Iowa also excels at making placements quickly, thus preventing uncertainty for children who have been removed from abusive or seriously neglectful situations. In a recent review of the states, the federal government found that Iowa far exceeds the national criteria in quickly finding adoptive homes for children who cannot return to their birth homes.
"Every one of these children has come from a high risk family situation," said Vilsack, who was himself adopted as an infant. "It is our mission to match them with nurturing, stable and secure families, and to do it in a timely fashion. I'm always gratified and heartened at the ability of Iowa families to welcome these children and give them the opportunity to grow up in a safe, loving environment."
The governor said much of the credit goes to adoptive parents who are willing to make a commitment to children who frequently have behavioral, mental, or physical problems that make them difficult to place. Many of the adopted children are age 10 or older.
"My thanks to DHS employees, court officials and caring Iowans that make these adoptions happen," Vilsack said.
Vilsack signed a proclamation drawing attention to November as Adoption Month. He said Iowans interested in becoming foster or adoptive parents should contact the Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association (IFAPA), which has a Department of Human Services (DHS) contract to help facilitate adoptions. IFAPA operates the KidSake program, which maintains a Web site at that shows pictures of children waiting to be placed in families.
"I am proud to say that Iowa's subsidized adoption program ranks among the nation's leaders," said DHS Director Kevin Concannon. "Over time, I expect the actual number of adoptive children will remain stable or decline due to our redesigned child welfare system that places extra emphasis on keeping families intact if at all possible."
To help with expenses, foster and adoptive parents receive subsidies designed to offset the cost of raising a child. The subsidy, which is a mix of state and federal money, varies depending on each child's needs.
