Adoption

Friday, December 18, 2009

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community

ABC7's Emmy award-winning public affairs show, "Beyond the Headlines," provides in-depth coverage of the topics and issues facing the people of the Bay Area. Throughout the year, "Beyond the Headlines" airs half-hour specials on issues, ranging from Bay Area housing to same-sex marriage.

BEYOND THE HEADLINES
December 20, 2009
Adoption
Hosted by ABC7's Cheryl Jennings

This week's episode of "Beyond the Headlines" examines the topic of adoption, where more than a hundred thousand infants, children and teens across the country are in need of a permanent loving home.

Many individuals and couples consider adopting children through open adoption, closed adoption, international adoption, and through the United States foster care system.

According to the Bay Area Heart Gallery:

There are more than 500,000 children and older youth in foster care in the United States.

More than 83,000 are in California.

54% of foster care children re-unite with families.

Nearly half of the children in foster care are over 10-years-old.

According to Black Adoption Placement and Research Center:

California leads all states with more than 100,000 children in out-of-home placements.

In San Francisco and Alameda County, 66% of the waiting children are African-American.

Older children are less likely to be adopted.

Studio Guests:
Jed Somit
Attorney
Board Member, Open Path
www.fertilityandadoption.com Robin Luckett
Division Director, Alameda County Social Services Agency
www.bayareaheartgallery.com Lynne Fingerman
Co-Director, Adoption Connection
www.adoptionconnection.org Rachel Breuer
International Program Manager, Adoption Connection
www.adoptionconnection.org Additional Resources
Dial 2-1-1 for local social service resources