Gov. Henry Proclaims November Adoption Awareness Month

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- In fiscal year 2006, Oklahoma’s Swift Adoption Program authorized more than 1,330 children to be placed in adoptive homes.  That means every six hours in Oklahoma, a child finds permanency in a loving, adoptive home.
Every day adoption specialists with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services not only work to find homes for hundreds of children in state custody; they’re also on a mission to help these children reclaim their childhood.

“Many of these children are in state custody because of abuse and neglect,” said Deborah Goodman, director, OKDHS Swift Adoption Program.  “When we find homes for these children, we’re not only giving them a chance to be safe and happy, we’re also giving them a chance to grow up in a loving family.”

One of the challenges faced in finding homes is the fact that about 12 percent of children waiting to be adopted are between the ages of 13 and 18, and more than 70 percent have brothers and sisters and need to be placed in homes where they can grow up together.  Finding homes for teens and large sibling groups is a challenge, but every child is worth the challenge and the effort.

“We need parent who are willing to be there for a child’s lifetime,” said Goodman.  “Our kids want to grow up in homes and be a part of a family and have parents who are there for them.  We aren’t looking for perfect people.  You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent.”

If you or someone you know would like more information about adoption, please call 1-877-OK-SWIFT (1-877-657-9438), or go to the Adopt US Kids Web site (Link opens in a new window).

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