For Immediate Release:
November 1, 2017
Contact:Kari Nye
kari.nye@maryland.gov
(410) 767-8592
Maryland Honors Adoptive Families during National Adoption Month
Spotlights need to find forever families for teens
Baltimore—Throughout November, National Adoption Month shines a spotlight on the critical need to find families for older youth. Every year, a quarter of a million children throughout the country come into foster care; many face the possibility of aging out of care without ever experiencing the support and love of a permanent family. This month, the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) joins together with its sister agencies and community partners across the state in advocating for adults to take the first step toward becoming adoptive parents. In Maryland, there are currently just over 400 children—230 of whom are over age of 14—who are legally free to be adopted.
“We know from families across the state that welcoming a teenager into their lives has been one of the most rewarding decisions they’ve ever made,” said DHS Secretary Lourdes Padilla. “Young people bring a great deal of joy to families. It’s clear from our conversations with parents that their adopted youth just wanted to find a loving forever family and some stability.”
In support of National Adoption Month, DHS will honor adoptive families on Nov. 5 at the Mansion House located at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. In addition to an awards luncheon recognizing families for their commitment to building wonderful lives for their kids, parents and their children will be treated to an afternoon at the zoo.
“Becoming a parent is the most important job that some of us will ever have,” continued Secretary Padilla. “Take the first step toward transforming your family by learning more about the adoptive and fostering process.” To learn more, visit dhs.maryland.gov/adoption and AdoptUsKids.
DHS—the Maryland Department of Human Services—is the state’s primary social service provider, serving more than one million people annually. Through its 24 local departments of social services, DHS pursues opportunities to assist people in economic need, provide preventive services, and protect vulnerable children and adults in each of Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City. Additional information may be found at www.dhs.maryland.gov, or on Facebook and Twitter.
