During National Adoption Month, the Northeast Ohio Adoptive Services (NOAS) seeks to remind local residents that an estimated 4,000 children are currently in permanent custody of Ohio alone, waiting for a new home.
Many of those are teenages just as much in need of a home as anyone.
“These teens deserve the lifelong commitment and support of caring individuals to help them in the success of their futures,” Cheryl Tarantino, executive director of NOAS, was quoted in an NOAS press release.
Across the nation, one in five children in foster care are already in their teens, the release said. The nation has 122,000 children already on the verge of aging out of foster care, transitioning into adulthood without any permanent connections or family foundations on which to build their lives.
"They currently face a future without a stable and caring family or any form of guidance to help them transition into adulthood," the release stated.
In 2019, approximately 5% of adoptions were of children between the ages of 15 and 18, according to the release.
Those who are interested in becoming foster parents or finding out more about adoption can reach out to NOAS by calling 330-856-5582, ext. 126; or by visiting their website at NOAS.com.
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