Nearly 1,600 children in Virginia’s foster care system are waiting for a permanent, loving home. At B101.5 and NewsTalk 1230 WFVA, we want to introduce you to some of them. Each month, we will highlight a waiting child from Children’s Home Society and tell you how you can welcome that child home.
If we don’t get adopted
Since 1900, CHS has placed more than 12,500 children into permanent, loving homes. These children include infants, sibling groups, teenagers and children from fragile beginnings, such as living with violence and abuse, or born with medical problems like spina bifida, cerebral palsy, or Downs syndrome.
While many children have been placed with their “forever families,” more are waiting. Nearly 1,600 children in Virginia’s foster care system are longing for a place to call home. Statistics suggest a bleak future for those who don’t get adopted:
1 in 4 will end up in jail within two years of leaving foster care
More than 1 in five will be homeless after turning 18
Fewer than 1 in 6 will earn a high school degree
Who are these children? Their stories are varied – a 15-year-old victim of sexual abuse, a baby abandoned at the hospital when born with medical disabilities, the 9-and 11-year-old siblings whose greatest fear, after enduring neglect, is that they might be separated from each other.
At CHS, we are dedicated to finding just the right family for each of these children. If you are ready to explore the joys of adoption or want to learn more about our services, visit www.chsva.org or contact the office nearest you.
Meet Josh
Age: 15
Favorite activities: Playing the guitar, singing, laughing
How others describe him: “Hard working,” “dedicated,” “funny,” “determined”
Josh is a sweet, funny, laid-back 15-year-old. He loves singing, playing the guitar and making people laugh. Josh has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair and a walker to get around.
Josh has a great sense of humor, a wonderful personality, is determined and such a hard worker. He enjoys science and is working to get better at math. He is in the 8th grade right now, doing 9th grade work and continues to strive to do his best.
“Josh makes every day a positive experience,” said one of his teachers. “I’ve seen him push himself beyond his own expectations. He is a role model for anyone.”
Josh has made tremendous progress since coming into foster care. He is very excited about being adopted. Josh needs the guidance of a loving, supportive and permanent family. He would benefit from a family that can teach him all of the necessary life skills that will enable him to be successful in the future.
If you are interested in adopting Josh or want to inquire about adopting older children, call Laura Ash-Brackley with Children’s Home Society’s Partnership for Adoptions program at (800) 247-2888 or visit www.chsva.org.
Can u play Heartless? And say its 4 Kylie from Morgan?
