Gov. Thompson said that many people feel they don't have the skills or the time necessary to work with these children. But those who do become involved often find that it doesn't take much to have a significant impact on a child's life. Kids need families. A statewide survey completed by the Department of Health and Family Services in July indicated that a majority of Wisconsin residents are not familiar with the Foster Care and Special Needs Adoption Programs. The Governor noted that one goal of the new campaign is to make the public aware that many kinds of people can provide adoption or foster care.
Potential parents can be single, older, or working full time.
And they don't have to own their own homes or have children of their own to provide foster or adoptive care. The campaign will include television and radio public service announcements, newspaper ads, a brochure, a poster and an informational video. The state is working with media throughout Wisconsin to air public service announcements, and with regional organizations and churches to distribute materials. The governor's announcement is the first in a series of statewide campaign kick-offs to be held during September. Other kick-offs will follow in Milwaukee, Eau Claire, Green Bay and Wausau.