HRC Blog

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation will hold a media availability on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. PST to present a seal of recognition of the “All Children – All Families” initiative, designed to improve and recognize adoption agency competence in working with LGBT families.  The Southern California Foster Family and Adoption Agency (SCFFAA), based in Los Angeles, CA, is the second agency to receive the seal from the HRC Family Project. “SCFFAA is a pioneer in supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents in their journey to adoption,” said Ellen Kahn, Family Project Director for Human Rights Campaign.  “Not only has the staff of SCFFAA been on the forefront in helping LGBT families, but they’ve provided guidance and leadership to other agencies in the region.  Their excellent work will result in more children being placed with permanent, loving families.” SCFFAA has a long history of working with LGBT families.  The agency achieved the ten benchmarks outlined in the “All Children – All Families” Promising Practices Guide, which offers examples of effective practices for working with LGBT foster and adoptive parents. “We at SCFFAA are greatly honored to receive this seal of recognition from the Human Rights Campaign.  Right now, 50% of the families we are working with are from the LGBT community.  We will continue to be part of the movement to support families and educate professionals on the issues of foster care and adoption within the LGBT community,” said Robyn Harrod, Adoption Director for SCFFAA. The “All Children – All Families” initiative, launched in 2007 by the HRC Family Project, aims to promote agencies and policies that welcome LGBT foster and adoptive parents.  The program seeks to enhance LGBT competence among child welfare professionals and educate LGBT people about opportunities to become foster or adoptive parents to waiting children.  Thirty-four agencies from across the U.S are currently participating, and more than a dozen agencies are close to earning the seal of recognition. More information about the initiative can be found at www.hrc.org/acaf. WHAT:  HRC to honor the Southern California Foster Family and Adoption Agency (SCFFAA) with a seal of recognition WHEN: Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. PST WHERE: Southern California Foster Family and Adoption Agency, 155 North Occidental Blvd.  Los Angeles, CA 90026 WHO:

• Diane Wagner, member of HRC’s “All Children – All Families” national advisory board;
• Robyn Harrod, Adoption Director of SCFFAA.