San Diego County has launched a new campaign to get foster children into permanent homes.
Board of Supervisors Director Greg Cox and Supervisor Dave Roberts are leading the initiative and announced details at a news conference Tuesday.
About 400 children in San Diego are placed in permanent homes each year, according to officials. However, there are usually 45-50 kids who still need families.
“These children, for various reasons, require more attention, more care and more support,” Cox said.
These children are often older, have medical issues or have siblings, officials say. Roberts has five adopted foster children, three of whom are biological siblings.
“We’re really pleased we could keep our exceptional children together,” Roberts said.
Cox says the county usually targets young married couples as prospective adoptive parents. But for this campaign, officials will look to less traditional families, including single parents and people with grown children.
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Sandra Bilbrey and her husband were “empty nesters” for about a year and half when they decided to adopt four sisters, ages 9-14.
“We have gone back into kids and school and girl scouts…” Bilbrey said. “We have a lot of fun.”
Bilbrey, a nurse, says anyone can become an adoptive parent.
“It’s an easy process,” she said. “It just takes time and love.”
For more information, call San Diego County Adoptions at 877-423-6788 or visit Iadoptu.org.
