Parent to Parent: Teen Adoption

When you think of adoption most people think of babies, but a local couple adopted four kids, all teenagers that they found through the Heart Gallery of Broward County. WSVN's Lynn Martinez shows us why it's so important to give older children a chance in the Parent to Parent segment. The DePasquales found Tyler's and Kyle's photos, taken by photographer Lee Ann Ropes, on The Heart Gallery of Broward County's Web site several years ago. They continued to check on the boys' availability for adoption with ChildNet, the private, not for profit organization that manages the child welfare system in Broward County. In August 2011, the DePasquales had the opportunity to meet the boys through a ChildNet-sponsored event at Boomers in Dania, Fla. The couple and the boys instantly connected, eventually leading to the adoptions. This is the 100th and 101st adoption for The Heart Gallery of Broward County. The Heart Gallery is displayed in many public places just like an art exhibit, as well as on the organization's Web site. Every photograph is a vibrant composition taken by a professional media or portrait photographer, and is coupled with a bio card that describes each child's personality and interests. The Gallery presents an emotional appeal to the community to adopt, volunteer, or donate money or goods.