SOUTH FLORIDA — Families, children and advocates kicked off National Adoption Month with the annual Family Fall Festival. Hosted by ChildNet, the community-based care lead agency in Broward and Palm Beach counties, and Omega Psi Phi fraternity’s Eta Nu chapter, the annual picnic celebrated Broward County families who have recently finalized adoptions the opportunity to bond.  By end of the month, dozens of children were adopted in the two counties.

On Nov. 22, 37 children were adopted at the Broward County Courthouse. A day earlier, 24 children were adopted into 16 families at the Palm Beach County Courthouse for National Adoption Day/Palm Beach.

Officials hailed the success.

“We are grateful to everyone here, including our dedicated staff, that has helped make our Fall Festival a huge success every year,” said Elizabeth Wynter, director of community relations for ChildNet. “The support and spirit that the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity brings to this picnic is invaluable. They have helped us create an event where families and children can come together and raise awareness about the need for more adoptive parents.”

The local Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Team was also on site to participate with the children and families who enjoyed pumpkin decorating, sand art, face painting, team games, and bounce houses. Musical entertainment and an array of food barbequed on-site were provided by the “brothers” of Omega Psi Phi, a fraternity founded at Howard University in 1911 that has hosted the Fall Festival for more than two decades.

“We come together every year to host this event with ChildNet without a single hesitation,” said Melvin Davis, president of the Eta Nu chapter of Omega Psi Phi. “Our partnership allows so many great people to come together and share stories of how adoption has changed their lives and the lives of so many children who are looking for a place to call home.”

Wynter said the need for adoptive parents continues.

“We have over 150 children available for adoption in Broward and Palm Beach counties,” said Wynter. “National Adoption Month and events like our Fall Festival help us create that awareness.”

As the single private non-profit entity responsible for administration of the local child welfare systems in Broward and Palm Beach counties, ChildNet continues to bring years of dedication to protecting abused, abandoned and neglected children in the communities it serves.

For more information about becoming a foster or adoptive parent, call ChildNet in Broward County at 954-414-6001 and in Palm Beach call 561-352-2501. Visit www.ChildNet.us and www.facebook.com/ChildNet.