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Adopt and present a resolution proclaiming the month of November 2019 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 2019 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 appreciating the adoptive families who provide permanency to our children in need, and the social workers who make and support these lifelong connections. The Solano County Adoption Month resolution helps increase awareness about adoption in Solano County and inspire the community toward excellence in achieving permanency for youth. The national theme for 2019 is "Youth Voices: Why Family Matters."
Teenagers are less likely to be adopted and are much more likely to age out of foster care 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 achievements, health, and well-being.
Solano County Child Welfare Services recently completed a comprehensive restructuring that combined Adoptions, Permanent Planning and Non-Minor Dependents under one section referred to as "Transition to Permanency" that develop mutual supports with intentional focus on permanency. Adoption is one area where children who are unable to return to their biological families, can provide this permanency.
In Solano County, there are 397 children in out-of-home foster care placement, of which 125 children have been referred for adoption services. Thirty-one (31) children have been adopted during this program year and it is anticipated that there will be an increase in future years...
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