Commissioners Court passes resolution honoring National Adoption Month

El Paso County Commissioner Carlos Leon is looking increase awareness for the need of adoptive families in the county.

Leon placed an item on Monday’s agenda to recognize November as National Adoption Month. The resolution passed unanimously.

“Some people have told me that they have not heard that there’s possibilities of adopting kids here in El Paso,” Leon said. “There are several kids here, especially teens and kids with challenges that are hopeful to be adopted.”

Sylvia Pitcher, the adoption specialist for the Department of Family and Protective Services said there are over 112 kids seeking adoption in the County. Forty-one of those kids have not been matched to a family.

“We have a huge need here in the El Paso area,” Pitcher said. “The one important thing is that there are no perfect parents. If you can open up your home and you want to give somebody love and a home — some place safe — that’s all we need.”

The department will host a Child Advocacy Recruitment Effort information session on Tuesday at 501 Hawkins from 6 – 8:30 p.m.

“We’ll be talking about the prerequisites, what you need, we’ll answer questions. We’ll have a panel of families with children with foster care,” Pitcher said.

Pitcher’s advice for families considering adoption is simple.

“It’s not hard. It’s not impossible. Just do it,” Pitcher said.

The County will also host a National Adoption Day event on Saturday. There will be an adoption consummation ceremony of 12 children (10 families). That event starts at 10 a.m. on the 11th floor of the county courthouse.

If you’re interested in the adoption process, you can contact Sylvia Pitcher: 915- 521-3719.