By Office of Governor Jim Pillen
LINCOLN, NE –On Monday, Governor Jim Pillen addressed the need for more foster and adoptive families in Nebraska. Joined by First Lady Suzanne and surrounded by parents and their adoptive children, the Governor noted that more than 300 children have been adopted so far this year, but more still need placement in permanent homes.
“Every child, no matter their circumstance, deserves a loving, safe and caring home,” said Gov. Pillen. “It is vital we raise awareness of the need for more adoptive and foster families who can provide healthy and stable environments.”
Gov. Pillen discussed his own experience as a foster parent. His wife Suzanne brought their youngest son Izic home at four weeks of age. Izic is among those children officially adopted this year.
“Having 331 children adopted this year is a great cause for celebration and it has undoubtedly changed those families in an extraordinary way,” said Gov. Pillen. “The opportunity that remains is finding homes for the 200 other kids who are still waiting.”
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Deputy Director Laura Opfer, of the Children and Family Services Division (CFS) is also an adoptive parent to three daughters. She highlighted the important role that foster care and kinship relationships have on children in need.
“We have 1,027 relative and kinship caregivers in Nebraska, who support their grandchildren, nieces, and nephews when they need support the most,” said Opfer. “In addition, we have 2,321 foster families who exemplify what it means to have perseverance, resilience and hope.”
Shannon Bingham, who was named Mrs. Midwest International 2024, has focused her past pageant platforms on adoption.
“As an adoption advocate, I’m honored to be here to encourage people to consider adoption as an option. And for those of you considering adopting a child or placing a child up for adoption, to help remove the hesitation and fear that comes along with the process.”
Bingham adopted her son, Seth Stickman following his birth. Now 16, he spoke about the benefits of being part of an adoptive family.
“I have many people I can count on who are willing to provide for me and care for me when needed. Without adoption, I wouldn’t have these people around me in such great numbers,” said Stickman.
The Nebraska Children and Home Society (NCHS) has a wide range of adoption planning and post-adoption support services available to birth parents and children, as well as adoptive, relative and kin caregivers. Teresa Frazier, program coordinator for NCHS’ Families Forever program, said families formed through adoption and guardianship can face unique and unexpected challenges, but help is readily available.
“Our Families Forever program helps with one-on-one parenting and family support, referrals to other services such as mental health and respite options, parent-to-parent mentoring, support groups, trainings, conferences and educational courses for caregivers as well as professionals,” noted Frazier.
Craig and Miranda Coleman described their journey from first becoming foster parents, to eventually, adopting their children Malachi and Nevaeh at the ages of 10 and seven, respectively.
“Our kids have made us better humans, more compassionate neighbors, more confident advocates, and taught us how to live looking forward,” said Miranda. “They have opened our world view and we are forever grateful we are a family.”
She also shared a statement from her son Malachi, who is currently a wide receiver on the Husker football team and an advocate for helping children in foster care through his foundation, Fly Like Chi. It read, in part: “The foster care system not only changed my life -- it saved it. It gave me the beautiful family I have today and has given me a second chance at life.”
“Love is a choice,” said Bingham. “Adoption brings awareness to how important it is to love and connect with family, no matter where they came from.”
As part of today’s event, Gov. Pillen signed a proclamation marking November as Adoption Month in Nebraska.
Those interested in becoming foster or adoptive parents, can call 1-800-7PARENT (1-800-772-7368) or click here for information available on DHHS’ adoption page. The Nebraska Children’s Home Society is on the web at: www.nchs.org.