Adoption, foster care can be unifying actions

November is National Adoption Month. There are approximately 20,000 children in Illinois in foster care, many of whom are waiting to be adopted. Children wait, often years, for a permanent family in Illinois, one of the nation’s lowest ranking states for permanency.

Many of these children are older, have special needs and are part of a sibling group. Many also have incredible talents such as excelling at chess and mastering video games. They dream big, want to love and want to be loved by a supportive, safe family.

Adoption from foster care is a viable option for people interested in growing their family – and it gives children in foster care a fighting chance at a successful future. Without adoption, these children face, according to the University of Chicago’s Chapin Hall, a significantly high risk of experiencing educational disadvantages, unemployment, homelessness, early pregnancy and incarceration.

As the executive director of Let It Be Us, an Illinois licensed child welfare agency, I have witnessed the life-changing power of adoption. In a world that often feels divided, adoption is a unifying act that can empower individuals and strengthen communities. We must work together to recruit more foster parents, educate people about the option of adoption from foster care and ensure every child knows the stability, love and belonging of a forever family.

Susan A. McConnell, Founder and Executive Director, Let It Be Us

Barrington