Children’s Bureau reached a wonderful milestone in its vast history in September 2009 with the 1,000th adoption of a child in its foster care and adoptions program. On that particular day, there were actually six children who were adopted by four families. Two of those children were sisters, Jazmin and Sarah who were adopted by a couple in Los Angeles.
“We were in our mid-40s when we got married and decided that adoption was a way to grow our family. We were trained and certified by Children’s Bureau and soon after received the call that two sisters, ages two and three at the time, were available. The transition from being newlyweds to new parents has been amazing. The laughter and joy in our home is contagious,” said Mrs. N.
Children’s Bureau places more than 250 children in caring foster homes and finalizes more than 100 adoptions like those of Jazmin and Sarah each year. The agency also provides additional support to families through therapy, mentoring and support groups.
“Finding a permanent home for 1,000 children is a huge accomplishment for Children’s Bureau and our families. It’s also a wonderful testament to the positive end result for a child in foster care who becomes adopted. These children will now have a chance to succeed in life thanks to the loving family who brought them home,” said Lou Graham, Children’s Bureau director of foster care and adoptions.
“Our lives have changed because of Jazmin and Sarah. The support we received from Children’s Bureau was wonderful, and in fact, we are being recertified for another adoption in the future,” said Mrs. N.
The agency is holding a monthly information meeting for those interested in learning more on Thursday night, July 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Six Flags Magic Mountain Administrative offices located at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway in Valencia. Call 661-272-9996 to R.S.V.P. to receive directions and to have a drive on pass to the property. The names have been changed at the family’s request.
To learn more about becoming a foster or adoptive parent, please visit www.all4kids.org.