Senator Cervantes and State Rep. Ortiz have partnered with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) for a Thanksgiving Resource Fair in Chicago. Designed to celebrate new families and spotlight the need for homes for foster children, this event coincides with National Adoption Day.
With the event scheduled just before Thanksgiving, the fair aims to acknowledge families who adopt children. Last year, Illinois saw 1,939 children find their permanent homes, while 19,835 youth are still awaiting a stable home of their own according to Illinois.gov.
Judge Amanda Byassee Gott, presiding over the National Adoption Day proceedings, describes the occasion as, "one of the best things I do as a member of the judiciary." Post-finalization, 28 foster children from Williamson County Courthouse, 15 from the Winnebago County Criminal Justice Center, and eight from the Richard J. Daley Center in Chicago will experience a welcoming increase to their family units as stated in Illinois.gov.
More than 75,000 children are transitioning from foster care to secure, familial homes as per National Adoption Day.
The DCFS provides resources for adopting families to navigate the complex pathway of adoption.Through a robust system that includes family support, early intervention, youth development, childcare, and child welfare services, the department serves as a resource and advocates for children and families alike, in accord with Illinois Department of DCFS Children and Family Services .
