(HARTFORD) - Governor Ned Lamont and Department of Children and Families (DCF) Interim Commissioner Susan Hamilton today celebrated Connecticut Adoption Day with over 40 children being adopted in courtrooms across the state.
"Today is all about highlighting what is possible when compassionate adults step forward to offer children permanency - a place of belonging. We extend our sincere gratitude to every adoptive parent whose devotion helps ensure that Connecticut’s children can grow up in their forever home with their forever family,” Governor Lamont said.
This year's National Adoption Month theme is “Honoring Youth: Strengthening Pathways for Lasting Bonds,” with a focus on helping older youth in foster care find permanent families. In order to strengthen relationships and lay the groundwork for enduring connections for young people, it is essential to recognize and honor each youth and their support network. When professionals center the needs and identities of the youth they serve, they help ensure that adoption is intentional and impactful which, in turn, helps promote healing, wellbeing, and lasting stability.
“Adoptive parents make a lifelong commitment to open their hearts and homes to children and teens when reunification with family is not possible. On National Adoption Day, we are reminded of how vital it is for every young person to have the stability and security that adoption provides," Commissioner Hamilton said. "Thank you to each and every person who contributes to the permanency process - our DCF team, court personnel, attorneys, service providers, families and community partners."
Adoption is one form of permanency as reunification remains the primary goal if a child cannot remain safely at home. For those children separated from their parents, the priority placement is with relatives or kin. Connecticut is a leader across the country as almost 50 percent of children placed into out-of-home care live with extended family members or others with whom they have a familial relationship.
The collaborative efforts of the entire child welfare system working together on behalf of Connecticut's children and families have resulted in over 1,000 youth achieving permanency this year, which includes reunification, transfer of guardianship and adoption.
With 40 adoptions finalized in one day alone, DCF will have completed nearly 220 adoptions this calendar year in addition to reunifying over 300 children with family as well as facilitating 200 transfers of guardianship. In the last five years, over 7,400 children have reached permanency, which includes 3,100 reunifications, over 1,800 transfers of guardianship and nearly 2,350 adoptions.
Ongoing supports are available for families after they adopt, or guardianship is transferred. The UCONN Health Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) provides post-adoption support, including assessment, education, brief counseling, and referral services to adoptive families and to families formed through guardianship. Information about AAP can be obtained by visiting the Adoption Assistance Program website, by calling (877) 679-1961 or by e-mail at aap@uchc.edu
In addition, for children adopted after December 31, 2004, the agency offers a college tuition subsidy equivalent to in-state tuition, room and board, and fees equivalent to Central Connecticut State University (CCSU).
The Department has also established a Heart Gallery for those children with the most complex needs and who are awaiting permanency with a family. Please visit the website here: Heart Gallery.
Families can also call 1-888-KIDHERO to inquire about becoming a foster parent or visit www.CtFosters.com for more information.