Nebraska highlights adoption

LINCOLN (AP) — As part of observing National Adoption Month, state health officials are emphasizing the importance of helping children in foster care find safe, permanent homes.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says about 100 children in foster care are available for adoption. Another 250 others also are available for adoption but are already living with the family that wants to adopt them.

In 2008, there was a record-high 572 adoptions of children who were state wards. In comparison, there were just 297 adoptions in 2003.

Information about becoming a foster or adoptive parent is available by calling 1-800-7-PARENT or by visiting the department’s Web site at www.hhss.ne.gov/adoption.