A Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark)
National Adoption Week is an opportunity to recognize the families who open their hearts and homes to children in need, while raising awareness about the importance of providing every child with a safe, stable and loving environment. It is also a time to acknowledge the children waiting for permanent homes, the birth parents navigating difficult decisions and the many individuals who work tirelessly to support families throughout the adoption process.
Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up surrounded by love, encouragement and support. A stable family can provide the foundation children need to succeed in school, build healthy relationships and develop the confidence to pursue their dreams. For children who cannot safely remain with their birth families, adoption can offer the opportunity to find that stability and establish lasting connections with people committed to their well-being.
Adoption takes many forms, including domestic adoption, international adoption and adoption from foster care. Each journey is unique, but they share a common purpose: helping children find permanent, supportive families. Adoptive parents make a tremendous commitment, taking on the responsibilities and joys of parenthood while helping children navigate their own experiences, questions and emotions.
We must also recognize that adoption is not always a simple or easy process. Families may face lengthy procedures, financial challenges and uncertainty as they work to welcome a child into their home. Children who have experienced instability or trauma may need additional resources, counseling and support as they adjust to a new family environment. Ensuring that families have access to these resources is essential to helping adoptions succeed over the long term.
This is particularly important for children in foster care who are waiting for permanent families. While reunification with a child’s birth family is often the preferred goal when it can be accomplished safely, adoption may become the best path toward a permanent home when reunification is not possible. Children should not have to spend their childhoods wondering where they will ultimately belong. We should continue supporting efforts to find safe, permanent placements for children while ensuring that their individual needs remain at the center of every decision.
Our communities also have an important role to play. Faith-based organizations, nonprofits, social workers, educators and local service providers can help connect prospective adoptive parents with information and resources. Neighbors and community members can support adoptive families by offering encouragement, understanding and practical assistance. Creating a welcoming environment for these families benefits not only the children involved but our communities as a whole.
National Adoption Week is ultimately about the importance of family, the value of every child and the difference that love and stability can make in a young person’s life. It is an opportunity to thank adoptive parents for their commitment, recognize the professionals and volunteers who support them and encourage more people to learn about the adoption process.
Every child deserves the chance to grow, thrive and reach their full potential. By supporting children in need of permanent homes and the families willing to welcome them, we can help build stronger families and brighter futures for generations to come.
Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the city of Port Jervis, the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Wawayanda, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo and portions of the towns of Monroe and Ramapo. For more information, please visit his Official Website.
