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November Was Adoption Awareness Month

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed November as National Adoption Month, a month set aside each year to raise awareness about the adoption of children and youth from foster care. Through adoption, children and families gain lifelong support, love and a brighter future. Fairfax County Facts Last year, 21 children were adopted through the Fairfax County Department of Family Services. More than 76 percent of adoptive families began as foster parents, then committed to adopting the children in their care. There are currently 18 children, ranging in age from 3 to 17, in need of adoptive homes in Fairfax County. Five Myths About Adoption Only married couples can adopt. Adoptive parents may be married or single, childless or already parenting other children. Only homeowners can adopt. You are not required to own your own home or to have a high income in order to give children what they need--permanence, stability, a lifetime commitment, and a chance to be part of a family. Only stay-at-home parents can adopt. Adoptive parents may work outside the home. It takes years to become approved to adopt. Adoptive parents must complete a 27-hour training program and a home study. The process typically takes about four months. Most children in need of homes are infants or toddlers. The majority of children in need of homes in Fairfax County are older youth. Proclamation from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors WHEREAS, every child deserves a loving, nurturing, and permanent home, and of this date, 18 children who are in the care of Fairfax County's Department of Family Service because of abuse and neglect are waiting for such a home; and WHEREAS, many of these children face unique challenges due to physical, mental, or emotional disabilities, and require extra patience and support to help them overcome previous hardships; and WHEREAS, children can be more difficult to place when they are part of a sibling group, when they are minorities, or when they are six years or older; and WHEREAS, adoption gives them a brighter future and brings great joy to the adoptive parents; and WHEREAS, children waiting for adoptive parents and families who have adopted children deserve community and public agency support; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on behalf of all the residents of Fairfax County, does hereby proclaim the month of November 2012 as Adoption Awareness Month In Fairfax County, and encourage citizens, community agencies, religious organizations, businesses, and others to celebrate adoption, honor families that grow through adoption, further an awareness of the changes and issues in adoption, and focus attention on those children who live in the shadow of an uncertain future while they await permanent families.   Sharon Bulova, Chairman Fairfax County Board of Supervisors October 16, 2012   Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Present the Proclamation		Adoption in Fairfax County Get to know some of the wonderful children available for adoption through the Department of Family Services. Find out more about adoption. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey adopted their paternal nephew Xavier. They believe that "it takes a village to raise a child" and are grateful for all the support, advice and training they received to help them raise their nephew (now son). Ada and Roger Ventura finalized the adoption of their paternal nephew Enrique in August 2012. They also have custody of his brother Mark and are in the process of adopting him as well. Mr. and Mrs. Ventura and the entire family are so happy to be able to keep the brothers together and in the family through adoption. Becky Chase adopted Gabrielle and feels that making the decision to adopt her son was tremendous and worth every minute! She feels blessed to have Gabriel in her family. Bill and Rita Bill adopted Isaiah and Marisa and are so happy that they were able to keep these siblings together. They feel that providing a safe and loving home to these two special children has blessed their lives.