Governor Bob Taft has designated November as Adoption Awareness Month, to educate all Ohioans on the importance of adopting and to call attention to the need for homes for Ohio's waiting children.

In 1999, approximately 1,700 children in the custody of county public children services agencies were adopted. Today, more than 3,000 children are waiting to be adopted. As a result of increasing adoptions of children in foster care during Federal Fiscal Year 1999, on Sept. 20, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services $425,125 in adoption incentive funds.

"The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is committed to finding stable, loving families for Ohio's waiting children," said Jacqueline Romer-Sensky, ODJFS director. "Families provide the support and security that are essential for children to develop to their full potential."

To celebrate and recognize National Adoption Month, ODJFS hosted the 2000 Ohio Statewide Adoption and Foster Care Conference in Columbus. The conference provided an opportunity to honor those who share a heart for children who need permanent homes. Community Partner Awards were presented to state and local recipients for their dedication to helping waiting children through adoption. Those selected represent adoptive parents, adoption professionals and volunteers from throughout Ohio.

In addition, the AdoptOhio website, where interested persons can learn more about adoption and view photographs of children awaiting adoption, has been enhanced. Now, when users view a child on the adoption photo listing, a symbol will indicate if a potential adoptive family has already been identified. The page also allows parents to limit the scope of their search by specifying the age, gender and race of an adoptable child. The site then produces a list of all children available for adoption statewide who fit the criteria. Information is also available by calling the state's Help Me Grow line at 1-800-755-4769.

Families seeking more information about adoption or adoption agencies, or wishing to view children awaiting adoption, may visit the AdoptOhio website at http://jfs.ohio.gov/oapl/

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For additional information contact Jon Allen, ODJFS Communications, (614) 466-6650.

Editor's note: A list of the 5 Community Partner Award recipients are as follows:

2000 Community Partner Award recipients

* Anna Daniels, Ironton - At a time of life when many senior citizens struggle to live on a fixed income, Anna Daniels took a big step of faith by adopting a girl some 50 years younger whose future appeared bleak;

* Troy and Marcia Grove,Warrensville Heights - Adoptive parents who actively promote and recruit adoptive parents in their hair salon. When patrons walk through the door of Hair First and Company, the word "permanent" takes on a new meaning;

* Bill May, Youngstown - An advertising/marketing professional who has volunteered thousands of hours of time to help abused and neglected children. His volunteer work includes writing, editing and producing an annual one hour, prime time television program on the subject;

* Mike Mullins, Ashtabula - Described as a "gentle giant" by the Ashtabula County Children Services Board. Mullins initially volunteered to be a foster parent and later adopted four boys;

* Denny and Gail Weisend, North Canton - A couple who have adopted 13 children over a period of 20 years and now are grandparents of adopted children.

For additional information, contact Jon Allen, (614) 466-6650.