Governor Kaine Proclaims November as Adoption Awareness Month

Press Release

Governor Kaine Proclaims November as Adoption Awareness Month

- More than 1,000 Virginia children waiting for a permanent, loving home -

Governor Timothy M. Kaine has proclaimed November as Adoption Awareness Month in the Commonwealth.As Virginians enter the holiday season and prepare to spend time with family and loved ones, more than 1,000 children in the Commonwealth are waiting for a permanent, loving home - a "forever family."

"Adoption is the greatest gift a child in the foster care system can receive," Governor Kaine said. "With more than 1,000 kids awaiting adoption in Virginia, I am confident that there's a perfect fit for each one of them with a lifelong and loving family."

To help prospective adoptive parents learn more about children in the Commonwealth with the goal of adoption, an extensive database was created. "Meet the Virginia Kids" is a user-friendly feature found exclusively on the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Web site (www.dss.virginia.gov), featuring some of the children awaiting adoption. The database can be searched by age, region, gender, and other demographics.

There is a great need for families to adopt older children and siblings. First Lady Anne Holton launched her initiative, "For Keeps," last year to ensure that all of Virginia's young people have permanent, stable family connections. Adoption information sessions and awareness events are scheduled during the entire month of November.

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