As the holidays approach, many agencies and organizations throughout Kansas highlight the importance of adoption. Recently, local media sources have been highlighting the efforts of artists across the country to raise awareness for adoption and the high number of children awaiting forever families across the United States, including Kansas. November has been named Adoption Awareness Month, and the recent media attention highlighting artists and local efforts is certainly raising awareness. Keep reading to learn more!
A Walk to Permanence
North Carolina is setting up “A Walk to Permanence” to draw attention to Adoption Awareness Month. Specifically, the Kansas City Star reports that a division of the North Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) is partnering with a local library to install a temporary art exhibit with artwork created by foster parents and adoptive children. The artwork is highlighting how to recognize dangerous family situations, the importance of Child Protective Services, child abuse, and how to find out about adoption.
Touring Exhibits in Ohio
In parts of Ohio, artists are collaborating to highlight and display portraits that have been painted of children and teenagers who are awaiting adoption. Local agencies have collaborated with museums and retailers to display the creative artwork during Adoption Awareness Month, with the goal of finding homes for the 38 youth in Stark County. Local artists have worked diligently to support adoption efforts and have effectively raised nationwide awareness, according to the Kansas City Star.
Nationwide Attention
Adoption Awareness Month has gained nationwide attention on websites, media outlets, and social media. Many bloggers are also highlighting the importance of adoption, with one blogger sharing the statistic that there are currently more than 100,000 children currently in the United States foster care system. There are likely thousands more living on the streets or in desperate conditions. Further, government statistics indicate the following:
United States
- There are more than 400,000 children without permanent homes
- There are more than 120,000 orphans
- Nearly 30,000 children “age out” of the foster care system every year, leaving them without proper support to lead functional adult lives
Worldwide
- More than 7 million children live in institutional care
- 67 million children do not have access to schooling
- 22 million children are without permanent homes due to natural disaster, conflict, or violence
- One billion children live without access to basic, fundamental needs for living, including water, sanitation, and food
- HIV and AIDS has orphaned nearly 18 million children
- Death of one or both parents accounts for more than 150 million orphaned children worldwide
As these statistics suggest, the issue of adoption is one that affects everyone, in every country. Children are the future of tomorrow and beyond, and without the help, support, and guidance of loving adults, these children cannot grow up to be functioning contributors to society. This is the crux of why Adoption Awareness Month is so important. While the art exhibits discussed above were not here in Kansas, they highlight the long-distance reach of adoption, and its importance to society.
Get Help with Your Kansas Adoption
If you have questions about adoption, or are in the process of adoption and need further advice or information, contact McDowell Chartered. At McDowell Chartered, our Kansas Adoption Lawyer has helped numerous families in Kansas and Missouri successfully navigate through the process of adoption. We are here to answer your questions and help you down the path to creating a forever home for a child who needs your love and support. Contact our Wichita, Kansas office today and let us schedule you an initial consultation. We help clients throughout Kansas and Missouri, and are ready to help you. Contact our office by calling (316) 269-0746.
