Reply #20: Well, they are pretty special...

[StoryTeller]

But I don't think the record is quite as dismal as you view it. However, if you are that concerned, I would encourage you to become another 1 in 10,000 and open your home to a child -- if you haven't already. These children need more concerned individuals willing to become adoptive parents.

Here's a link for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

http://www.davethomasfoundationforadoption.org/index.asp

They are dedicated to helping children just like what you were describing find permanent families. In fact, the following statistic should encourage you: (from their website)

"Foster care adoptions grew from 31,004 in 1998 to 48,680 in 2000 (a 57% increase!). The average stay in foster care dropped from 43 months in 1998 to 39 months in 2000."

Their website also has a press release from last year saying that 3000 children were adopted from foster care on National Adoption Day. In just one day!