November is National Adoption Month and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington is encouraging Catholics and others to consider adoption to be open to children of all ages. Children in foster care are particularly vulnerable and in need of a forever home.
The theme for this year is: Live Your Faith, Love a Child: Foster Care Adoption is a Pro-Life Choice
The statistics of children in foster care nationwide are sobering:
- More than 100,000 children nationwide are awaiting adoption now.
- The average age of a waiting child is 8.
- On average, foster children wait three years to be adopted.
- For every one child who is adopted out of foster care, two more remain waiting.
- In Virginia, 5,362 children are in foster care.
- Siblings are often separated when they enter foster care.
- Nationwide nearly 20,000 kids age out of the system and are left without the emotional support they need as they navigate adulthood.
“Adopting an older child is a special calling. Children in foster care may have experienced trauma and multiple losses. They need families who can help them to heal and grow. If prospective parents believe God is calling them to adopt – please consider whether he might be calling you to adopt an older child, or a child with special needs,” said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge.
Catholic Charities supports families adopting from foster care through training, home study, matching, placement, post-placement and the finalization process. Children who have been in foster care will have experienced many challenges. Catholic Charities works to ensure parents are prepared to address those challenges. They won’t have to do it alone.
“Catholic Charities gives adoptive families the tools to welcome these children, create a safe and healing home and help them to thrive. We are a lifelong resource for families and children who have been adopted through our ministries,” said Stephen Carattini, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington.
Families who have opened their hearts and homes to foster care adoption acknowledge the path can be challenging but say their choice has helped their family grow in love and joy, despite the obstacles. Watch this short video showcasing a successful adoption of older children for a firsthand account of how this journey made them a family.
Media interested in interviewing the director of our adoption ministry on the needs of children in foster care, learning more about Catholic Charities’ adoption services or parents in the process of foster care adoption, should contact Mary Shaffrey, director of media relations, [email protected] or 703-841-2517.
