Community heart: Heart Galleries raise local awareness of children seeking permanent homes

November is National Adoption Month and to raise awareness for that cause the Young County Child Welfare Board is displaying ‘Heart Galleries’ with photos of children seeking permanent homes.

The national adoption month is held to spread awareness of adoption, the need for adoptive families for teens in the foster care system and promote the value of lifelong connections.

Heart Galleries are spread across the state featuring children looking for adoptive families and a place to call home. The Graham galleries are located within the lobbies of the Young County Courthouse, Ciera Bank and Interbank. 

The portrait exhibits are displayed in partnership between YCCWB and the Heart Gallery of Northwest Texas. 

“The Heart Gallery uses professional photography to capture each child’s spirit and story, helping the public see beyond the statistics to the individuality and hope of every young person,” Heart Gallery Coordinator Crystal Flinn said. “The exhibit invites people each day to pause, reflect, and consider how they can help children find permanent connections —through adoption, volunteering, or spreading awareness.”

Flinn said she previously worked in mental health crises and child welfare. She said finding a permanent home can be a step to heal children with past trauma.

“The trauma that some of the youth have faced is unimaginable. We know that the only thing that heals trauma is connection. Every one of our kids in the gallery is making a connection with a family that they can fit into and belong to and find forever love and support,” she said.

The Heart Gallery of Northwest Texas is featuring over 50 children who are currently available for adoption that are within the Texoma community. 

“Our mission is to connect with the community so that these children can find the best home. We also work to raise awareness of how the community can help adoptive and foster families,” Flinn said.

YCCWB is composed of county residents that are committed to helping children whose parents have been referred to Texas Child Protective Services. 

The organization works in cooperation with the CPS division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to provide resources to those in need. 

Additionally, the board encourages and engages in activities that benefit children in need of protection, whether through legislation, public information or education to achieve this goal.

“We are so grateful to the Young County Child Welfare Board, Young County and the banks for hosting these galleries for the month of November,” Flinn said. “There are many ways to get involved and raise awareness. Reach out today to find out how you can help our youth find a safe and loving forever home.” 

To foster or adopt in Texas a prospective parent may be single or married and must be at least 21 years old, financially stable and a responsible, mature adult. 

Prospective parents must complete an application, share information regarding their background and lifestyle and provide relative and non-relative references.

Additionally, a prospective parent must show proof of marriage or divorce, agree to a home study, have a criminal background check and an abuse/neglect check on all adults in the household and attend free training to learn about issues of abused and neglected children.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services has an online resource at tare.dfps.texas.gov for searching for children or groups waiting for a family. 

The online resource also lists the other requirements for becoming a foster or adoptive parent.