As Minister of Children and Family Development, I am honoured to once again proclaim November as Adoption Awareness month. This month of recognition encourages us to reflect on those in our province who have selflessly opened their hearts and lives through adoption. This month, we also take the time to champion and guide those who might consider adopting now or in the future.

It is my wish to see a province where growing up in a stable home with food, shelter and love is a given for all children and youth in British Columbia. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of young people still hoping to find a home and a family to call their own. Adoption can provide some of the most vulnerable people in our communities with the support and guidance necessary to thrive in both the present and as they grow into adulthood.

For more information on the Adoption Campaign of 2019, please visit Adoptnow.ca.

Proclaiming November as Adoption Awareness month is not the only way your community can support adoptive parents and those who might choose to adopt in the future. In addition to your proclamation, you could organize an information session for prospective parents in your community or a celebration for those who are already adoptive parents. You can explore the variety of adoption awareness events happening around our province in November here: https://www.bcadoption.com/aam. If you would like more guidance or information on how to champion and raise awareness about adoption, please connect with Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) staff at MCF.AdoptionsBranch@gov.bc.ca.

An important pillar for all those involved in adoptions in British Columbia is The Adoptive Families Association of British Columbia, which has been a support for adoptive families in British Columbia for over forty years. You may wish to connect with the association to learn more about your community’s involvement in adoption events, their contact information, as well as contact information for the licensed adoption agencies in British Columbia and more.

Adopt BC Kids is an online portal that allows citizens to complete an adoption application 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I encourage you to take the time to explore this resource and provide it to any community members who are interested in adopting a child in foster care.

On behalf of MCFD, thank you for leading your communities and supporting both those who have opened their homes and hearts and those who might do so in the future. With your help and support, more children and youth could find their forever homes.

Sincerely,

Katrine Conroy
Minister
Ministry of Children and Family Development