Local foster children in desperate need of families

The number of adoptions nationwide are at historic highs.

But local agencies and families say there are still too many children stuck in the system.

Dollar federal award today.

That's because adoptions have steadily risen over the past five years.

News 18's joe paul has spent the day talking to local agencies and families.

He joins us in the studio to tell us about the need for forever homes in tippecanoe county.

The award was more than any other state that received money this year.

The check was presented during a news conference today.

State and federal officials say that the number of adoptions are at historic highs.

But local agencies and families tell me there's still too many children stuck in the system.

Nat pop the (dow-uh-do's) dawodu's backyard is filled with life and laughter.

But it wouldn't be the same had they not adopted three of their seven daughters.

"adoption has really taught me the different ways to love."

Femi and carlee dawudo are among many hoosier parents who choose to adopt.

"it really just teaches you how to expand your heart, beyond the norm of how you typically raise children and really draw kids in in the way that they feel loved."

Nearly 25-hundred children were adopted in indiana in fiscal year 2019.

That's up by more than one-thousand over the past five years.

But foster children in tippecanoe county are still in desperate need of help.

That's according to lacy page, licensing lead at the the villages of indiana.

"there is a significant need for kids, for foster parents for those older kids, those school-age kids."

The agency works in connection with dcs to license foster parents and coordinate private adoptions.

"in 2019, the villages was referred 5,000 kids, and we weren't able to place 5,000 children."

Carlee dawudo is also executive director of the local adoption agency gifts of grace.

She encourages anyone considering adoption to take the next step.

"i think it's just worth it to adopt.

Every child who's been through any sort of loss or trauma deserves someone in their corner."

The dawodus have seen a lot of ups and down.

But they say they wouldn't change a thing.

Nat pop.

The average time to adoption in indiana is 332 days.

And there are still about 1,0000 hoosier children seeking a forever home right now.

Find ways to get involved on our website, wlfi.com.

Jeff and sam, back to you.

Those serving jury duty can can expect a change of location this year.