The Orange County Board of Supervisors proclaimed November 2018 as Adoption Awareness Month in Orange County and presented a resolution to the Social Services Agency and Miguel and Raquel Alcantara for their significant contributions to support and mentor adoptive families in Orange County.
The Alcantaras received a proclamation on behalf of adoptive families in Orange County from the Board of Supervisors for their work as resource parents, educators and advocates. Miguel and Raquel Alcantara began the process of becoming resource parents in 2014 and ultimately became adoptive parents. The Alcantaras now have two adoptive children, all the while continuing to foster other children through County of Orange Social Services Agency. In addition, they serve as mentors to many of the biological parents who are working to reunify with their children. The Alcantaras also assist with the Foster Care Auxiliary, Club Mom and Dad, and support the training of new resource families to help them understand the challenges and rewards that come along with adoption.
“Adoptive parents help provide the safe, loving and nurturing home these children need to thrive and grow,” said First District Supervisor Andrew Do, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “We thank all Orange County adoptive families like the Alcantaras for their compassion and commitment to helping our community and ensuring a brighter future for our youth.”
“We are grateful for the care and compassion that Miguel and Raquel Alcantara, and all adoptive parents, provide their children,” said Vice Chair and Fourth District Supervisor Shawn Nelson. Nelson continues, “Today we recognize the Alacantara family, on behalf of all Orange County adoptive families.”
The theme of this year’s National Adoption Month is In Their Own Words: Lifting Up Youth Voices, focused on the importance of empowering youth voices. When teenagers with experience in foster care — whether they have reunified with family, achieved permanency with an adoptive family or entered adulthood independently — share their stories, their unique insights can inspire their peers and prospective adoptive families. Professionals can work with teens to identify or develop meaningful ways their important perspectives can improve child welfare practices, training and policy. Federal, state and local government agencies, as well as non-profit organizations around the country, plan events and activities throughout the month to raise awareness for children and youth in foster care who are ready and waiting for permanent families.
Second District Supervisor Michelle Steel stated, “Adoptive families who welcome children into their safe and loving homes transform the lives of their children for the better. We thank Miguel and Raquel Alcantara from the bottom of our hearts for providing their children with a loving and strong family foundation, and for setting an example for other families hoping to do the same.”
“The burden is great, but the burden is worth it. As much of a struggle raising children can be for any of us, that can be multiplied when caring for at-risk youth. When you hear about success stories like what we’ve heard today from Miguel and Raquel Alcantara, it makes it all worthwhile. Today’s presentation recognizes the Alcantaras and all adoptive families. The work you do is amazing,” said Supervisor Todd Spitzer, Third District.
“It is heartwarming to hear about the Alcantara’s journey to adoption. We are grateful to them and all of our adoptive families who have opened up their hearts and their homes, to help ensure a brighter and better future for Orange County children,” said Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett.
The number of finalized adoptions in Orange County is growing. From July 2017 to June 2018, 338 adoptions were finalized, representing a nearly 30 percent increase from the prior fiscal year. Orange County continues to lead the way in uniting children with their forever families.
For more information on becoming a Resource Family, please call (888) 871-KIDS or visit www.oc4kids.com.
