Nebraska State government is promoting Adoption Awareness Month, calling for more Nebraskans to get involved.
Jack and Cathy Taff of Omaha have adopted two older boys, ages 15 and 18. Jack Taff says they got involved when they saw the need.
Jack Taff: 
Adoption Awareness Month shines the spotlight on children in foster care and encourages families to adopt.
(Copyright 2012 by The Nebraska Radio Network. All Rights Reserved.)
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman is urging families to consider adopting children who are in the state's foster care system.
Heineman on Wednesday proclaimed November as Adoption Awareness Month, in advance of the coming holidays.
The governor says more than 200 foster children have been adopted so far in 2012, but the state still faces a shortage of willing families. About 130 more are scheduled to be adopted in the coming weeks.
Thomas Pristow, director of the state's Children and Family Services division, says youths who grow up in healthy, functioning families are less likely to face substance abuse problems or commit crimes.
Heineman issued the proclamation at the Capitol alongside Jack and Cathy Taff, an Omaha couple who adopted two teenage boys to bring them into a stable home.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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