Friday, November 4, 2011

Adoption Awareness Month

South Shore residents and all Nova Scotians are encouraged to consider adopting school-age children. November is being marked as Adoption Awareness Month. 
Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse says there are many children, most of whom are between six and sixteen years old, who are waiting for a loving, caring place to call home. More than 120 children were adopted by Nova Scotia families last year, but there are still many more waiting for a permanent home. Peterson-Rafuse says many of the nearly 350 children in permanent care and custody available for adoption are older, have siblings, or have special needs.
        The Department of Community Services offers information and training sessions to families when they choose to adopt. Ongoing support and financial assistance are also available for families who adopt a child with special needs. More information about adoption, and how families can take the first step toward adopting a child in Nova Scotia, is available by calling 1-866-259-7780 or watching the department's online adoption video series at www.gov.ns.ca/coms .