News Release Archive

COMMUNITY SERVICES--National Adoption Awareness Month
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November is National Adoption Awareness Month, when Canadian
parents who adopt are recognized for providing children with
loving and nurturing homes.

"Adoptive parents fulfil an important need," said Francene
Cosman, Minister of Community Services. "They provide the support
and security of a permanent home, which is essential for children
to develop to their full potential."

There were 111 adoptions granted in Nova Scotia last year.
Thirty-three were agency adoptions, 69 were private adoptions by
relatives, and nine were private non-related, or third-party,
adoptions.

"Adoptive parents provide a positive environment for children who
cannot remain with their birth families," said Susan Drysdale,
manager of adoption and foster care at the Department of
Community Services. "Although we have many dedicated adoptive
families, the demand is ongoing, especially for children with
special needs."

Special needs refers to children with physical, mental or
emotional disabilities. The term also applies to siblings seeking
adoption together, to those who belong to a minority group, or to
children older than 18 months.

Although parents can wait up to 10 years to adopt an infant or
young child, and there are no guarantees they'll succeed, there
are children with special needs currently waiting for a home.

Those who adopt a child with special needs receive financial
assistance from the Department of Community Services to ensure
the child's particular needs are met.

Anyone interested in becoming an adoptive parent can contact
their local Children's Aid Society, family and children's
services agency, or district office of Community Services.

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Contact: Charlene MacLean-Richard
         Community Services
         902-424-4326
         E-mail: macleacb@gov.ns.ca

ngr                Nov. 18, 1997                 3:05 p.m.