Adoptive families to share personal insights at Nov. 18 fair
“Adoption is expensive.”
“You have to be the perfect parent and have all the answers.”
“You have to be married to adopt.”
Debunking common myths like those is exactly the mission behind Wake County’s annual Adoption Information Fair happening Saturday, Nov. 18, in Raleigh. With nearly 200 youth currently in the care of Wake County Health and Human Services, anyone who’s ever thought about adoption is invited to attend the Saturday session. Attendees will have a chance to ask questions and engage with adoptive families who will be on hand to share their personal stories and insights about opening their homes and hearts to a child.
"There are so many teens in our care who lose hope that they will ever be adopted just because they are older, but we can give them hope again – every child, no matter their age, needs a loving home, so we hope our community comes out to learn more,” said Wake County Board of Commissioners Chair Shinica Thomas. "Adoption can sound intimidating, but this event will help take the mystery out of the process and showcase all of the partners, support and rewards that are available to adopters and these deserving children.”
Wake County currently has 183 youth in its care with the goal of adoption, of which 129 are already legally cleared for adoption. About 90 of the children are between the ages of 4 and 12, and 39 are between the ages of 13 and 17.
Older children are especially hopeful for families - while often overlooked, these teens understand and appreciate even more than young children the importance of belonging to a family. Adoptive parents of older children say the experience of watching these teens walk into adulthood can be incredibly meaningful.
The Adoption Information Fair, coinciding with National Adoption Day, will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Wake County Commons Building, 4011 Carya Drive just off I-440 and Poole Road, in Raleigh. Importantly, this is a no-obligation event and everyone is welcome, regardless of whether they live in Wake County or not.
The event will start with a presentation on the adoption process. Then, around 11:30, attendees can walk around to speak to staff and partner agencies, including Wake County's Adoption Assistance Program, to learn about the financial and other supportive resources that are available to adopters. Staff are asking anyone who would like to attend to please RSVP by Nov. 16 at this link.
