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Meet Oklahoma's Waiting Children
OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --- In fiscal year 2003, Oklahoma’s Swift Adoption Services placed more than 1,300 children in quality adoptive homes. This exceeds the all-time adoption placement high set last year when 1,210 children were placed.
But with this great success, there are still more than 1,600 children in state custody with the goal of adoption. Many of these children are teenagers who face not only the same challenges as their peers, but often issues related to past abuse and neglect as well. Many of these children have been in state custody for several years and need the stability that only an adoptive family can give.
To help raise awareness about the growing number of teenagers awaiting adoption, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Swift Adoption Program would like to introduce Oklahomans to six teens that are hoping for loving adoptive families to call their own.
Meet Christopher, a handsome 17-year-old who plays on his junior-varsity football team. Christopher has a wonderful personality and is well liked by his peers. He attends public school and is succeeding with an individualized education plan. Christopher has had challenges dealing with abuse-related behavior, but has worked hard to overcome his history of abuse. Christopher is eager to be adopted by an understanding and loving family.
Meet Lanedria, a creative 13-year-old who is a very talented artist. Lanedria, or “Monique” to her friends, is a beautiful child with a pleasant and peaceful personality. Monique is a gentle spirit who loves animals and helping others. She also enjoys being alone to work on her art. Monique needs a family who will help her make friends, give her love and a sense of belonging.
Meet James, an athletic 13-year-old, who is sweet natured, persistent and strong willed. At 6-foot-1-inch tall, James enjoys playing basketball and football. He’s involved in 4-H and likes to ride horses, swim and read. James is making great strides in improving his social skills and self control. James makes good grades and has expressed interest in someday attending college. James is waiting for an adoptive family who will encourage his athletic and academic abilities and love him unconditionally.
Meet Veronica, a 15-year-old who would like to live in a small town. Veronica does well in school and is on the softball team. She serves as manager of her school’s basketball team and is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She has a great personality, but is shy around boys. Veronica is hoping for an adoptive family that lives in a small town and will support her athletic pursuits.
Meet Charles, an artistic 14-year-old with a charming personality. Charles loves animals and likes to spend time outdoors. He is a bright student who takes pride in his appearance. He has experienced much trauma and loss, but is making great strides in dealing with these issues. Charles would like to be adopted by a family who will love and support him unconditionally.
Meet Ashley, a patient and kind 17-year-old who enjoys music. Ashley enjoys being by herself and is successfully dealing with abuse-related issues. Ashley needs an adoptive family where she is the only child and one that can offer support in improving her schoolwork, and of course, provide a loving home.
If you or someone you know would like more information about adoption, please call 1-877-OK-SWIFT (1-877-657-9438), or click on http://www.adoptuskids.org/.
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News Editor/Director’s Note: Finding homes for these waiting children is important to all Oklahomans and as the numbers show, hundreds have opened their homes to give these children a family of their own. If you would like to interview someone in your area about adoption, please contact the OKDHS Office of Communications and we will be happy to make arrangements.
