|
(Paramus, NJ) December 5, 2006 - As the holidays approach, most children look forward to a long break from school and a chance to spend time with their families. But for the 500 children in New Jersey who are waiting to be adopted, the holidays aren't always a happy time. It reminds them of the harsh truth of their situation - they don't have a permanent family to call their own. In fact, some of these children have lived in many temporary places, for years, and they almost give up on the idea that someone will come forward as a "forever family." They yearn for a family that they know will be there year after year, season after season and be at their graduation celebrations at high school as well as grammar school.
To raise awareness and bring attention to their plight, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, the Children's Action Network, and CBS Television will present the eighth annual CBS-TV special, A Home for the Holidays, on Friday, December 22 at 8:00 p.m. A Home for the Holidays is a nationally televised entertainment program designed to raise awareness about foster care adoption and to enhance recruitment efforts nationwide.
A compelling combination of celebrity performances and stories from extraordinary American families who share the joys of foster care adoption, A Home for the Holidays reaches millions of primetime viewers with a positive message about America's waiting children and foster care adoption. Past shows have featured such major talents as Sheryl Crow, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, Dustin Hoffman, Scott Hamilton, Stevie Wonder, Jamie Foxx, the Goo Goo Dolls, and the Black Eyed Peas in performing and presenting roles.
For the fourth year in a row, New Jersey Adoption Research Clearing House (NJ ARCH), a division of Children's Aid and Family Services, will serve as the show's state-wide contact. A toll-free number will be displayed during the show for prospective adoptive parents to call, and those calling from New Jersey will be directed to NJ ARCH. They will also receive an informational packet from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, including information on how to adopt, and public and private agencies that offer adoption services.
Through a grant from Wendy's Wonderful Kids, a signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Children's Aid and Family Services has been able to fund one full-time adoption recruiter, Kristen Brady. Ms. Romney focuses on placing older children for adoption.
"Unfortunately, for a child in the agency's care, their chances of being adopted decrease steadily after the age of nine," says Rose Zeltser, senior vice president, professional services. "We're pleased that Wendy's Wonderful Kids is putting so much effort in older children adoption recruitment. Last year we received calls from more than 120 New Jersey residents following the airing of A Home for the Holidays, and we expect even more inquiries this year."
Many prospective parents aren't aware they need not be wealthy, own a home or be married in order to adopt; they do need to be loving, nurturing, and interested in sharing their lives with a child. Those who adopt a special needs child are eligible to receive an adoption subsidy, which includes a monthly maintenance payment, medical coverage, and assistance with legal fees for adoption finalization.
Additionally, Children's Aid and Family Services offers counseling and support programs for adoptive parents and their children. These services help the family prepare for the rewards and challenges of the adoption process. A staff member is only a phone call away, 24 hours a day, seven days per week, 365 days per year.
Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy's, was adopted as a child and created the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in 1992 with the vision that every child deserves a permanent home and loving family. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption focuses on increasing adoption awareness while supporting model adoption service programs that find permanent homes and loving families for foster children who have been freed for adoption. For more information, call 1-800-ASK-DTFTA or visit www.DaveThomasFoundation.org.
NJ ARCH provides adoption advocacy, support, education, information and referral services to birth parents, adoptive and pre-adoptive families throughout New Jersey, as well as to families interested in adopting children and to professionals, family and community members interested in adoption issues.
Children's Aid and Family Services is one of the largest regional, nonprofit human services organizations serving northern New Jersey. The agency is fully accredited and has more than 100 years of experience in building futures for children, families, and communities. Its mission is to help children, families, and communities to heal, to learn, and to grow.
If you're interested in adopting a child or would like more information, contact Kristen Brady at 201-226-0300.
|
