Santa Monica Daily Press | Children’s Bureau Celebrates National Adoption Month Nov. 17th Virtual Online Orientation

Every year, November is recognized as National Adoption Month, which brings awareness to the thousands of children in our community awaiting permanent families. During this time, we also celebrate the families who have grown through adoption. Children’s Bureau is one of the largest private, non-profit adoption agencies in California and one of the few that is nationally accredited by the Child Welfare League of America. In Los Angeles County alone, the foster care population exceeds 33,000 children with 200 of those foster children waiting for an adoptive family.

If you or someone you know may be interested in learning more, join us on November 17th from 4:00 – 5:00 P.M. for an online virtual orientation.  For questions and/or to get started, call 800-730-3933, email rfrecruitment@allforkids.org or visit www.allforkids.org/foster-care-and-adoption-inquiry-form/ to complete a quick inquiry form.  A link to the meeting will be emailed to you.

Children’s Bureau partners with over 200 foster-adoptive families annually to help at-risk youth by giving them a home that is nearby and inclusive to their foster siblings. Lisa and Michael began their foster-adoptive journey by providing a stable home to a sibling set of three, two girls and a boy. They worked to keep the family together and have experienced a bond like no other. “If adoption is in your future, there is no need to look any further than our surrounding county. So many local children need a family. If you are wanting to “make a difference” with your life, consider adopting from foster care. You could be saving generations,” said Lisa.

In the 1940’s, Children’s Bureau opened adoption services and found homes for refugee children orphans from World War II. The agency continues to meet the needs by offering a wide array of programs in areas related to adoption such as foster care, prevention, and mental health. Children’s Bureau has multiple locations operating throughout Southern California.

“Right now children who have experienced trauma and have been separated from their birth family need our help,” says Leslie Oropeza, Children’s Bureau Director of Foster Care and Adoption. “We are looking for families who can open their homes and hearts to these children. Families who have extra space and the willingness to keep them together.  Statistics show siblings kept together in foster care and adoption do better later in life. They heal quicker from their trauma, have better attachments, and develop healthy self-images,” she adds.

Children’s Bureau welcomes all individuals regardless of race, age, religion, disability, marital status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression to become a resource for children. Qualifying families receive training and support throughout their journey.  Foster Care and Adoption Programs are available in Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.

For information about Children’s Bureau and the other critical services the agency provides, visit www.allforkids.org. To stay connected with Family Foster Care and Adoption services, visit www.allforkids.org/programs/family-foster-care-and-adoption/.

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