Staff Reports
Children who have waited most of their lives to find the right family will finally get their chance at a new home on November 23, which is National Adoption Day.
Recently, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared that November would be “National Adoption Month” in Florida. During those 30 days, the Department of Children and Families will host an online campaign known as the “30 Days of Amazing Children” where it will share stories of children from all over Florida who are waiting to be adopted.
Afterward, on National Adoption Day, families in Florida can find their perfect child to spend the rest of their lives with where they would be proud to call home.
30 Days of Amazing Children will have pictures and stories on its website of teenagers, siblings, and kids with special needs who describe the kind of families they want to be with for the rest of their lives. Most of these children have been in the child welfare system for quite some time, and they are hoping to find the right family to give them the love they have been waiting for.
“As a mother, it breaks my heart to think of all the children who don’t have the love and support that parents should provide,” First Lady Casey DeSantis said. “During National Adoption Month, I’m lending my voice to promote adoption and advocate for all of Florida’s children, ensuring they have a nurturing presence in their lives that will allow them to reach their full potential.”
According to First Focus, over 3,000 children were adopted in Florida in 2012, while there were over 5,000 who waited to have a new home. Gov. DeSantis is making sure more children will have the right families looking after them by the end of the month.
“I know that Florida is filled with good, selfless people who are capable of bringing deserving children into their homes. In fact, this past year, more than 4,500 children were adopted across the state,” Gov. DeSantis said. “I’m proud to support National Adoption Month and continue to bring awareness to this important cause that is improving and enriching so many lives.”
“Governor DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis have been tireless advocates for the work we do at DCF. I’m thankful that they are recognizing National Adoption Month and supporting our statewide effort to connect children with their forever families,” DCF Secretary Chad Poppell said. “All children deserve a safe, loving home, where they are free from abuse and neglect, and right now, many don’t have that. I encourage all Floridians who are able and willing to adopt to please consider making that life-changing decision.”
Children looking to be adopted are not sitting in foster care due to their own actions. They could be there because of abuse, neglection, death or incarceration in the family. Still, most of these children have to wait an average of three years before a family decides to take them in. National Adoption Month is making sure these kids do not have to wait any longer.
To learn more about Florida Adoption Month and to view children available for adoption, please visit adoptflorida.org.
