Governor Taft designated November as Adoption Awareness Month, reminding Ohioans there is a need for adoptive parents.

“Even though the number of adoptions is increasing, there are still more than 3,500 Ohio children who are awaiting permanent, caring homes,” said Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Tom Hayes.

Adoptions are up in Ohio, with 2,190 adoptions finalized in 2002. There were only 1,997 adoptions in 2001.

Ronald Browder with ODJFS told ONN the need for adoptive parents is even larger today than is was just a few years ago.

“The numbers have gone up drastically over the past 5 to 7 years,” said Browder. “They’re coming in with more special needs and issues that make them more difficult to place.”

For more information about adoption in Ohio, visit the AdoptOhio website.

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