LIHUE — Family Options Hawaii is in operation. The agency’s mission is to provide the Hawaiian islands withaffordable, quality adoption services tailored to meet eachfamily’s needs. “Kauai has always been so special to me, and introducing this service to a
LIHUE — Family Options Hawaii is in operation.
The agency’s mission is to provide the Hawaiian islands withaffordable, quality adoption services tailored to meet eachfamily’s needs.
“Kauai has always been so special to me, and introducing this service to a community I love so much is really a dream come true,” said Sharon Murray, Family Options director of counseling and placement services. “I am eager to serve the community in extending their ohana, and breaking the stigma of what adoption was years ago. Whatever the circumstances may be, we want to be there to help, educate, and nurture families considering adoption as an option.”
Founded in 1988, Family Options continues to provide support and care to people touched by adoption. As a nonprofit, Family Options offers services during the adoption process in an effort to educate, counsel and prepare both adoptive and birth families.
They also provide a 24-hour hotline for questions and concerns of those considering placing a child for adoption.
“We want people to know that there is someone there, 24-hours a day, seven days a week, to listen, to understand, and to offer support without judgment,” Murray said.
Family Options offers services from pre-placement information and counseling to post-placement services, using traditional and innovative means, and is committed to focusing on the family and developing realistic approaches to adoption, according to a press release.
“As a nonprofit private agency, we are not associated with the state foster care system. A private, non-profit adoption means the ability for a birth parent to select the adoptive family, and establish an ongoing relationship,” Murray said. “Our staff is there to walk birth parents and adoptive parents through the adoption process, and navigate each step with compassion and support.”
Family Options will be hosting a kickoff party at 3 p.m. Saturday at Poipu Beach Pavilion. There will be food, an inflatable waterslide, and giveaways.
Info: www.familyoptionshawaii.org
