Answering the Call
At this very moment over 513,000 children are in foster care in the United States, according to the Administration for Children and Families. While approximately half of all children housed in foster care return home to their parents, the other staggering 50 percent remain in foster care until no longer permitted by the state. Of these children, about 114,000 are on adoption waiting lists. Additionally, each year more than 20,000 youth "age out" of foster care without ever being adopted, without ever having a stable and nurturing family to call their own, and without ever knowing what it's like to be SHOWN they are truly loved.
Each year, November is set aside as National Adoption Awareness Month. While the guarantee that every child has a voice is vital, this month's recognition focuses on the adoption of children currently in foster care.
The first major effort to promote awareness of the need for adoptive families for children in the foster care system occurred in Massachusetts in 1976. What initially began as a statewide proclaimed Adoption Week by Governor Mike Dukakis rapidly ignited in popularity and spread throughout the nation. President Gerald Ford made the first National Adoption Week proclamation, and in 1990, the week was expanded to the entirety of November due to the overwhelming interest of states and organizations.
Activities and celebrations are kicked off each year with a Presidential Proclamation. As explicated in President Bush's 2008 proclamation, "During National Adoption Month, we honor adoptive and foster parents who have shown America the depth and kindness of the human heart. Their love and dedication inspire the next generation of Americans to achieve their dreams and demonstrate the true spirit of our Nation."
During the month, states, communities, public and private organizations, businesses, families, and individuals celebrate adoption as a positive way to build families. Across the nation, activities and observances such as recognition dinners, public awareness and recruitment campaigns, and special events spotlight the needs of children who need permanent families.
For the last eight years, the month long observance has encompassed National Adoption Day. National Adoption Day was founded in 2000 by the Alliance for Children's Rights, through the faithful support of numerous donors, including the Freddie Mac Foundation, and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Traditionally held on a Saturday, National Adoption Day is a collective effort striving to raise awareness of the 129,000 children in foster care. The consequential day is commemorated in courthouses across the nation as hundreds of adoptions are finalized simultaneously. Today, National Adoption Day is recognized in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico as more than 300 events are held throughout the country to finalize the adoptions of children in foster care, and to celebrate all adoptive families. Since its formation, more than 20,000 children have been adopted from foster care on National Adoption Day. This year, National Adoption Day will be celebrated on November 15.
Statistics indicate that it would take less than 1 percent of the American population to give every waiting child a home! That is exactly what National Adoption Month is all about, spreading awareness to recruit and retain forever parents for our nation's waiting children.
In accordance with National Adoption Month, CASA of Johnson County would like to remind residents that you don't have to be perfect to be a parent; there are thousands of kids in foster care who would love to put up with you!
Having said that, CASA of Johnson County's goal is to reach 100 percent of our county's neglected children within the next two years. At this time, Johnson Country has 240 kids in care. With the dedicated support of 63 active volunteers, we are currently serving 105 of those 240 children. In order to catapult CASA of Johnson County's radius beyond the 46 percentile we must unite in the recruitment of volunteers. Faithful volunteers are the backbone of this organization. With enough collaboration, no goal is too lofty and no child is forgotten.
In the five years that have followed CASA of Johnson County's establishment, the organization's volunteers have witnessed 13 of their cases result in adoption!
For former volunteer Anna Kelly, what began as a passionate involvement with CASA, ended with the adoption of the child for which she was advocating. On August 15, 2008 Kenneth, Anna, Jeremy and Jacob Kelly welcomed Justice into their home, but most importantly into their family. After four years bouncing from foster care to foster care, 12 year old Justice was placed in a forever home.
"August 15th is a celebration of life for my family," said Anna Kelly. "Justice may have not been born from me, but there is no doubt in my mind, she was born for me. On August 15th my heart gave birth to my beautiful girl for the rest of my life."
CASA of Johnson County's goal is to ensure that every child in our county who needs a CASA has a CASA. A CASA volunteer can make a lasting impression in the life of an abused child.
The next available volunteer training classes will take place during the month of February. Specific dates are in the midst of being finalized.
As the holidays approach, what more rewarding gift is there than that of priceless friendship with a child? Don't miss out on an opportunity to play an influential role in helping Johnson County's children find forever homes.
Please contact CASA of Johnson County at (817) 558-6995 for more information.
