Adoption Partnership Aims to Boost ‘Forever Families’ in Pennsylvania

by Danielle Smith, Keystone State News Connection

November is National Adoption Month, and in Pennsylvania, more than 3,000 children in foster care are waiting for new families through adoption.

Abigail Wilson, director of child welfare, juvenile justice, and education services at the Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth, and Family Services, said nationwide, more than 108,000 children are in foster care awaiting adoption.

Wilson suggested now is a great time to learn more about the joys and the challenges of adoptive families, adding the data provides insights into the racial composition of the children who need permanent families.

“Median age was around seven years old, and the racial breakdown was 43% white children, 23% Hispanic, 21% Black, 9% two or more races,” Wilson reported. “High majority of the white, Hispanic, and Black children.”

Wilson noted Pennsylvania uses the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network, which is part of the Department of Human Services. It focuses on matching children to families and resources.

Rachel Kuhr, chief program officer for Jewish Family Services of Harrisburg, said in the last 20 years, Pennsylvania has significantly increased its services for families seeking permanency for children. She pointed out funding has allowed the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network to provide resources to adoptive families.

“It allows any family who has adopted a child and lives in Pennsylvania, and the child is under 18, to access supportive services,” Kuhr outlined. “The state funds three services: case advocacy, which begins with assessment and then respite funding and support group.”

She emphasized support groups are the top request from adoptive families and families are informed about the services before finalizing adoptions so they can seek help when needed.

Kim Kupfer, post-permanency coordinator for Jewish Family Services, said they have seen an increase in mental health issues affecting kids and families since the pandemic. She described how post-permanency services have helped a family of three, including two biological brothers with “HADS,” a condition linked to developmental delay and autism.

“We offered a support group virtually about mental health topics,” Kupfer recounted. “She did do that one because it was virtual. It’s a single Mennonite mom. Her name is Samantha. She’s needed so much help with both the boys, navigating three systems. One of them is the school system because she did not want to send her oldest to public school.”

She stressed the mother was able to see the benefits of the local public school for her son with special needs, and he has been thriving there for almost three years.

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Source: bctv