State Launches 1st Adoption Fair

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is calling on Hoosiers to look at adoption.

It's a decision he and his wife, Karen, considered before she got pregnant with their first child.

"I believe strong families will mean a strong Indiana," said Pence.  "Making adoption more available and raising awareness of adoption here in Indiana is part of building those strong Indiana families in the future."

Pence hosted the first Governor's Adoption Fair, Wednesday, at the Statehouse.  The one day event aimed to connect families with adoption services.

Department of Child Services says there are about 100 Hoosier children needing homes.

First Lady Karen Pence says since her family was close to adopting a son, she has great respect for those who go through the process.

"I appreciate the strength and the courage of people who are willing to give their children for adoption," she said.

Shalimar Scott is a foster mom from Anderson who says the experience has been life changing.

"If adoption is something you have thought about, please seriously consider and pursue that.  We have so many children, not only in this country, in other countries that need a home," she said.  "I'm just encouraging everyone to try to help a lot of the orphans that are in our community and other countries."

Nov. 23 is National Adoption Day, and last year more than 4,500 children found new homes because of it.

Pence hopes to make the adoption fair an annual event.