Source: Dr. J Thomas Smith / Radio One Houston
November is Adoption Month
Did you know that there are more than 100,000 children in foster care? The goal of National Adoption Month is to bring national awareness and attention to the need for permanent families for children and youth who are waiting in the U.S. foster care system.
Teens Less Likely to Be Adopted
This year, National Adoption Month is focusing on the importance of identifying permanent families for thousands of 15–18 year olds in foster care. Youths of this age are less likely to be adopted. And too often, they age out of the system without a stable place to call home. Some become homeless once they age out.
It is critical that these children secure legal, emotionally secure lifelong relationships. Secure, loving relationships is a critical component of their future achievement and overall well-being. As a foster/adoptive parent, you can become a part of their success.
Discussing Adoption is Often Difficult
Very often, it is difficult to even discuss the topic of adoption with these children. Mainly because they have been let down so often for so long. Even so, these youths want to be involved in conversations about their future and to whom they feel connected. That fact is reflected in this year’s National Adoption Month theme: “We Never Outgrow the Need for Family—Just Ask Us.”
Open Your Home to a Child
We encourage you to consider opening your home to a foster child, and just maybe, you will decide to adopt. More than 100,000 kids are waiting.
If you have thought about becoming a foster/adoptive parent, we encourage you to get more information on the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) web site, National Adoption Month web site, or a Licensed Adoption agency near you. DFPS and most adoption agencies hold informational sessions on a regular basis. At the informational sessions, you will learn about the requirements, the steps and assistance programs that are available to you.
A Permanent Home is Important
Learn why permanency is important, and how you can become an important part of a child building lifelong supportive relationships that can help them reach their positive life goals. If the heart is big enough, the home is big enough. Become a foster or adoptive parent. #AdoptionMonth #NAM2016
J Thomas Smith is host of “Sunday Morning Live” on “The Real Sound of Htown” KMJQ/Majic 102.1 (9-11 cst). He is an attorney, author, keynote speaker and mental health consultant. Your comments are welcome at jtsmith@radio-one.com or jtsmith@worldfamousradio.com. Follow on Twitter @drjtsmith102 on facebook.com/jthomas.smith.12 and instagram.com/drjtsmith102.
