STATE OFFICIALS URGE NEBRASKANS TO CONSIDER ADOPTION AMID LOW NUMBERS

LINCOLN- Currently, adoption rates in Nebraska are at their lowest since 2003, prompting state officials to urge Nebraskans to consider adopting a child. 

The Federal Children's Bureau, to celebrate adoption awareness month, set this year's theme as 'Small Steps Open Door', and is working to highlight the challenges that may arise when building trust with youth seeking permanent homes. 

As of October 31st in Nebraska, 296 adoptions have been finalized this year. However, 403 adoptions were completed within the same timeframe in 2021. 

Stephanie Beasley, director of the Children and Family Services Division, is working to inspire Nebraskans to consider adopting a child. "Every time I talk to a foster family, I hear how this made a powerful impact in their lives," said Beasley, "This is an experience that doesn't end at adoption, it is a transformation families will experience for the rest of their lives."

Beasley finished her statement, saying, "I urge any Nebraskans considering adoption to reach out to DHHS for information and support."

The Department of Health and Human Services and its partners are planning on holding several events throughout the month to educate families on the process of adoption. The events are as follows:

  • Douglas-Sarpy Counties: Nov. 19, 9-11:30 a.m., Judge Candice J. Novak will preside over multiple adoptions at the Omaha-Douglas Civic Center.

  • Northeast Nebraska: Nov. 19, 3-6 p.m., 13th Annual National Adoption Day at the YMCA in Norfolk, with a meal served at 5 p.m

  • Lancaster County: Nov. 12, 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Lancaster County Courthouse. Adopted children will receive backpacks with gifts, adoptive families will receive gift bags, and there will be food and games for all in attendance.

  • Western Nebraska: A community event will be held in December to celebrate adoptions from 2020, 2021 and 2022.

  • Central Nebraska: Organizers will deliver backpacks for all 2022 adoptees and their families. The bags will include information for Families Forever, books on adoptions for teens (if adopting a teen), swag from agencies, board games, and other items.

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