Every Month Is Adoption Month

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Every year state, federal and private adoption professionals recognize November as Adoption Month. But when you’re working to find homes for the more than 1,500 children in state custody waiting for a family to call their own, every month is adoption month.
Many of the children in state custody 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.

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.

Chad is a 17-year-old who loves to play video games with his friends and hunt, fish and play basketball. He’s very easy going and sociable. Chad was adopted once before, but his adoptive father died in a tornado. Like a lot of kids his age, Chad would rather be playing than doing schoolwork, but with positive motivation from a family, he would easily stay on track. Chad would do well with a family that is understanding and provides consistency, structure and unconditional love.

Constance is a friendly, creative and funny 14-year-old. She’s very affectionate and loves animals. Though academics are a challenge for her, Constance has a positive outlook and has improved her reading and language skills.

Kevin is a likeable 16-year-old with a great imagination. He enjoys video games and playing on the computer. Kevin always takes very good care of his things. He’s had some trauma in his past, but is good at talking out his problems. Kevin needs to be adopted by a family where he would be the youngest or only child and that will love him no matter what.

Danielle is a friendly and outgoing 14-year-old who has a fun-loving, infectious personality. She regularly attends church on Sundays and Wednesday nights and participates in church related activities. She enjoys riding her bike, and being outdoors. Danielle also likes to watch movies, cook and do craft projects. Danielle would flourish with a family who offers love, support, understanding and who can match her energy.

Jerry is a friendly, active 12-year-old who enjoys baseball and art. Jerry also likes to play softball, run track and ride bikes. He works hard in school and his best subject is math. Jerry is looking for a family that will stick with him and earn his trust. He would do best where he is the only child and would do well with a single mother.

Jerrod is a 15-year-old with a charming personality. He has a lot of athletic ability and enjoys sports. Jerrod has the natural talent and potential to become quite a good athlete and needs a family that would encourage him. Jerrod enjoys taking on leadership in anything and makes good grades in school. He is an extremely personable teen who is looking for a permanent family that can offer structure, love and help him grow into a healthy adult.

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 www.adoptuskids.org.

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