Groups in Pennsylvania looking for families to adopt or host foster care

By Staff Writer

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) reports that more than 500,000 children in the U.S. are currently in some form of foster care, which is a number that has increased over the last decade.

The AACAP states that some children in foster care suffer from physical or emotional problems, battle substance abuse and have severe behavioral disorders. The organization says that many kids are taken from their families because of abuse or neglect.

In recognition of National Adoption Month, community groups in Pennsylvania have planned a matching event and symposium for families who are interested in adopting a child, according to the Somerset Daily American. Individuals who host foster care programs and who have adopted a child will be at the event to share their stories with interested adults.

A professional caseworker told the news source that Pennsylvania is in need of parents to adopt 16 and 17 year old teenagers. She said that one family recently adopted a child who will be 18 in six months. Although some older children choose not to be adopted, she said they still need positive role models to help them transition into adulthood.