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County of Los Angeles
DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES

425 Shatto Place, Los Angeles, California 90020

(213) 351-5602
JOAN SMITH
Acting Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 18, 2006

Contact: Stuart Riskin

DCFS Office of Public Affairs

(213) 351-5872

PRESS RELEASE

DCFS Partners with Azusa Pacific University Partner in Reaching Out To Faith-Based Community to Support Los Angeles County Foster Youth

Foster, Adoptive and Mentoring Families needed for Los Angeles County Children

The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services and Azusa Pacific University are joining together to kick-off the largest faith-based community partnership in Los Angeles County. Over 400 regional religious leaders from all faiths will come together at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 21, 2006 at the Upper Turner Campus on the East Campus of Azusa Pacific University, 901 East Alosta Avenue, Azusa.

The purpose of these partnerships is to reach out to the faith-based community to help find secure, loving foster and adoptive homes for many foster youth. The critical need for mentors will also be addressed at the event. “There are a number of opportunities to educate the community about the fostering, adoptive and mentoring needs of DCFS children,” said Glendora DCFS Regional Administrator Rex White.

In the following months there will be seven, more intensive, follow-up meetings thoughout the east San Gabriel Valley. “Our goal is to develop at least 70 foster/adoptive homes within the year.”

DCFS is currently implementing several initiatives to increase legal permanency for children through timely family reunification, adoption or legal guardianship so that children do not languish in foster care. Misconceptions about adoption will be addressed such, as persons who want to adopt do not have to be married, own a home or have a lot of money. There is financial and medical support for adopted children.

For more information on adoption or becoming a community partner to help increase awareness of children in need of adoptive homes, please call 1-888-811-1121.

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