Celebrating Adoption: CHS's Commitment in North Carolina
For over a century, the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina (CHS) has played a pivotal role in promoting adoption within the state. As we honor National Adoption Month, CHS emphasizes the diverse avenues available for adoption and the ongoing support that helps families thrive together.
Understanding National Adoption Month
Every November, National Adoption Month draws attention to the profound effects of adoption, celebrating families who open their hearts and homes to children in need. In North Carolina alone, numerous children remain in foster care, with many aging out of the system each year without ever finding a permanent family.
"Every child deserves the stability and love that comes from a permanent family environment," stated Brian Maness, the current president and CEO of CHS. He highlights that while adoption provides a crucial turning point in a child’s life, the commitment does not end there; the journey continues in ensuring families remain strong and connected.
Stories of Courage and Transformation
Throughout November, CHS has chosen to spotlight inspiring North Carolina families who exemplify the resilience and dedication that the adoption process entails. These journeys shed light on the emotional and transformative experience that permanency brings to everyone involved.
CHS proudly shares these narratives through various channels including its website, YouTube channel, and social media platforms. Such stories reflect the lasting impact of stability, connection, and essential support within families.
Paths to Adoption
CHS helps families navigate three primary avenues to adoption, each offering its own unique pathway to permanency:
- Foster Care Adoption: This is the most common route, where foster families may eventually provide permanent homes for children when reunification with their birth parents isn’t an option.
- Kinship Adoption: This involves adopting relatives or close family friends who are already caring for children, maintaining essential ties to family and community.
- Infant Adoption: Through CHS's Infant Connections program, this private domestic adoption service supports both birth parents and adoptive families with counseling, matching, and personalized guidance.
Rebecca Starnes, CHS’s chief program officer, shared insights into the process: "Adoption represents both a beginning and a journey of continuity. It marks the start of a new family narrative while reinforcing our unwavering commitment to support them for as long as they need."
Post-Adoption Services: Supporting Families for Life
CHS understands the importance of providing ongoing support for adoptees, adoptive families, and birth relatives through its Post Adoption Services. No matter when an adoption occurred – whether five years ago or even longer – these services offer crucial support, guidance, and resources.
Key areas of assistance include:
- Education and Support: Providing referrals for counseling, parent coaching, and resources tailored to adoptive families.
- Connection and Guidance: Offering support for individuals aiming to understand their personal history or medical background.
- Confidential Intermediary Searches: Helping adult adoptees and birth relatives to exchange information under North Carolina law.
Engaging with National Adoption Month
Residents of North Carolina can join in recognizing National Adoption Month in various ways. Engaging in upcoming CHS foster care and adoption information sessions is a great first step. Following CHS on social media amplifies the voices of families and raises awareness about the need for permanent families.
Supporting CHS through donations helps expand programs designed to strengthen families across the state, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
To discover more about adoption opportunities or learn how to get involved, please visit www.chsnc.org/adoption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of National Adoption Month?
National Adoption Month raises awareness about adoption and honors families who have adopted, while also highlighting children who are still waiting for permanent homes.
How can I support Children’s Home Society of North Carolina?
You can support CHS by attending information sessions, following them on social media, or making financial contributions to their programs and services.
What are the primary paths to adoption offered by CHS?
CHS provides three main paths: adoption through foster care, kinship adoption, and infant adoption through their Infant Connections program.
What support does CHS offer post-adoption?
CHS offers lifelong post-adoption support services including educational resources, counseling referrals, and connection services for adoptees and birth families.
How can I learn more about adoption in my area?
Visit the Children’s Home Society website to find more information about adoption opportunities and relevant events in North Carolina.
