Consider Adoption

Children of all ages are waiting to be adopted. New York State Adoption Service (NYSAS) welcomes responsible, caring adults who are ready to share their time, their hearts, and their lives with waiting children. When you adopt a waiting child, you will be giving that child a permanent family and another chance in life. All children deserve a loving, committed, safe, and permanent family.

"In New York State, no child may be adopted until the parental rights of the birth parents have been relinquished or terminated," explained Senator Larkin. "This means that the child is free to be adopted. Typically, nearly 1,000 children are free for adoption at any one time in New York State. They are just waiting for someone to offer them the permanent family life they have been denied. They need love and security. They need a permanent home."

Who are the children waiting for adoption? Most, if not all, are children waiting in foster care. They are a diverse group of children, primarily African-American, Caucasian, and Hispanic. Few are three years old and younger. Many are between the ages of 7 and 13. Some have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. Many belong to sibling groups who need to be adopted together.

There are many ways for you to experience caring for children who need a loving adult. Many people become foster parents; some serve as volunteers with a child welfare agency before adopting. New York State's local social services adoption units offer orientation and training to groups of interested people. Staff can answer questions about adoption, and you can begin to decide whether adoption is the best option for you and your family.

For more information, contact the New York State Adoption Service through the Office of Children and Family Services at 1-800-345-KIDS (5437).