Poloncarz Promotes Adoption, Reads to Children at Library Event

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined by community members, families, and adoption advocates at the Central Branch of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library in celebrating Adoption Awareness Month throughout the County. November provides an opportunity to celebrate and honor families who have completed adoptions, and also builds awareness of the over 100,000 children currently in foster care waiting for permanent homes.

“Children are our most precious resource, and they need the love, support and protection that an adoptive family can provide,” said Poloncarz. “Adoption can make all the difference in a child’s life, and I hope that all families considering adopting a child realize the positive impact that their decision can have.”

Erie County strongly supports adoption efforts through the work of the Department of Social Services Adoption and Homefinding teams. In 2011, one hundred forty-nine young people were adopted in Erie County, many of them celebrating their adoption finalizations with local foster families. In 2012, eighty-one adoptions have been finalized in Erie County Family Court, with forty-nine more adoptions awaiting scheduling on the court calendar.

The need for permanent, loving homes for potential adoptees remains strong; currently, approximately fifty children could be adopted if appropriate families were available. Most of these are teens, sibling groups, or youngsters with special needs. Anyone interested in learning more about foster care adoption is invited to call 858-7472 for more information and registration for an orientation session.