November is Adoption Awareness Month

November is National Adoption Month. It is a month dedicated to spreading awareness about adoption and its impact on the lives it touches. It is also a time to spread the word about the many children who are still waiting for families. There are more than 1,400 children in Virginia waiting to find their forever family. Many of these are older children and teens who need love and support as they grow into young adults and beyond. Children who reach adulthood without family connections are at increased risk for homelessness, young parenthood, low educational attainment, high unemployment and many other less than ideal outcomes.
For the Fun of It

November is also Family Stories Month. Family stories are important to give kids a sense of where they came from and where they belong. They can be happy memories of vacations, funny stories about how dad fell out of the canoe, or even sad stories about the beloved dog’s last days. For kids who are adopted, this may include stories from their first families as well as stories from their adoptive families. As you sit around the dinner table, ask each member to share a story they remember from the past. Consider helping your child write a lifebook so they can tell their story in terms they understand and from their perspective.
Meet Chloe

Meet Chloe! Chloe is a 14-year-old female who enjoys the movies, shopping, art, singing, and nature. She loves to put on makeup and get her hair and nails done. Chloe wants to be part of a family who likes to spend time with her. She is aware of her needs and is willing and open to working with service providers to better herself. Her strengths include resilience, personal insight, perseverance, and transparency. Chloe desires to be loved and accepted for who she is and is willing to invest in herself and her future. She also desires to make other people feel loved and enjoys making art and writing letters to others. Chloe wants to work in the medical field and help others who are hurting when she gets older. She is intelligent and able to do well in school with the right supports in place. While Chloe has experienced many challenges in her life, she always overcomes her obstacles and can see the good that comes out of difficult situations.