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TextAdoption Awareness Month: Facts and Events
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Contact for News Media: Amy Carlini, Communications Director Department of Family Services 703-324-7758, TTY 703-222-9452 Amy.Carlini@fairfaxcounty.gov 12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 500 Fairfax, Virginia 22035-1102 November 3, 2011 |
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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
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Last year, 35 children were adopted through the Fairfax County
Department of Family Services.
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More than 70 percent of adoptive families began as foster parents, then
committed to adopting the children in their care.
- There are currently 15 children, ranging in age from 3 to 17, in need of adoptive homes in Fairfax County.
Five Myths About Adoption
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Only married couples can adopt.
Adoptive parents may be married or single, childless or already parenting other children.
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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.
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Only stay-at-home parents can adopt.
Adoptive parents may work outside the home.
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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.
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Most children in need of homes are infants or toddlers.
The majority of children in need of homes in Fairfax County are older youth.
Adoption Events
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On Friday, Nov. 18, from 6 – 8:30 p.m., the Fairfax County Department
of Family Services, Foster Care and Adoption Program will host a “Fall for Families
Event” in honor of adoptive families as part of National Adoption
Awareness Month at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000
Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035). Join Fairfax County
adoptive families for entertainment, refreshments, and family photos.
For more information and to RSVP contact Sharon Beazer at 703-324-7783;
TTY 703-222-9452. Please RSVP by November 11, 2011.
- The Department of Family Services offers free informational meetings on the second Monday of each month, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in the Pennino Building at 12011 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax. No registration required, but please call ahead to confirm the meeting schedule or to receive additional information: 703-324-7639, TTY 703-222-9452.
Fairfax County is committed to helping children in the foster care system find permanent homes. For more information on adoption in Fairfax County please call 703-324-7639, TTY 703-222-9452 .
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Promoting the well-being of our diverse community by protecting and improving the lives of children, adults and families through advocacy, education and effective supportive services.
Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs services and activities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request. To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-7758; TTY 703-222-9452.
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