For more than 50 years, KVC Health Systems has worked toward its vision of creating a world where all are safe and connected to a strong family and a healthy community. As we continuously strive towards this goal, we reflect on National Adoption Month and the adoptions of more than 5,783 children that have been facilitated by our community teams.  

While the primary goal of foster care is reunification with birth families, that’s not always a safe and healthy option for every child. Some children have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or other serious challenges, and they cannot return to their birth families. At KVC we know that children grow best in families, and we work to connect children with safe, stable and nurturing homes with adoptive families. 

And our work is far from over. A nationwide report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows that an estimated 117,000 U.S. children and teens in foster care are still waiting for an adoptive family. 

Each one of these children waiting to be adopted deserves the love and security a permanent home provides. Families who are willing to open their homes to care for these children have the opportunity to make an incredibly positive impact in a young person’s life.

Meet Youth Waiting for Families

Who are the children and teens looking for their forever home, and what are they like? National Adoption Month is the perfect time to take a few moments to learn more about them. Take a look at the profiles of youth in Kansas and explore their hobbies and interests. You can also find children needing adoptive families in your state and learn more about your state-specific adoption information. Through photos, biographies and often even videos, you can learn more about these wonderful children and teens.

Meet Dana, age 13

Dana has many interests. She enjoys relaxing tasks such as reading, cooking, and baking. She also loves to be active. You’ll find her playing basketball, participating in cheerleading, running track, dancing, singing and most importantly, having fun! Dana tells us that she would love to be a cosmetologist when she grows up. People who know Dana describe her as resilient. She is looking for a forever family that can provide her with the love and stability that she deserves. Only families in Kansas are being considered at this time. Learn more about Dana. 

Meet Josiah and Skyla, ages 11 and 8

Josiah and Skyla wish to be adopted together into a family that’s knowledgeable about parenting children who have experienced trauma and that will give them lots of attention, structure and support. Josiah is described as active, helpful and polite. He enjoys playing sports, swimming, building with Legos, and playing with Nerf guns and Beyblades. Josiah also likes to play video games on his tablet computer and enjoys being social, particularly with adults. 

Skyla is helpful, sweet and silly, with an infectious laugh and a great smile that brightens up the room! She enjoys playing with baby dolls, watching television, coloring and swimming. Skyla giggles as she tells stories about her day. Both Josiah and Skyla receive one-on-one assistance at school in order to function at their best. The siblings need an extraordinary family that has a lot of energy and a lot of patience. Learn more about Josiah and Skyla. 

Meet Amiri, age 14

Amiri is a wonderful young boy looking for his forever family. Amiri enjoys playing outside, swimming, basketball, and riding on his longboard. He likes listening to music, playing his guitar and playing video games. He is very intelligent and does well in school, enjoying “all of the subjects.” Amiri would prefer to be an only child but is open to having one or two siblings. Amiri needs a loving family that will commit to giving him an abundance of support and guidance. An active family that likes to have fun would be ideal. Only families living in Kansas are being considered at this time. Learn more about Amiri. 

The Need for Adoptive Families for Siblings and Teens

At KVC, we see a special need for families who are willing to take in sibling sets and teens. Welcoming these children into your home can have a tremendously positive effect on their wellbeing. For siblings in foster care, finding a forever home together means greater stability and peace of mind. A sibling may be the one person who understands a challenging past experience and remains a constant throughout their lives. More than 50% of all youth in foster care have one or more siblings. We’re thrilled when siblings remain united in their adoptive homes.

Reports show that only 58% of teenage children in foster care live with a family, compared to 95% of children under 12. Our childcare experts like to remind caretakers that challenges are associated with taking care of children at every age. One benefit to adopting a teenage child is they can care for their own hygiene needs, feed themselves and are preparing for the exciting time of independent living. Finding adoptive families for these wonderful teens is a priority at KVC. 

Taking Part in National Adoption Month 

What can you do to take part in National Adoption Month? The first step is to learn more about adopting a child from foster care. To adopt a child, you must be at least 21 years of age, pass background checks, complete free training classes and be committed to caring for a child forever. Unlike private or international adoptions, adopting children from foster care is typically free and minimal fees are usually reimbursed. This often streamlines the process for caregivers to welcome these children and teens who have been waiting for a home. 

If you have the power to create a safe, stable and nurturing home for a child without one, work with KVC Health Systems to make a difference in the life of a child near you.