Local adoption agencies, counties recognized for National Adoption Month

GREENVILLE, NC (WNCT) — November is National Adoption Month. It not only celebrates families who have created healthy, supportive homes for children, but brings awareness to the many children who need forever homes.

Local adoption agencies and departments that ensure these children have a home they can thrive in are also recognized. One of their most important messages is to help these children find forever homes so they can hopefully have a sense of stability and belonging.

According to Deanna Cornett, program director for Easterseals UCP, one of the challenges when it comes to finding homes for children is their age.

“It’s always harder to find adoptive parents and adoptive homes for older kids, like kids over 12,” Cornett said. “As a private agency, we don’t take in as many infants and toddlers as the county does.”

Debbie Owen, a social worker with the Pitt County Department of Social Services Adoption Placement Unit, explains a common misconception people have about adoption.

“A big stigma is that adoption costs too much, but if they go through the Department of Social Services, adopting a child costs little or no cost,” Owen said.

According to Ta’nishia Dixon, the permanent supervisor of the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, explains other challenges, such as patience.

“This process is one that’s going to take a lot of patience, a lot of support, a lot of heart and a lot of thought,” Dixon said. “As long as they have that, we’re definitely going to work with them, we’re going to support them, we’re going to give them the tools they need.”

So far this year, Pitt County has already found homes for six children and hopes to finalize six more before the end of the year.