DPSS 20-21 FY Annual Report

Annual Report 2020/2021

Adoption Celebrating the Gift of Family Children’s Services

Adoptive daughter of Newby.

Social workers and partners in Riverside County continued to focus on uniting children and families through adoption despite the many challenges posed by the pandemic. Nearly 400 adoptions were finalized in 2020 and 2021. Most were held virtually, in the privacy of homes. “Love and being together are what matter most,” said Jolene, an adoptive mom of four girls, one of the Riverside County families that finalized their adoptions this past year. Jolene welcomed her fourth adoptive daughter into her family.

Jolene was inspired to become an adoptive parent when she was working with children in the foster system who needed homes and families. “You are changing lives through adoption, and the experience makes you a better person,” Jolene said. “Becoming a mom through adoption gave me a better sense of purpose.” Charity Douglas, assistant director of Children’s Services, congratulated the hundreds of families that united through adoption, saying that each child deserves a stable and loving home to help them reach their highest potential. “Adoption is a gift to both children and parents.”

32