6,400 children in Foster Care waiting for family to call their own

Today almost 6,400 children in Texas Foster Care are waiting for the right family to call their own. Each child is unique but they all have one thing in common - they are all victims of abuse or neglect and now need new homes that are safe and nurturing.

That's why the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and its Child Protective Services (CPS) program are asking Texans “Why not you? Why not adopt?” Each November, during National Adoption Awareness Month, CPS' Why Not Me? Campaign spotlights children in state care who are waiting for adoption - especially older and minority children who tend to stay in state care longer.

"More children than ever were adopted from state care last year but the need for homes for adoptive families is as great as ever, especially for older children, siblings, and children of color," DFPS Assistant Commissioner for Child Protective Services Audrey Deckinga said. “Children and teens never outgrow the need for parents and families."

This November there will be adoption ceremonies, match parties and other events that focus attention on the plight of children waiting for permanent homes and normal lives. A lot of Texas adoption events happen around National Adoption Day, on Nov. 17. In Corpus Christi events will be held Nov. 8, from 6 - 8:00 p.m., at the Garcia Arts Center onAgnes St. and Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. at County Court at Law #5.

Last year 5,003 children and teens were adopted from state care. While there are many success stories, there's no shortage of children or teens waiting for permanent homes and Texas needs foster and adoptive parents for children of all ages. Some of these children have special medical, physical, or emotional needs. We particularly need families interested in adopting African-American children who are overrepresented in foster care.