‘The need is so great:’ Adoption rates down across Alabama

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — A local nonprofit is stepping up to help children in Alabama's foster care system.

The Children's Aid Society of Alabama says adoption rates across the state have dropped in the years since the pandemic, leaving children to grow up in foster care.

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"There's thousands of kids in foster care in Alabama across the state right now," Program Director Suzie Diamond said. "They are needing a forever family."

The Children's Aid Society says teenagers and children over the age of 6 are the least likely to be adopted and many age out of the foster care system without ever finding an adoptive home.

"Foster care is not permanent and these kids are feeling alone and unloved," she said. "It impacts their emotional wellbeing."

The Society supports families and children through every step of the adoption process. Diamond says many families seek out counseling before they decide to adopt.

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"We support families through that training process and home study so that they're prepared for that next step in their adoption journey," she said.

Part of that support is required by the State of Alabama before a family can adopt. The Society offers free pre- and post-adoption classes. Diamond said the counseling process is key to building a foundation for a safe, happy and healthy home.

"That's 11 weeks of training to really prepare these families for adopting children out of foster care," she said.

Once the State approves their training, Diamond said a loving, supportive family can change a child's life forever.

"The need is so great for more individuals and families to open up their hearts and homes to children who are in foster care," she said. "These kids really need families."