Thousands of Texas children waiting for families

 
More than 5,000 abused or neglected Texas children were adopted from state care last year, but the need has not diminished for more families willing to provide safe, loving homes. Every day, more children enter foster care in Texas. Some won't be able to go home again and will need adoptive families to start new lives that are free from abuse or neglect.
 
As of September, more than 3,900 children and teens in state care were legally free for adoption, but without the promise of a new family to call their own. Many of these children ask themselves, "Why not me? Why can't I have a family?"

“No child should grow up in foster care or feeling unwanted,” said DFPS Commissioner Hank Whitman. “If you are considering adoption, you can learn more about it at AdoptChildren.org.” 
 
While the number of children adopted from state care in Texas grew by 34 percent over the last decade, there is a critical need for adoptive parents for children of all ages.  There is even a greater need for families willing to adopt children with special needs and older children and teens who tend to linger in foster care longer than other children.

This November, which is National Adoption Awareness Month, there are adoption events across the state that spotlight the need for adoption and the many children waiting for a permanent family.  The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is asking caring adults,“Why not you? Why not adopt?”

All children need a safe and loving family of their own. Children are waiting at AdoptChildren.org. Find out more about becoming an adoptive parent, because no child should ask, “Why not me? Why can't I have a family?"
 
Texas Adoption by the Numbers

• 5,395 – The number of children adopted from DFPS in fiscal year 2017.
• 6,685 – The number of children in DFPS care who were awaiting adoption as of September 2017 (latest data). Some of these children are already matched with an adoptive family and some are not.
• 3,939 – The number of children awaiting adoption who were not living with a family that intends to adopt them as of September 2017.
• 21 – The minimum age you must be to adopt a child in Texas.

In South Texas during the month of November, the department along with community stakeholders will be hosting the following free public events (additional updates will be sent prior to each event)
 
In the Coastal Bend Area

13th Annual Heart Gallery Opening 
on Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. at Corpus Christi Christian Fellowship Church (6602 S. Staples St.) in  Corpus Christi. Photo gallery featuring children who are legally free for adoption.

Adoption Recruitment

AM - Adoption Recruitment  on Nov. 13 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.;  PM- Adoption Recruitment on Nov. 13 from 6-7 p.m. at DFPS offices (4201 Greenwood Drive) in  Corpus Christi. Information session to learn to become a foster or to adopt parent

Adoption Day Consummation Ceremony on Nov. 17 at 9 a.m.at the Nueces County Court at law #5 (Gollihar Road) in  Corpus Christi.
  
For more information call John Lennan, DFPS Media Specialist at (361) 878-7488 Office or (361) 876-6387 (Cell).