In recognition of November as Adoption Awareness Month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services thanked families and professionals in the adoption community during an event held Nov. 20 on the eve of Adoption Awareness Day.
On Friday, Nov. 20, DHHS thanked families and professionals in the adoption community at an event in Raleigh. Speakers included DHHS Deputy Secretary of Human Services Sherry Bradsher; State Sen. and adoptive parent Tamara Barringer; District Court Judge Monica Bousman; Division of Social Services Adoption Services Program Manager Jamie Bazemore and adoption advocates Shaquana Mack and Lawrence Shockey.
"Few acts have more positive impact on the lives of young people in foster care than the love and support of their adoptive families and the professionals helping them along the way," Bradsher said. "We hope by bringing awareness, families interested in adoption will take the next step to help deserving children find a forever family."
In North Carolina, 248 children are in need of an adoptive home. If children are not adopted by the age of 18, they "age out" of the foster care system. Currently 68 of these 248 children are between the ages of 15 and 18, and are at higher risk of aging out of foster care, having a smaller window of time to be adopted before no longer being eligible.
"We can always do more for an individual child in need of an adoptive home," said Jamie Bazemore. "We as a community need to continue raising awareness of the need for foster and adoptive parents. If you or someone you know could be an amazing adoptive parent, contact the NC Kids Program to find out."