WANTED: A FOREVER FAMILY

The “PhillyKids Connection” is a collaborative effort between the Philadelphia

Department of Human Services (DHS) and the National Adoption Center to recruit

adoptive parents for Philadelphia’s population of children-in-waiting.

Although the Philadelphia Department of Human Services is interested in recruiting

more adoptive parents from within the city, being a resident of Philadelphia is not a

requirement in order to adopt a child from Philadelphia.

The majority of Philadelphia’s children-in-waiting are between the ages of eight and 12,

although there are some children younger and older than this median age range and

more and more are becoming teenagers. The vast majority of Philadelphia’s childrenin-

waiting are African-American. Caucasian children and Hispanic children make up

the balance. Some of the children have emotional, psychological and developmental

challenges stemming from histories of poverty, abuse and neglect. Despite these

circumstances, every one of these children deserves and would greatly benefit from

the love and support of an adoptive family.

The first requirement is that you have plenty of love in your heart, space in your

home and a true sense of commitment. The profile of adoptive parents has changed

dramatically over the years. Single people, same sex couples, retirees, and trans-racial

parent of any child is not easy. Children with special needs have endured varying

degrees of trauma in their young lives, and therefore require a great deal of love,

patience and support. Prospective adoptive parents must first submit an application to

the National Adoption Center. This application will then be forwarded to a licensed

adoption agency that conducts background checks, an in-home assessment, and the

necessary training and orientation. The prospective family then works with the licensed

agency and with the DHS social worker through the adoption process.

The licensed adoption agency works closely with prospective adoptive parents to

achieve the most ideal match between a family and child. Because this is a recruitment

initiative for Philadelphia children, please emphasize with the adoption agency that you

are interested in a child from Philadelphia. Although it is not always possible to adopt a

specific child - primarily because the needs of the child may not fit ideally with the

capabilities or home circumstances of the prospective adoptive parent – the adoption

agency and DHS will work closely with adoptive parents to bring about a union

between family and child that is in everyone’s best interests.

You have already taken the first step by contacting our colleagues at the National

Adoption Center. The next step is to fill out and mail the application you are sent by

the National Adoption Center and follow up with the licensed adoption agency that

contacts you about your interest.

There are various levels of financial subsidies available to adoptive parents. Additionally,

the adoption agency and DHS will work closely with adoptive parents throughout the

adoption process and beyond, in a committed effort to ensure that the bonds of love

and family are fully developed. For example, you will be provided with information on

adoption support groups in your area.