Florida Governor and First Lady Recognize Adoption Efforts and Unveil Child Identification Program

Strategic Insights -

During National Adoption Month, Governor Charlie Crist and First Lady Carole Crist honored the Children's Home Society for its adoption services and child advocacy efforts. The Governor and First Lady joined forces with the American Football Coaches Association, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Walmart Foundation, and Florida State University Head Football Coach Bobby Bowden to announce the distribution of 201,000 child identification kits to Florida students. This initiative aims to ensure the safety and well-being of Florida's children and young people.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Children's Home Society helps an average of five children in the Big Bend area be adopted and placed into loving forever homes each month.
  • The organization provides assistance to 600 Big Bend children in foster care per month, among other child protection services.
  • Since July 1, 2009, over 600 adoptions of foster children have been finalized, with an anticipated 200 completed adoptions in November 2009.
  • Florida set a record for adoptions in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, with 3,777 adoptions through the state's public adoption system.
  • The number of children entering foster care in Florida has decreased, with approximately 32% fewer children in out-of-home care as of July 1, 2009.
  • The Walmart Foundation provided a $186,000 grant to support the distribution of the American Football Coaches Association/Federal Bureau of Investigation National Child ID kit to all Florida kindergarten students.
  • The Child ID Kit provides a non-intrusive means of collecting a child's identifiable information, including fingerprints, DNA, physical characteristics, and picture, which can be recorded and stored at home.

Statistics:

  • 201,000 child identification kits to be distributed to Florida students
  • 19,797 children in out-of-home care as of July 1, 2009 (down 32% from 29,280 children in January 2007)
  • 3,777 adoptions through Florida's public adoption system in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009
  • 600 Big Bend children in foster care receiving assistance from the Children's Home Society per month
  • 5 children adopted and placed into loving forever homes each month through the Children's Home Society
  • 200 completed adoptions anticipated in November 2009
  • 29,280 children in out-of-home care as of January 2007
  • 32% decrease in the number of children in out-of-home care as of July 1, 2009
  • 1-800-96-ADOPT phone number for more information about Florida's Explore Adoption initiative
  • $186,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation to support the National Child ID kit distribution

Sources:

  • The office of the Governor of Florida
  • Children's Home Society
  • American Football Coaches Association
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Walmart Foundation
  • Florida State University
  • Florida's public adoption system