Tennessee Celebrates National Adoption Month
Thursday, November 03, 2011 | 04:11am
NASHVILLE – Governor Bill Haslam has proclaimed November Adoption Month in Tennessee joining states around the country in celebrating adoption and raising awareness of the continued need for adoptive families.
"Many Tennessee children have been able to realize their potential and lead full, happy lives because of adoption," said Haslam. "It's important that we take this opportunity to honor our state's adoptive families."
Tennessee leads the nation in time to adoption, meaning children eligible for adoption in Tennessee find permanent homes more quickly than children in any other state in the country, according to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS).
Last year, 953 children were adopted through the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS). There are currently 623 children awaiting adoption in Tennessee.
“The impact of adoption on the life of a child cannot be exaggerated,” said DCS Commissioner Kathryn O’Day. “Adoption can provide children with a safe, stable and loving foundation where they have the opportunity to grow and flourish.”
Adoption Month has been celebrated nationally since 1995. This year’s initiative, themed Build Capacity to Make Lasting Change, seeks to build the capacity of adoption agencies and professionals to recruit and retain parents. It is targeted toward the recruitment of families for preteens (8-12 year olds).
Throughout the month of November, agencies across the state will celebrate adoption with events and activities, and many local courthouses will open their doors on Saturday, November 19 to finalize pending adoptions. For more information about Adoption Month activities or for information about adopting a child in Tennessee, please visit http://www.tn.gov/youth/adoption.htm.
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