Gov. Henry Proclaims November Adoption Awareness Month

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Oklahoma has seen yet another record-setting year in adoptions. In fiscal year 2007, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Swift Adoption Program authorized 1,579 children to be placed in adoptive homes. That’s a 20 percent increase from last year and an 18 percent increase from 5 years ago.
But the most encouraging number is that 61 percent of these children are siblings.

“There are so many children awaiting adoption with their brothers and sisters,” said Deborah Goodman, director, OKDHS Swift Adoption Program. “With our foster care system strained, these children are sometimes placed in separate homes while they await adoption. That’s what makes these numbers so encouraging, these children not only find a permanent home, but they get to stay with their siblings, preserving that life-long bond between brothers and sisters.”

Even with this success, finding adoptive homes for sibling groups, some large groups and some with children in their teens is a challenge.

“These numbers are encouraging and our state should be proud,” said Goodman. “But at the end of the day there are still hundreds of children awaiting adoptive homes, the majority of which are siblings. Adoption is very rewarding, but knowing you helped keep brothers and sisters united so that they can share their life together, that’s really special.”

If you or someone you know would like more information about adoption, please call 1-877-OK-SWIFT (1-877-657-9438), request adoption information on OKDHS.org or go to www.adoptuskids.org.

###