Editorial

Families can make a difference for the most vulnerable

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

When things go bad, it's the most vulnerable among us who pay the price.

Monday, Gov. Dave Heineman released a 93-page plan for dealing with the projected $334 million shortfall in the state's two-year budget.

Besides a 2.5 percent across-the-board cut for most state agencies this year and another 5 percent next year, the governor proposes cutting a planed $47.4 million increase in state aid to education, freezing payment levels for health care providers, adjusting Medicaid payments and canceling a $20 million transfer to the public employees' retirement plan.

He doesn't plan to use any of the state's $300 million "rainy day" cash reserve, preserving Nebraska's status as being more financially secure than many states.

Whether Heineman's plan survives the Legislature remains to be seen.

Regardless, it's likely kids -- in public schools, in foster care -- will feel the effects, directly or indirectly.

It's appropriate, then, that the state is recognizing families who step up to make a difference in the lives of some of these kids.

"Every child deserves the chance to thrive in a loving family, and I want to thank all the families who have adopted children from foster care," said Todd Reckling, director of the Division of Children and Family Services in the Department of Health and Human Services. "We are looking for more families to offer safe, permanent homes and change the life of a child forever."

During November, National Adoption Month, HHS points out that there are approximately 250 children, free for adoption, who are living with a family that wants to adopt them.

Still, approximately 100 children are free for adoption but need permanent families right now.

In 2008, 572 children who were state wards were adopted, an all time high and a 92.6 percent increase from 297 adoptions in 2003.

Adoptive parents are needed now more than ever.

Children may come into foster care through no fault of their own because of abuse, neglect or abandonment. The typical child who's eligible for adoption is at least six years old, could be in a group of two or more siblings, and may have special mental or physical needs.

"The best place for children to grow up is with their birth families, but that is not always possible," said Kerry Winterer, CEO of DHHS. "We believe every child is adoptable, and I'd like to encourage people to consider whether foster care or adoption would be good for them."

Packets with information about becoming a foster or adoptive parent are available by calling 1-800-7-PARENT. Information and photographs of some of the children who are free for adoption can be viewed at www.hhss.ne.gov/adoption

There isn't much we can do, as individuals, to solve our state's economic problems.

We can, however, make a tremendous difference in the life of a child.

It's not a decision to be taken lightly, but take a look at your family situation and consider whether you might have room in your heart for another child.

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