Several years ago, when Melissa Jameson made the decision to have a child, she took the adoption route.

As a single parent by choice, Melissa was initially interested in adopting a young child through the Ministry of Children and Family Development. However, when her adoption social worker showed her the profile of an 11-year-old named Ethan, Melissa felt an immediate connection to the creative boy who loved to draw.

“When I read his profile, I was drawn to this amazing kid who just needed a chance to shine,” says Melissa. “I could have refused to consider Ethan based on his age alone – thankfully, I kept an open mind about adopting an older child because I can’t imagine my life without him now.”

By the time Ethan became available for adoption he had already spent several years in British Columbia’s foster care system. It was important to gradually transition the child from his foster family to his new adoptive mom. The first time Melissa met Ethan at his foster home, the visit was brief and slightly awkward as the two became acquainted over a game of checkers. After a couple of months of subsequent visits, Ethan finally spent the night at Melissa’s house.

“It was fine,” remembers Ethan. “At first it felt a little strange that this lady was my mom, but it got better.”

Ethan’s adoption was final in August 2013. An active 13-year-old, he still enjoys art and drawing, is a huge fan of superheroes and regularly participates in a local army cadet program where he practices the skills he’s learned, such as orienteering and playing the drums. The boy, whose mom affectionately refers to his hilarious and outgoing personality, is happy to have found his forever family.

“Adoption means no more moving,” he says simply. “My mom is nice. She has great sandwich-making skills and I like watching action movies with her.”

Ethan doesn’t just play a key role in Melissa’s world – he’s an important member of her extended family, too, enjoying close relationships with grandparents, uncles and dozens of cousins. While Ethan’s life would have been different had he not been adopted, Melissa is quick to brush off any notions of altruism.

“My motives were aimed at fulfilling my dream of becoming a mother,” she explains. “Adopting Ethan has allowed me to have a family of my own. It’s been such a gift.”

November is Adoption Awareness Month in British Columbia. If you are 19 years and older and a resident of B.C. you may be eligible to adopt one of the 1,000 children in care waiting for the stability and love of an adoptive family, including teenagers, those with special needs and siblings. For more information, call 1 877 ADOPT-07 or visit: http://www.1000familiesbc.com/

Quick Facts:

• This year’s provincial budget for adoption services is $27.7 million, up $1.1 million from last year.
• Currently, there are approximately 1,000 B.C. children in care waiting to be adopted.
• Potential adoptive parents come from diverse backgrounds and have a range of life experiences. Any B.C. resident 19 and over who is interested in providing a loving, nurturing home may be eligible to adopt.
• Over the past 10 years, an annual average of approximately 270 children have been adopted in British Columbia.
• Approximately 42% of adopted children are adopted by their foster family.
• Many of the children and youth still waiting for adoption are school age. They may be siblings who need to stay together. Some may have special placement needs due to difficult early childhood experiences, prenatal exposure to alcohol or drugs, learning delays or other developmental challenges.
• In September 2015, Grand Chief Ed John was appointed senior advisor on Aboriginal child welfare to the Minister of Children and Family Development. His role is to assist in finding forever families for a greater number of Aboriginal youth in care through adoption, guardianship or other options.
• For a list of Adoption Awareness Month events taking place in communities throughout B.C., visit: https://www.bcadoption.com/all-events

Learn More:

Adoption Awareness Month video: https://youtu.be/pa1nM6BcCFE

Adoptive Families Association of BC: www.bcadoption.com

B.C. Federation of Foster Parent Associations: www.bcfosterparents.ca/

Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks: http://fbcyicn.ca/

Contact the Adoption Reunion Registry toll‐free at 1 877 387‐3660 or visit: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/adoption/reunion/index.htm