Dear friends,

Later this month, we will celebrate National Adoption Month with a mass adoption ceremony at Hamilton County’s Probate Court. Several children will join new families on Nov. 20.   

This is one of the most exciting times of the year for me and for our staff. Often, this is the culmination of a tremendous amount of work to find the right family for a child who has experienced a tough life. Seeing that work result in what is often an emotional, touching ceremony is an uplifting moment for our staff.  

Hamilton County investigates more than 6,000 reports of child abuse and neglect a year. When intensive services fail and a child can no longer remain safe in a parent’s care, the county will seek custody of the child and attempt to find a safe and loving adoptive home. That sometimes takes months or years.  

The Nov. 20 ceremony stands as a symbol for all of the adoptions we do – so far 70 in 2009.  

We also have several adoption-related events planned for this month to say thanks to our adoptive parents, several appearances on local media outlets and you will see us out and about beating the drum on adoption because we still have more than 200 children who need adoptive homes. 

Among the events:   

• A skating party on Nov. 7 from noon to 3 p.m. at The Skatin' Place in Colerain.  Not only is this a chance for many of our kids to skate, we will use it as a recruitment event for prospective adoptive parents.
• An adoption appreciation event for our adoptive families and children at the Jewish Community Center at 6 p.m. on Nov. 20. The Amazing Portable Circus will be on hand for kids to enjoy carnival games, dancing, music, an aerial show, food and more!
• An official proclamation from the Hamilton County Commissioners proclaiming November National Adoption Month in Hamilton County.

I urge you to take a quick look at our foster care and adoption Web site, www.hckids.org, and see all the cute, smiling children who are still waiting for homes. Some are growing old waiting for a home to call their own. It is heartbreaking.  

Yes, many of them have issues because of things that have happened in their lives, but many of them are just children who need someone loving to help and guide them. Even those with issues could overcome and thrive with the right kind of love and support.  

If you or anyone you know is interested in adopting, please contact us by phone, (513) 632-6366, or e-mail, adoption@jfs.hamilton-co.org. 

Thanks,

Moira