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DHHS encourages more families to open their homes to some of our neediest children
AUGUSTA — November is Adoption Awareness Month, and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services wants to
express appreciation to those individuals and families who have opened their hearts and their homes to Maine children.
Since 2011, 1,145 individuals and families have adopted 1,746 Maine children. So far this year, 295 children have been
adopted through DHHS.
“As commissioner, one of the joys of this position is the opportunity to sign adoption papers and help a child to find a loving,
permanent family,” Commissioner Mary Mayhew said. “I am so appreciative of the many individuals who have stepped
forward to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of children each year.”
Today in Maine there are 1,965 children in state custody. Unfortunately, each year more than 100 Maine children leave
foster care between the ages of 18 to 21 through a route other than adoption.
“An adoptive parent once said something that has since stuck with me, ‘Every child is one adult away from becoming a
success story.’ It only takes one caring and loving adult to come in and change their life for the better. These children
deserve a good, permanent home. I strongly encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a foster parent and adopting
a child in need to contact Maine DHHS,” Mayhew said.
For more information on how to become an adoptive or foster parent, please call Adoption Assistance Program Manager
Kristi Poole at 207-624-7966 or go online to http://maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/fosteradopt.shtml.
