OKDHS Recognizes National Adoption Month

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) once again commemorates November as “National Adoption Awareness Month.”  A statewide adoption celebration will be held Wednesday, November 14 at the Moore-Norman Technology Center, 13301 S. Pennsylvania in Oklahoma City, beginning at 2 p.m. 

 “So many of Oklahoma’s children are growing up without a home or family to love,” said Deborah Goodman, OKDHS Programs Administrator.  “Every child deserves that, and at OKDHS we work hard every day to ensure these children find what they are looking for.  But we cannot do it alone, and desperately need the public’s help.”

In fiscal year 2012, OKDHS SWIFT Adoption Services finalized 1,462 children for adoption placement.  More than 59 percent of those children were siblings who found an adoptive home with their brothers and sisters.  “Right now in the system, nearly 800 children are waiting for a family,” Goodman said.  “Some of those are older children who may be close to aging out of the system, yet still yearn for a life-long family to love, a family they can go home to on the holidays.  We know Oklahomans are great about stepping up and helping out; we simply hope more Oklahomans will consider becoming adoptive parents and providing a loving home to these kids.”

The public is invited to attend the adoption celebration on Nov. 14.  OKDHS SWIFT Adoption representatives will be on hand to answer questions and provide details on adoption, and services available to help prospective adoptive parents.

For additional information on OKDHS SWIFT Adoptions, you may contact the Bridge Resource Support Center at 1-800-376-9729.  For additional information about the OKDHS SWIFT Adoption Program, visit www.okbridgefamilies.com (Link opens in new window).

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