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INFERTILITY   ADOPTION   POST-ADOPTION   FAMILY TREE   Adoption Resource Central    Heart of Adoption Articles to inspire   International adoption guide   You can order Family Helper publications   GLOSSARY of adoption terms		Prince George B.C. agency closes BY ROBIN HILBORN, Family Helper editor
		(Nov. 1, 2001) The only adoption agency in northern British Columbia is shutting its doors due to a shortage of applicants and a $60,000 deficit. The Northern Interior Regional Health Board in Prince George will not renew its adoption license with the Ministry of Children and Family Development when it expires in November 2001. Tim Rowe, Regional Director for Community and Senior Services said that only six adoptions were completed in 2000, which fell short of its target, and the program was unable to sustain itself. He said that with six other agencies providing adoption services in BC, prospective adopters will still have options available to them. Rowe commended the work of everyone involved in the adoptions program, particularly program coordinator, Maria Dhenin. "She has done marvelous work over the past five years and has brought many families together." "This was a very difficult decision," said Lorraine Grant, Chairman of NIRHB. "Adoption is very rewarding work, and we are pleased that we have been able to help many families in the past. Unfortunately, there is just not enough demand for the service to keep it sustainable." Thanks to: Harriet Fancott, Adoptive Families Association of British Columbia, www.bcadoption.com. ________________________________________ You may reproduce this item with the credit: "Source: Family Helper (www.familyhelper.net)"