SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) — Governor Hochul’s recent announcement, revealing an additional $7 million in funding for adoption services in New York, has sparked discussions about the challenges within the adoption system. Mia Padwa, adoption director & compliance officer at Family Services of Westchester, shed light on some crucial issues.
Padwa highlighted significant shortcomings in the state’s adoption-related websites. She pointed out the lack of contact information for caseworkers and infrequent updates to children’s photos and contact details. These limitations hinder the process of matching children with prospective adoptive families.
November is National Adoption Awareness Month in New York, aiming to normalize and destigmatize adoption.
Padwa emphasized the role of public figures, such as celebrities, sharing their adoption stories in making adoption more commonplace and acceptable.
“The use of celebrities who talk about their adoption journey can normalize adoption,” Padwa said. “And it motivates and brings the public together more toward that. For example, I often talk about Simone Biles because she is an incredible human and athlete.”
Padwa mentioned that while adoption is a significant pathway to permanency, it’s not the sole goal.
“A child needs a permanent family, a permanent, safe, loving, permanent family,” Padwa said.
“Sometimes that will be achieved through adoption. Sometimes it will be achieved through guardianship,” she said. “Adoption is one wonderful way for a child to achieve permanency, but it is not the only way, and I support the use of funding for children’s permanency in whatever way is the healthiest and best for them.”
