Children are not in foster care by their own choosing but are forced into it by unfortunate or tragic circumstances.  Sadly, approximately 146 children and youth in the Barren River Region are living in foster care, waiting for a family to protect and care for them so they may achieve their full potential.  All children deserve a loving and permanent home.  The Family Enrichment Center-Adoption Resource Program is celebrating National Adoption Awareness Month by encouraging families throughout the Barren River District Area to open their hearts and homes to foster care children who are waiting for forever families.

    On Monday, November 1, 2010 at 10:00 a.m., local government officials will proclaim November as Adoption Awareness Month at Fountain Square Park.  In the event of inclement weather, the signing will be at City Hall on College Street. 

    The typical child who has been freed for adoption is at least nine years old, moves three or more times in foster care, may have been separated from siblings, and will wait five years or more to be adopted. Tragically, many will never be adopted and will leave the system at age 18, going into society without the support of a family.

    National Adoption Awareness Month, observed annually since 1990, works to increase the number of families willing to provide unique opportunities to change a child’s life and to celebrate the lives of the families that welcomes them.

    The Family Enrichment Center-Adoption Resource Program believes everyone can make a difference – either by adopting a child from foster care or by supporting the work of agencies finding forever families for waiting children.

    For more information about adopting a waiting child, call C. Denise Lambrianou, Adoption Resource Program Coordinator, at (270) 842-9032 or (866) 842-9032.