Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has proclaimed November as Adoption Awareness Month in the Commonwealth.

The declaration coincides with the ongoing Virginia Children’s Services System Transformation which is finding more permanent and nurturing adoptive homes for children in foster care and strengthening families through enhanced services.

“All children deserve to be in a safe and permanent home. Virginia has made great strides to place more of our children in permanent homes, but there is still work to be done,” says Kaine. “I hope that the declaration of Adoption Awareness Month will encourage Virginians to explore ways they can make a difference in the lives of young people in need, whether as an adoptive parent, foster parent or mentor.”

“Research indicates that children do better when raised in families, and it is heartwarming to see that as a result of the Transformation, more children are being adopted, becoming a part of a family, and will have a brighter future,” says Ray Ratke, Special Advisor on Children’s Services for the Commonwealth.

The number of children adopted from Virginia’s foster care system has increased from 532 in 2008 to 616 in 2009; however, more than 800 Virginia children are still awaiting adoption.

“Virginia is working diligently to improve outcomes for children who want a family to call their own,” says Virginia Department of Social Services Commissioner Anthony Conyers Jr. “Our success as a Commonwealth hinges on the adults who are willing to bring a child into their hearts and homes.”

Those considering adoption can use "Meet the Virginia Kids," a user-friendly feature found exclusively on the VDSS Website, featuring some of the children awaiting adoption. The database can be searched by age, region, gender and other demographics.

Families and individuals who are interested in learning more about adoption should:

- Contact their local department of social services.
- “Meet the Virginia Kids.”
- Learn more about FACES of Virginia Families.
- Join the Transformation.