needs foster and adoptive parents for children of all ages. Some of these children have special medical, physical, or emotional needs. We particularly need families interested in adopting African-American children who are overrepresented in foster care.
Why Not Me Adoption Facts
· 5, 003 children were adopted from DFPS in fiscal year 2012 (September 1, 2011- August 31, 2012)
· Adoptions from DFPS increased eight percent in the last year and by 48 percent since the Why Not Me Campaign started (FY 2006-FY 2012)
· 6,388 children in the care of the state of Texas care were legally available for adoption as of September 30, 2012
o 38 percent were older children and teens (ages 10-17)
o 29 percent were siblings
o 27 percent were African American
o 41 percent were Hispanic
o 25 percent were White