Help Children and Youth Create Lifelong Connections - November is Adoption Awareness Month in the Province of Ontario

OTTAWA, Nov. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - For children and youth in the care of the Children's Aid Society of Ottawa (CASO), lifelong connections are paramount. It is our goal that every child who leaves our care has created a lifelong connection or has a permanent family. It is for this reason that CASO is coming together in celebration of Adoption Awareness month.

In our work, relationships may not take a typical form. But because we recognize that permanent relationships take place in a variety of ways, we are celebrating more than just adoption. Rather, we are recognizing kinship relationships, legal custody, and sustained lifelong relationships.

"In order to grow and develop children and youth need to have strong roots. Roots that provide guidance, encouragement and support," reflected Barbara McKinnon, Executive Director of the Children's Aid Society of Ottawa. "Every child needs a family. Every child wants a family. It is our aim to help provide children and youth with safe and loving homes for a lifetime."

On average, there are 70 children and youth adopted from CASO each year, with last year being a record-breaker. Often when we think of adoption, young children come to mind but there is also a need for adoption of youth, 12 years and older; sibling groups; as well as children and youth with special needs. Like their adoptive parents, children and youth range, they come from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds.

"Because it is so important to create strong, lasting relationships the process for adopting a child is one that is carefully planned with the child's well-being in mind," Barbara McKinnon continued. "Home visits, training, education and ongoing support are offered to parents."

Throughout the month of November we ask you to consider the role that lifelong relationships have played in your life. Friends, family and community enrich our lives. It is up to us to ensure that children and youth in care have the opportunity to form these lifetime bonds.

SOURCE: Children's Aid Society of Ottawa

Cindy R. Perron
Communications Advisor
The Children's Aid Society of Ottawa
[phone] ext. 2227
[email protected]
www.casott.on.ca