November is National Adoption Month and I wanted to take time before its over to raise a little awareness about foster care adoption and children in substitute care. I read recently that there are 138 foster children in Travis County who are available for adoption. Did you know that adoption within the Texas foster care system is essentially free? Did you know that those children who are not adopted grow up and leave foster care without a family to come home to? Having placed several children, both babies and teens, into adoptive foster homes I know the difference permanency and a real family can mean to all these children over the long term.

Even if you can’t adopt there are ways to help children in care. The Adoption Coalition of Texas, a worthy organization is looking for Secret Santa’s for foster children in central Texas. If you or your family want to give a child in foster care a better Christmas, email the coalition at ACTSecretSantaATgmail.com to learn about a child’s wish list. Drop off days begin December 7th to 10th. Make a difference in the life of child! Happy Holidays,
Be well,
Laura