Washington Courts: Press Release DetailChild Seeking Parent: More Than 1,930 Washington Foster Children of All Ages in Need of FamilyNovember 13, 2018
There is no common portrait of a legally-free foster child in Washington waiting to join a new family — they are more likely to be under age three than over age 14, with the largest group being ages 3 to 6. They hail from all areas of the state and their racial and ethnic backgrounds mirror state demographics. They have one thing in common, however: Their need to belong to a permanent, nurturing family. More than 1,930 foster children in Washington have become legally free to join new families. Next week, about 200 foster children will do so when they are adopted during National Adoption Day celebrations in courts and communities across the state. The public and media are welcome to attend these celebrations and learn more about foster adoption, as well as to support the new families. Celebrations for 25 counties are scheduled primarily for Thursday, Nov. 15 or Friday, Nov. 16. To find an event near you, visit the Washington Courts National Adoption Day page at www.courts.wa.gov/adoptionday. This site also provides a current fact sheet on foster child numbers, links to news stories, background on the nationwide event, and more. Celebrating counties this year include:
“The journey to adoption is a long one for many children and families, and that’s why it’s so important to recognize and celebrate these moments,” said Ross Hunter, Secretary of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. “DCYF is honored to participate in these community events throughout our state to honor these families and raise awareness of those children in foster care who are still waiting to find loving and permanent families of their own.” New efforts in matching foster children with adoptive parents include a growing focus on involving older children in finding their new families. For instance, DCYF is expanding an experimental “reverse match” program in which children review information on adoptive parents and express an interest in meeting specific parents. The program gives children a voice in the critical process. Another effort from Northwest Adoption Exchange includes older children helping produce their own videos, podcasts and self-managed online profiles to introduce themselves to prospective parents — another program that is expanding to more children because of its success. The 2018 theme for the nationwide celebration is, “In Their Own Words: Lifting Up Youth Voices,” which encourages adoption professionals and community members to help foster children share their stories and perspectives. “Giving children more voice in finding their new families is a great addition to the adoption process,” said King County Superior Court Judge Dean Lum, Chair of the Washington State National Adoption Day Steering Committee. “It is important to empower the children as much as we can. Belonging to a nurturing family is essential to the quality of a child’s life and future,” said Lum, who was adopted as a child. National Adoption Day was founded in 2000 by a handful of courts, child welfare agencies and businesses to raise awareness of the thousands of foster children awaiting adoption. Washington’s statewide celebration was launched in 2005 by the state Supreme Court Commission on Children in Foster Care and is co-sponsored by DSHS’ Children’s Administration, the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Superior Court Judges’ Association, and by WARM 106.9’s Teddy Bear Patrol program. The statewide National Adoption Day recognition has grown from an original six counties celebrating in 2005 to now 25 counties hosting or joining in events to honor adoption and the crucial difference it makes in the lives of children. CONTACTS:
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