Malik is a youngster who enjoys school and learning new things. He is a good hearted person who interacts well with other children and adults. He likes to spend time playing computer games, swimming, and listening to music.
A Forever Home just in Time
for the Holidays
Shanae, 17 who has a smile for everyone and her brother, Robert, 15 who loves to tell jokes and play guitar, have been in the foster care for over five years. Regional staff was adamant to find a home willing and able to take both children in place of separating these highly bonded siblings. Despite the many positive things about Shanae and Robert, most families were not able to provide the extra special care required because they both have Spina Bifida and use wheelchairs for mobility.
In April, a family from out of state inquired about adopting Shanae and Robert. The family who had previously adopted five children had a very large home with plenty of room. Unfortunately, their home was not wheelchair accessible, but James Bodling, Supervisor and Kristi Roe, Program Director believed the family could meet Shanae's and Robert's needs. Both recommended that CPS and the family work together to find someone willing to cover the cost of a wheelchair ramp and needed remodeling to pass accessibility standards. Program directors, supervisors, special needs workers and many others across multiple states became involved in the project. The entire process took months, but when it was done, approval was received for placement.
Initial hopes were to place in November, so that Shanae and Robert could experience Thanksgiving with their new family. However, Robert's brief hospitalization set back these plans. Finally, in early December, Audrey Murphy, Adoption Specialist, with the help of Carla Jarrett, Foster/Adopt Home Development worker, flew with Shanae and Robert to their new home. Both Shanae and Robert were nervous since they had never flown before. Once up in the air, they both found it very exciting. Shanae loved watching the clouds out of the window, and her only complaint was that her ears kept popping, despite the 3 pieces of gum she was chewing.
By the time Shanae and Robert reached their northern destination, the first real snowstorm of the season had just begun. With all of the ponds and lakes frozen over, and snow drifting down, Shanae and Robert arrived to a "Winter Wonderland". Shanae and Robert rolled up the new ramp and into their Forever Home just in time for Christmas.
Autumn is an affectionate and
friendly teenager with varied
interests. She enjoys dancing,
reading, watching TV, computer,
and arts and crafts. She likes
going out with friends or
just hanging out with parents.
Texas Honored by Voice for Adoption
Three CPS staffers singled out in award for statewide efforts
Voice for Adoption, a group that develops and advocates for improved adoption policies, selected the State of Texas to receive their Adoption Across Boundaries Award. The award was presented at a reception on November 9 in Washington, DC, and it honors a state or states that have made diligent efforts in overcoming geographic barriers and have proven track records of using best practices when placing children across state or county lines.
While the award is given for statewide efforts, Voice for Adoption singled out three foster/adopt staff members from Child Protective Services whose efforts "are worthy of praise in the accomplishment of interjurisdictional placement to help children move to permanency."
Joslyn Shirey, contract manager for Region 3, was selected "for her care and concern for the children who are supported by the resources she manages."
Blanca Denise Lance, who until recently worked with the Texas Adoption Resource Exchange, was chosen for "providing families from across the country with access to information about Texas' waiting children."
Tarrant County Adoption Supervisor Brenda Lund (picture not available) was singled out as "a tireless advocate for the children in her unit for all Texas children."
Wendy Spoerl, president of Adopt America Network, nominated Texas, and she lauded the individual efforts of Shirey, Lance, and Lund. From 2000 to 2008, Spoerl noted, Texas steadily increased its annual adoptions from 2,063 to 4,517. "They have accomplished this using many techniques, including a commitment to placing children with families who reside outside of the state of Texas."
"Congratulations to the State of Texas on winning this award," said Voice for Adoption Executive Director Nicole Dobbins, "and to Ms. Shirley, Ms. Lance, and Ms. Lund for each of your exemplary efforts on ensuring children find permanent families!"
National Adoption DayThis year marks the 10th anniversary of National Adoption Day, a national day of celebration of adoptive families and an opportunity for courts to open their doors and finalize the adoptions of children from foster care. Since 2000, more than 25,000 children have had their adoptions finalized on National Adoption Day. This year on November 21, families, adoption advocates, policymakers, judges and volunteers will come together and celebrate adoption in communities large and small all across the nation. View events in Texas. |
Texas Adoption DayGOVERNMENT CODE, TITLE 6, SUBTITLE B, Sec. 662.053 TEXAS ADOPTION DAY (a) The Saturday before Thanksgiving Day of each year is Texas Adoption Day to celebrate and encourage adoption, adoptive families, and adoption workers in Texas. (b) Texas Adoption Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities that encourage participation in and raise awareness about the adoption process and that honor adoptive families and adoption workers in Texas. (c) The Department of Family and Protective Services shall create a statewide awareness campaign to promote Texas Adoption Day and shall coordinate ceremonies and activities held throughout the state. |
Photo listings are updated daily. Families with approved home studies can inquire through the child's interest form on their photo/profile page. Go to "View Waiting Children".
Note: Children come into the care of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) due to abuse or neglect. Therefore, families who adopt children through the agency should have an understanding or be willing to learn the dynamics of neglect, physical or sexual abuse.