VANCOUVER - To promote adoption awareness across B.C., the provincial government is providing $210,000 to the Adoptive Families Association of BC (AFABC) to support regional adoption programs, announced Children and
Family Development Minister Tom Christensen today. "Supporting children, youth and families involved in the adoption process is vitally important to successful adoptions so children have the security of a permanent family," said Christensen. "These grants will assist the valuable work the Adoptive Families Association of BC does on behalf of adoption and adoptive families across this province."

Today's announcement includes:
* $100,000 from the Fraser region for three adoption projects which will promote cultural awareness, build upon a roster of local adoption experts and support recruitment efforts;
* $80,000 from the Interior region for research on adoptive family recruitment and retention in the area, and for a recruitment of Aboriginal foster and adoptive families campaign; and
* $30,000 from the Vancouver Coastal region to promote adoption in culturally diverse communities, in collaboration with Family Services of Greater Vancouver's Licensed Adoption Agency.

The AFABC provides pre- and post-adoption services to children and families with their Provincial Support Network providing direct support to adoptive families across B.C. The association is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, supporting adoption and adoptive families since 1977.

"The ability to provide adoption support services that are sensitive to the needs of children and families at the community level is an important part of our work," said Karen Madeiros, executive director of the Adoptive Families Association of BC. "These grants help us to put a local lens on the work we do for adoptive families throughout B.C."

The association held their annual Adoption Awards on June 14, with Christensen presenting two special awards to retiring children and family development social workers Jeannette Carlson and Janice Goodall to recognize their advocacy and leadership for adoption, adoptive families, and waiting children over the past 20 years. Christensen also co-presented the Adoption in Action Award to PricewaterhouseCoopers in recognition of the excellent adoption benefits they provide for employees.

There are currently over 1,000 children in B.C. who need an adoptive family. Additional information and resources on adoption in B.C. are available at http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/adoption/index.htm