Every November, we proudly observe Adoption Awareness Month—a time to honour Adoptive families and highlight the ongoing need for dedicated Adoptive Parents who provide children and youth with lifelong stability, safety and connection.
At the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST), we strive to keep the children and youth we work with connected to their families and communities, with 9 out of 10 remaining in their homes. However, when this isn’t possible, we turn to Adoptive Parents, who play an essential role in offering a supportive, nurturing and permanent home. This may include adoption through Kin, such as a grandparent, aunt, or uncle, or through Kith, such as non-family members who have a close or meaningful bond with the child or youth, like family friends, mentors or community members.
Over the past year, CAST’s Adoption Team has focused its efforts on:
- Joint recruitment initiatives to engage and inform potential Foster and Adoptive families across the Greater Toronto Area, including a November 19 event with The 519 for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, creating a welcoming space to explore becoming adoptive parents and available resources. Click here to learn more and register.
- Active participation in Adopt Ontario events to spotlight individual children and youth in need of Adoptive Parents.
- Continuing our commitment to diverse, inclusive family recruitment, and dedication to placing children and youth with Adoptive Parents who can reflect, affirm and/or nurture their unique identities and cultural backgrounds.
At CAST, we seek Adoptive Parents from all intersecting identities, including race, culture, religion, gender and sexual orientation. We especially welcome those interested in caring for school-aged children, teens, sibling groups and children with complex medical needs.
If you’re interested in learning more about adoption, we encourage you to visit our website here and reach out to learn about one of our upcoming information sessions that provide insights into the needs of children and youth, the CAST adoption process, and how to take your first steps toward adopting. As one Adoptive Parent shared, “The most important bonds that bind us are developed through care, attention, and love. They are not just based on biology. Becoming a family through adoption felt like the most natural and appropriate pathway for us. »
Thank you for joining us this month as we celebrate the commitment and care of Adoptive families and those working to provide a forever home for every child and youth in need.
