Governor Crist Praises Historic Year for Adoptions

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today announced preliminary numbers for adoptions occurring through Florida’s public adoption system during Fiscal Year 2007–08. The figures released today indicate Florida set a new state adoption record by finalizing 3,539 adoptions, as of June 27, 2008. The previous state adoption record was set in FY 2003–04 at 3,389.

“With the help of many community partners, we are showing Floridians the joys of adoption and changing the lives of so many deserving young people,” said Governor Crist. “I extend my sincerest thanks to the loving families who have opened their hearts and their homes to our state’s precious children.”

Nearly 100 additional adoptions initiated in FY 2007–08 are currently in the last stages of finalization. Final adoption numbers are expected to reflect more than 800 adoptions above the state’s original target of 2,751 adoptions for last fiscal year.

“This year more than 3,500 children will experience the joy of having a forever family,” Department of Children and Families Secretary Bob Butterworth said. “These children deserve love and support from a caring family, and we are so pleased they have achieved permanency.”

Every year, about 3,000 Florida children become available for adoption when a court permanently severs ties to their birth parents due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. Of those, 40 percent are adopted by relatives, and another 40 percent are adopted by their foster parents. The remaining children must be matched to a family previously unknown to them.

Launched in May, Governor Crist’s statewide adoption initiative, “Explore Adoption,” has helped “put a new face on public adoption” by telling the many stories of families who have enriched their lives by adopting Florida’s children. The initiative is aimed at promoting the benefits of public adoption and urging families to consider creating or expanding their families by adopting a child who is older, disabled or part of a sibling group.

“Through our community–based system of care, the well–being of our children has become a priority to the people of the state of Florida,” said Jim Kallinger, Florida’s Chief Child Advocate. “It is imperative that we continue to work diligently to make sure each child in Florida finds the adoptive family they need. I thank Governor Crist for raising the public’s awareness of this important issue.”

In addition to the Governor’s adoption initiative, the state’s community–based care providers are helping to streamline the adoption process and eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic delays. These partners have also helped expand the statewide campaign’s efforts to educate potential parents of the significant benefits of public adoption.

To learn more about the Governor’s adoption initiative, please visit www.adoptflorida.org.