POCONO MANOR, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) hosted the 33rd Annual Pennsylvania Permanency Conference last week in Monroe County, bringing together child welfare professionals, foster and adoptive families, and other stakeholders to advance adoption and permanency efforts for children in need of stable, loving homes.
Since its inception in 1992, the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN) has facilitated nearly 59,000 adoptions across Pennsylvania. The state continues to prioritize finding permanent homes for children in its welfare system, with an average of 2,000 adoptions finalized each fiscal year. However, there is an ongoing need, as over 12,400 children are served in out-of-home care every six months, including nearly 3,000 youth seeking “forever families.”
“Every single one of Pennsylvania’s children deserves to grow and thrive in a safe, loving environment,” affirmed DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “I urge anyone with room in their heart and home to consider adoption so we can continue building brighter futures for these children.”
The conference aims to support families and professionals navigating the adoption process while preparing children for long-term stability. A highlight of the event was an awards ceremony honoring individuals and organizations making significant contributions to child permanency in Pennsylvania.
2025 Award Recipients:
- Permanent Family Recognition Award: Goran and Leslie Lazarevic (Sullivan County), Florence Mack (Montgomery County), Jason and Ashley Mimm (Lancaster County), Ronald and Jeannine Shugars (McKean County), Shareed Starling (Berks County), and Jessica Yeingst (Lancaster County).
- Philanthropy Recognition: Westmoreland Children First (Westmoreland County).
- Permanency Advocate Recognition: Elisa Esh (PA Child).
- Independent Living Professional Recognition: Natalie Gregg (Westmoreland County Children’s Bureau).
- Permanency Professional Recognition: Melinda Ross (Merakey).
- Youth Advocate Recognition: Libby Sanders (Berks County).
The Shapiro Administration continues to advocate for permanency initiatives through SWAN and the annual conference, which provides resources, education, and support for everyone involved in ensuring children can thrive in permanent, nurturing homes.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.