Announces $200 Million Investment for Adopted Children and Families
Governor Rick Scott proclaimed the month of November as Florida Adoption Month to educate Floridians about the process of adoption and to share stories of amazing children available for adoption. Last year, FY 2016-2017, 3,692 children in Florida found forever families, the highest in eight years. Today, Governor Rick Scott also announced he will propose nearly $200 million for families who adopt children from foster care. This funding will continue critical post adoption services for more than 37,000 children. Since taking office, Governor Scott has championed investments for the adoption of more than 20,000 children from Florida’s child welfare and foster care systems.
Governor Scott said, “Every November, we take time to recognize the many families across the state who have opened their hearts and homes to adopt children in need. This Florida Adoption Month, I am proud to propose a nearly $200 million investment as part of my 2018-2019 recommended budget to support children adopted from foster care. Every child deserves a loving family and adoptive parents have a unique opportunity to help change a child’s life for the better. We are grateful to the families who have provided homes for the more than 20,000 children adopted from Florida’s child welfare and foster care systems over the past seven years and will continue to do all we can to encourage families to consider adoption.”
“November is a special time for us to come together to celebrate adoptions, thank those who have already opened their hearts and homes, and spread the message about the joys of adoption. In recognition of National Adoption Month in Florida, I want to personally thank all those who have adopted and congratulate all those who will finalize adoptions this month,” said DCF Secretary Mike Carroll. “These children deserve to be loved unconditionally and nurtured as they grow into the people they are meant to be. As an adoptive father, I know firsthand what an impact adoption has on a child, and even how much more adoption impacts you and your family, making you whole.”
November 18, 2017 is National Adoption Day, and families and children across the nation and the great State of Florida will celebrate the joy of adoption on this day and throughout the month, while remembering children who are still hoping for a loving, permanent family of their own.
During the month of November, the Governor’s Office of Adoption and Child Welfare and DCF will feature “30 Days of Amazing Children,” a joint effort created to focus on amazing children available for adoption.
Approximately 800 children are currently available for adoption, including teenagers, sibling groups, and children with special needs. To learn more about Florida Adoption Month and to view children available for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptflorida.org.
