November is National Adoption Month, an observance intended to raise awareness of adoption and the need for adoptive families while recognizing families formed through adoption. In a column published by the Sidney Daily News, Ashley Ziegler of Shelby County Job and Family Services – Children Services Division reported that Ohio has more than 3,000 children waiting to be adopted and that four of them are in Shelby County.
Ziegler wrote that the county agency has celebrated 25 adoptions since 2023. Trevor and Victoria Peterman, licensed foster-to-adopt caregivers with the agency, said adoption had changed their lives and deepened their belief in family, and they credited the agency with steady support.
The column states that adoptive families are needed both nationally and in the local community, and that children in foster care need permanent homes for stability. It notes that many foster children will not return to their biological families. The Children Services Division is seeking families interested in foster care and adoption.
Prospective foster and adoptive parents must complete a home study that includes information gathering, training and criminal background checks; the process can take up to six months. Applicants may be single, married, widowed or divorced, may own or rent a home, and may or may not have children. They must have income sufficient for household needs and be committed to serving as positive role models.
Ziegler, a foster care and adoption lead worker, can be reached at 937-498-4981 ext. 2839.