LT. GOVERNOR BRINGS ATTENTION TO ADOPTION ISSUES IN HAWAI`I

November 7 - Lt. Governor Aiona held a news conference at the State Capitol to celebrate adoption efforts and bring attention to adoption issues in Hawai`i.

"Many of these children who are waiting today for adoption include older children and those with special needs," said Lt. Governor Aiona. "Every child needs a loving, permanent home."

On any given day, 2,100 children are in state foster care, said Lt. Governor Aiona. Several hundred of those children are ready for adoption right now.

The Lt. Governor also said he was "encouraged" by figures that show a growing interest in adoption. Records show that adoptions in Hawai`i have increased around 46 percent since the year 2000, from approximately 300 to 438 adoptions this year.

"This increase is statistically significant," said Lt. Governor Aiona. "And it gives us reason to celebrate the collaborative efforts of everyone involved in getting these children adopted."

In his remarks, Lt. Governor Aiona encouraged anyone interested in adopting or becoming a foster parent to contact the Child Welfare Services branch in the Department of Human Resources at (808) 586-5667 or online at www.hawaii.gov/dhs.