Governor Bob Taft had designated November as Adoption Awareness Month to remind Ohioans about the need for adoptive parents.

"Even though the number of adoptions is increasing, there are still more than 3,500 Ohio children who are awaiting permanent, caring homes," ODJFS Director Tom Hayes said.

Ohio finalized 2,190 adoptions in state fiscal year 2002 up from 1,997 the previous year. Earlier this year the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded Ohio a $1.5 million bonus for increasing the number of children adopted.

To increase public awareness about adoptions, ODJFS has coordinated a publicity campaign with Ohio's radio and television stations. More than 200 radio and television spots are scheduled to air during the month of November. After November, the spots will continue to air on a quarterly basis.

In addition, ODJFS is sponsoring the Ohio Statewide Adoption and Foster Care Conference: "Sharing Practices that Work" to be held on Nov. 14-16 at the Radisson Hotel, 7007 N. High St., Worthington. The conference will allow participants to engage in a variety of workshops relevant to permanency for children.

Highlights of the conference include the Community partnership Awards Ceremony and the "Churches United to Achieve Permanency for Children" Brunch. The Community Partnership Awards Ceremony honors the contribution of individuals and organizations who have demonstrated commitment and creativity in providing or promoting adoption and foster care services. The "Churches United to Achieve Permanency for Children" is a collaborative effort between ODJFS and the faith community to bring religious leaders together who are interested in supporting adoption and foster care.

Families seeking more information about adoption may visit the AdoptOhio website at http://jfs.ohio.gov/oapl/.

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For more information, contact ODJFS Communications, (614) 466-6650.