For Immediate Release
Nov. 1, 2003

Richmond — Governor Mark R. Warner has proclaimed November 2003 as Adoption Awareness Month in the Commonwealth. In recognition of this celebration, the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), public and private agencies and organizations throughout the state will promote efforts to raise awareness of children in the state’s foster care system needing adoptive homes during the month of November.

VDSS will conduct a kickoff event on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Richmond Public Library, Gellman Room, at 101 East Franklin Street in Richmond. VDSS Commissioner Maurice A. Jones will address adoption awareness efforts in the state and encourage more support for adoptions.

"Currently there are more than 1,600 children with a goal of adoption in Virginia," said Commissioner Jones. "These children are over the age of six, members of sibling groups, members of minority groups, and children with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. These events help provide useful information and improve the adoption process for our deserving children."

To celebrate adoption awareness throughout the Commonwealth, there will be five regional "Adoption Saturday" events during the month of November. Adoption Saturdays emphasize the collaborative efforts between local social service agencies and the court system. These special one-day events provide an opportunity for Virginia courts and their community partners to celebrate finalized adoptions, make the children feel extra special, demonstrate to the community how adoption works, and appreciate families who are the key to successful adoptions (see schedule of events at the end of the release).

Interviews may be available from families who have successfully provided loving homes to adopted children based on availability, confidentiality restrictions and other circumstances.

"We have some tremendous success stories about enriching the lives of children and families through the adoption process," said Commissioner Jones. "I am very proud of the partnerships we have established and continue to grow in communities throughout the Commonwealth."

The following Adoption Saturday events have been scheduled in Virginia:

• Lynchburg - Heritage Baptist Church, Nov. 1, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Roanoke - Green Memorial United Methodist Church, Nov. 1, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Charlottesville - First Baptist Church, Nov. 15, 12 - 3 p.m.
• Alexandria - Alexandria Court House, Nov. 22, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Richmond - Oliver Hill Courts Building, Nov. 22, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Virginia’s adoption hotline is 1-800-DO-ADOPT. For more information on Virginia adoptions or other events planned in the state, please contact Sondra Draper at (804) 692-1280 or visit http://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/ap/index.html. For more information on Adoption Day Celebrations, visit http://www.nationaladoptionday.org/.

Brenda Kerr
Permanency Unit
(804) 692-1290
bjk2@dss.state.va.us

Charles Ingram
Public Affairs
(804) 692-1619
cij900@dss.state.va.us
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