Hillsborough County leads state in adoptions as Governor proclaims Explore Adoption Day

July 22, 2009, Tampa, FL

Governor Crist announced that Floridians provided forever homes for 3,674 children by adopting children, teens and siblings from foster care, exceeding last year's record year. From the state's 22 Community Based Care organizations, Hillsborough Kids, Inc. led the state with 442 adoptions for fiscal year ending June 30, 2009.

Governor Crist and Lt. Governor Kottcamp crisscrossed the state to recognize communities for adopting children in need of forever families. The Lt. Governor visited Hillsborough County's George E. Edgecomb Courthouse and witnessed several adoption proceedings, thanking the adoptive parents and families for providing homes to the children.

"Completing 442 adoptions in a year is a great achievement," said Jeff Rainey, CEO/President of Hillsborough Kids, Inc. "But it's the families in our community who have recognized the need to help children in foster care and opened up their hearts and their homes."

Currently, 532 children are available for adoption in Hillsborough County. To learn more about adoption or becoming a foster parent, call 813-643-KIDS or visit www.hillsboroughkids.org.

Hillsborough Kids, Inc. (HKI) oversees the care of approximately 2,888 children and teens in Hillsborough County due to abuse or neglect. HKI works to keep children safe while strengthening families. Funded primarily through Florida's Department of Children and Families, HKI is the lead community based care agency managing child welfare in Hillsborough County.