Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recognized New Hampshire’s Adoptive Families at an event this afternoon at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord. The event, held during National Adoption Awareness Month celebrates the 96 adoptions finalized in the State between October of 2011 and September 2012. National Adoption Month is a time to raise awareness about the need for adoptive families for children and youth in foster care.

“It is my intention that every child who leaves our system does so with a lifelong permanent connection,” said Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) Director Maggie Bishop. “It is events like this one that give us the unique opportunity to show our appreciation to adoptive families who live this lifelong commitment every day.”

The focus this year is on post-adoption services and the resources available for families after finalizing an adoption. “DCYF recognizes that adoption is not final just because it has been legalized,” said DCYF Bureau of Community and Family Support Administrator Eileen Mullen. “We believe that supportive adoptive services should be provided throughout the family life span and we are committed to providing post-adoption services.”

Lisa Marro, an adoptive mom also spoke at the event. She and her husband John are the proud adoptive parents of 8 children. Their first child was placed with them in 1994 and they have continued to grow their family since. “As our children have grown and matured, we have faced different challenges as adoptive parents,” said Marro. “The DCYF Post-Adoption Unit has been fabulous in terms of offering us support, referring us to community services and providing us with information so that we can better advocate for our children. We have also been so grateful for the support of the Community and Faith Based Initiative."

Today’s celebration was held at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. The Heart Gallery, which features children in New Hampshire awaiting adoption, will be on display at the Center for the month of November. As part of the afternoon’s event, DCYF recognized Eliot Tatelman and Jordan’s Furniture for their support of the Heart Gallery and efforts on behalf of adoption from Foster Care.