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Week In Review
By George Runner — Monday, November 23rd, 2009
Every child deserves a loving family and home
 Senator George Runner Serving the 17th District which incorporates portions of the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura and Kern counties. November is National Adoption month. This month is an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the 62,000 California children who live in foster homes awaiting adoption. Statewide, California will promote adoption and adoption awareness through activities, including adoption finalizations, agency fairs, calling out ceremonies and candlelight vigils. Many counties across California and the nation, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, will host similar events. I am sponsoring an event in Sacramento on Nov. 21 with my colleague Assemblyman Roger Niello, of Sacramento, and my son and daughter-in-law who adopted a child five years ago. As a matter of fact, Sharon and I adopted our beautiful daughter, Rebekah (now 22 years old and serving in the Coast Guard) when she was an infant. The goal is to help those families who have considered adoption take the next step. It is reported that 1 in 8 Americans have considered adoption. We need those individuals to complete the process and transform the life of a child now in foster care. Two generations of Runners have opened their homes and hearts to childrenSad but true, if a child becomes an adult while still in the foster care system more than 50 percent of them will be on drugs, homeless, in prison or dead. This statistic is staggering. All the more reason these children need the love and stability of a family. Most children are in the foster care system due to some sort of abuse or neglect. And even though our foster system attempts to protect children from these situations, it is not a perfect system. Therefore, even in foster care, some children find themselves in abusive situations. Adopting a child breaks the cycle of abuse. For children who grow up in an unhealthy family environment, breaking the cycle of neglect and abuse is extremely difficult; however, when provided a stable, loving home, most children thrive and become strong individuals who potentially will become healthy parents in the future; breaking the abusive pattern. Keep in mind, it is virtually free to adopt a child from foster care and adoptive parents can receive tax incentives. Every child needs and deserves the love of a family. To learn more about adopting a child, please visit these websites: Los Angeles County Kids-alliance, or call: (213) 368-6010 San Bernardino County Aspiranet San Bernardino, or call: (909) 890-9022 Ventura County Aspiranet Adoption Services, or call: (805) 289-0120 |
