ANAHEIM HILLS, Calif., Feb. 17, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, a charity organization committed to providing homes, care, treatment and supportive services for abused, neglected and emotionally troubled children and their families, today announced it has received a grant in the amount of $135,000 from the Weingart Foundation. The grant is intended to support Canyon Acres' new Adoption Services Program.
"Canyon Acres is very grateful to the Weingart Foundation for this generous gift," said Clete Menke, President of Canyon Acres. "Over the next few years, the funds will allow us to search out and find permanent, safe and loving homes for more than 60 children who have nowhere else to turn. When you consider the outcome, each child placed into an adoptive home represents a new chance for a good, healthy, productive life."
Also known as 'Fos-Adopt,' the Adoption Services Program allows parents who might want to adopt in the future to become foster parents now for children who are most likely to be available for adoption later. This structure provides agency-continuity and a reduced timeframe for the sometimes long and complicated adoption process. The structure also supports Canyon Acres' and the California Department of Social Services' joint philosophy that adoption is the best long-term solution for children needing a safe and permanent home.
In addition, the number of children in foster care in California has recently decreased, while the number of children waiting to be adopted has increased. This trend is expected to continue into the foreseeable future. California has the third-highest percentage of kids in the foster care system waiting to be adopted.
"We're very excited for the opportunity to expand our services and help more children find homes," stated Kian Clineff, MSW, Director of Foster Care and Adoptions for Canyon Acres.
For more information, please visit www.canyonacres.org.
ABOUT CANYON ACRES
Canyon Acres Children and Family Services has been serving children throughout Orange County since 1980 providing the highest level of care and therapeutic treatment to children who suffer from a variety of emotional and psychological disorders. Canyon Acres gives children nurturing, treatment, and opportunities that they need to grow up in safe, loving, and stable families. For more information about Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, contact Bock Communications at + 1-714-540-1030 or canyonacres@bockpr.com or visit the Canyon Acres Children and Family Services web site at www.canyonacres.org.