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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing the month of November 2018 as National Adoption Month in Solano County (Supervisor Brown)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No __X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No __X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services (H&SS) recommends the Board adopt and present a resolution recognizing the month of November 2018 as National Adoption Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY/ DISCUSSION:
November is “National Adoption Month” and Solano County has a long tradition of formally recognizing and demonstrating appreciation for the adoptive families who provide permanency to children in need and the social workers who make and support these life-long connections. The Solano County Adoption Month declaration helps to increase awareness about adoption in the community and inspire excellence in achieving permanency for youth. The national theme for 2018 is “In Their Own Words: Lifting Up Youth Voices,” which focuses on the unique needs of older youth. It is widely known that teenagers are less likely to be adopted and are much more likely to move into young adulthood without strong or stable family support. Securing lifelong connections for teens in foster care, both legally and emotionally, is a critical component in determining their future achievement, health, and well-being.
California’s “Continuum of Care Reform” and “Resource Family Approval” were implemented in Solano County Child Welfare Services (CWS) in January 2017. These reform efforts include a strengthened focus on locating, training and supporting relatives with whom children can be placed in the event that out of home care becomes necessary. For children who are unable to return to their biological families, adoption can provide this permanency. In Solano County, there are 423 youths in out of home foster care placement, of which 128 youths have been referred for adoption services. In FY2017/18, 61 children were adopted in Solano County; a 7% increase from the 43 children adopted in FY2016/17. Approximately half (52%) of these children were adopted by relatives.
Every child and teenager in America, including those in Solano County, deserves a permanent loving family and a home in which they can develop to his or her fullest potential. CWS continuously recruits for adoptive families in order to meet the need for permanent homes and expedite placement for children into permanent homes.
Formally recognizing November as National Adoption Month in Solano County provides an opportunity to acknowledge adoptive families and all of the dedicated professionals in Solano who work diligently to help children and youth find permanent, stable and loving homes.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2018/19 Adopted Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2018/19 Adopted Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to adopt this resolution. This is not recommended because National Adoption Month provides an opportunity to celebrate with adoptive parents who open their homes and hearts to children in need, and to recognize County staff and other professionals who assist children in finding permanent homes.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION