Facing the Issue of Foster Care from the CEO of Child Welfare League of America

This is a piece that Christine James Brown wrote for the Huffington Post:

Faced with Faces
Every once in a while I need grounding. Even though I deal every day with the issues facing children in foster care, I sometimes need to stand back -- away from the statistics and policy debates -- to see real children in need of real families. That's one of the reasons I appreciate November's National Adoption Month because it helps focus me on the faces of children in foster care.

Recently, after a long day at the office, I went searching -- my soul and the internet. I was having one of those moments when I needed to reboot. I ran across a segment on DC-based NBC4's Wednesday's Child -- the program that features foster children available for adoption during the news. It was a piece about a talented 14-year-old girl named Jennisfer who had big brown eyes and loves to draw and ride horses. Seeing her story reminded me of my own daughter when she was a child and how special our time together was.
Since I was already drawn in, I watched another segment about David, a cute young boy with Down syndrome who was having a fun-filled day at Gymboree. Both of these children are available for adoption from the foster care system. Despite their challenges it was clear that both children were lovable and in need of being loved. As I watched these two pieces, I choked up thinking again how lucky my own daughter was to have loving parents to share special moments with, help guide her decisions, and just give her a hug.

Still I needed to see more faces to drive home the importance of the work that we in the child welfare world. I logged onto a variety of adoption related sites, including AdoptUSKids.org. Gracing the front were teens Nickayla and Darrien of Kansas. These beautiful siblings with big smiles -- one loves to sing and the other enjoys sports -- desperately want to find a family and most importantly stay together.

Behind each of these faces and stories is a caring child welfare professional, working to ensure that children have a chance to be reunited with families or if this is not possible, have opportunities to get adopted. My hunt for faces and stories of children available for adoption also reminded me of all the outstanding work that child welfare workers do to ensure children get reunited with their birthparents and/or find new ones. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly to ensure a better life for children.

One such professional being honored this month as AdoptUSkids's Caseworker of the Month is Shanda Moorman, an adoption recruiter for Wendy's Wonderful Kids in Orlando who firmly believes that "every child is adoptable." And her work shows that. Due to her persistence and sensitivity, she recently was able to facilitate an interstate adoption of twins with significant medical conditions. Her excitement over seeing photos of the children laughing and happy with their new family showed the pride she takes in her work. Shanda is representative of so many outstanding child welfare professionals who view their profession as a calling.

Why is it important to put faces on this issue? That's because more than 110,000 children in the United States -- who have suffered from abuse and/or neglect -- have nowhere to go. They are wards of the state -- legally released from their families -- and waiting in the foster care system, hoping that a caring adult will come along and make the world right again for them. But 110,000 is just a number -- albeit a big one. Behind that number are real children who lives and futures have been upended and stolen from them by parents and situations that have let them down.

That's why my favorite day of National Adoption Month is National Adoption Day, when communities across the United States celebrate the making of new families. On this day, court systems nationwide help children heal and families come together by legally joining foster children with adoptive families. This ceremonial effort puts a face on the issue and symbolizes the importance of how strong families are the fundamental building blocks for communities.

If you have a few minutes this month, please take the time to search the Internet for the names and faces of children who want nothing more than to be loved. If you have room in your heart and home, consider adopting one. Just as importantly, take a moment to hug and care for your own children. Good parents are in demand... and they make a difference.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-jamesbrown/faced-with-faces_b_777293.html

Orlando Support Group for Adoptive Families

From therapist Dawn Strobeck:

Loving an adopted child challenges us to the very core…can we love someone who cannot love us back? Are we that good? And the answer is…no, but God is. Our Father has called many families right now in the Christian community to reach out and to love the unloved, to want the unwanted, and to protect the unprotected. Thousands are adopting children every year locally and from all over the world. This is a high and holy calling, but it is not easy. I really liken it to the Gospel message above…that Christ died for us, the sinners, while we were still powerless against sin. He demonstrates His Love for us by dying. And in the process of caring for and loving adopted children you will be called to die…die to the notion that this is a touchy feely kind of mission where you get to look like the good guy. No, you will be called to face your own demons, your own need to be wanted, your own need for encouragement, your own weariness, and your own futility.


My name is Dawn Strobeck and I'm a therapist that is working with adopted families as they deal with the unique issues associated with adoption. I am starting a support/education group for families that have chosen to adopt. I will be coming from a distinctively Christian view, but am incorporating research on attachment theories and practical solutions that I have learned while researching the topic and working with adoptive families. I would like to incorporate a 30 min. teaching segment each session and then facilitate a discussion/support group for about an hour.  Come join us!

Adoption Support Group
When: Monday November 9th at 7:00-8:30 (meeting once a month)
Where: Dawn Strobeck's office in Baldwin Park
Cost: $10 per session
Contact information: 407-240-8071 or conwaycounseling@yahoo.com

Dawn Strobeck's Office
1451 Baldwin Park Lane # A
Orlando, FL 32814
407-240-8071 or 407-493-4068

Foster Care Council Sponsors Picinic for Foster Care Children

Here is a story about Foster Care Council’s Fifth Annual Lynn’s Picnic held October 16 at Cambier Park in Naples, FL.
Here is more information about the Foster Care Council of Southwest Florida, an organization whose missions "is to enhance the lives of children who are removed from their homes due to abandonment, serious neglect or abuse."

Post Adoption Parenting Resources

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families provides an abundance of resources for parents to help them with post-adoption issues.

"Adoption is a lifelong process. Families often need additional support at various times after placement and after the adoption is legally finalized. Families may need services as a child develops and as normal development, adjustment, and adoption-related issues arise. In this section find resources for adoptive families that explain what to expect at various developmental stages. Also, learn how to talk about adoption, address adoption issues in school, help children with grief and loss, recognize and get help for postadoption depression, find needed services, and obtain financial assistance."

CBC of Seminole To Be In Charge of Child Welfare in Orange and Osceola Counties

Here's a story from the Orlando Sentinel by Kate Santich about DCF awarding the contract to run child-welfare operations in both Osceola and Orange counties to Community Based Care of Seminole Co. 

Seminole nonprofit wins DCF contract to manage child welfare in Orange and Osceola

Want to Learn More About the Foster Care System?

Holly Schlaack, a social worker from Ohio, has authored a book titled, Invisible Kids: Marcus Fiesel's Legacy,  which provides an insiders view of the foster care system and educates readers on what they can do to improve that system. 

Amazon says of the book that it "tells the stories of many children and foster families. It tells them straight and backs them up with statistics and facts that show why the system works, why it doesn t, and where it needs help. It describes the special program Holly created for early identification of red flags in the lives infants and toddlers. It details how this program, ProKids Building Blocks, is making a difference, with specialized training and home visitation checklists that assist in objectifying warning signs that might otherwise go unnoticed. It also identifies more than a dozen ways, large and small, anyone can apply to make a difference."


For more information about Holly Schlaak, the book, or her work please visit her website:  http://www.invisiblekidsthebook.com/index.html

Adoptions-In-Progress in Limbo as U.S. Bans Adopting from Nepal

Here is a story from the Chicago Tribune about a woman who went to Nepal to pick up her adopted daughter, only to find out that the U.S. had banned Nepalese adoptions.

Adoption route leaves mother, child exiled in Nepal
Chicago woman wants to bring daughter home, but U.S. policy is blocking her path
September 26, 2010 By Mary Schmich

You can also listen to her tell her story on NPR's Here and Now:
Adoptive Mom Finds Herself Stuck In Nepal

Here's a link to the latest information from the U.S. Department of State concerning adopting from Nepal:
http://adoption.state.gov/news/nepalalerts.html

Tips for Those Adopting an Older Child

Adoptive Families Magazine has an article in their September (2010) issue by Carrie Howard for parents adopting an older child:

Adopting an Older Child?
Moms and dads share the special joy that comes with bringing home a school-age child, and the unique parenting approach that helps their families bond.

News from A Mother's Love

 The latest newsletter from A Mother's Love, a ministry that supports orphaned children in China.

How Your Church Can Help Foster Children

This is from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (which also offers free resources for your church or organization) -

The faith community and foster care adoption

CHILDREN ARE WAITING
Every day children are abused, abandoned and neglected. Through no faults of their own, many end up in foster care and eventually are made available for adoption. These children often move three or more times, are frequently separated from siblings, and can wait five years or more for an adoptive family. One in five will turn 18 and leave the system without a family. Today, more than 114,000 children wait in U.S. foster care for a loving, permanent family.


YOU CAN HELP

The faith community has long been one of the most dynamic, powerful resources to help children without families. The following are just some of the many ways to get involved in foster care adoption – because every child deserves a loving home and forever family.


SUPPORT ADOPTIVE FAMILIES

-Celebrate when members of your congregation make the choice to adopt. Recognize adoption as a valued way to build families.


-Establish support groups for adoptive parents. Learn how at www.nacac.org or http://www.adoptamericanetwork.org/.
 -Host activities and outings for adoptive families.


-Raise funds for medical and educational needs. Donate clothing or other necessities for a growing family. Offer respite childcare.


-Consider establishing an adoption ministry.


HOST OR JOIN A NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY EVENT

National Adoption Day is celebrated in communities across the United States on the Saturday before Thanksgiving (November 20, 2010). Host a National Adoption Day event of your own by inviting members of your congregation or parish to join you for a workshop, picnic, reception or other event in celebration of adoptive families and generate awareness of waiting children. To partner with a local foster care adoption agency, visit www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad. Be a part of the national effort and get a free banner by registering your event at http://www.nationaladoptionday.org/.


-Join an already scheduled event near you by visiting http://www.nationaladoptionday.org/.
There are events in communities all across the nation. Contact the event coordinator to volunteer your time or donate items for the newly-formed families.
 
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