Pensacola, Fla. (November 21, 2024) – Local children awaiting adoption – and the Northwest Florida families eager to adopt – are in good hands, according to news from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. FamiliesFirst Network has received the national Adoption Excellence Award by the Children’s Bureau. This award recognizes the organization’s exceptional commitment and innovative efforts connecting children in the foster care system with loving, permanent families.

Headquartered in Pensacola, FamiliesFirst Network provides child welfare, foster care and adoption services from Escambia to Walton County. The Adoption Excellence Award was presented at an event in Washington, D.C., in November – which is National Adoption Month. Award winners are organizations that demonstrate outstanding achievements in adoption and child welfare, with a focus on effective recruitment strategies, family engagement and successful outcomes for children in foster care. FamiliesFirst Network was selected for its comprehensive adoption recruitment program, creative outreach initiatives and innovative solutions to streamline the process for families seeking to adopt – all of which culminated in a record-breaking number of forever families created over the past two years.

“We are deeply honored to receive the Adoption Excellence Award from the Children’s Bureau,” said Cory Borcherding, president of FamiliesFirst Network. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our incredible team, our community partners and the families who have made a profound impact in the lives of children. It’s a shared success that inspires us to continue our work in finding forever homes for children in need.”

FamiliesFirst Network’s adoption recruitment efforts have been instrumental in connecting children with permanent homes, utilizing both digital platforms and community outreach to spread awareness and encourage potential adoptive families to take the next step. The organization’s work has directly contributed to an increase in successful adoptions and raised awareness about the ongoing need for adoptive families. FamiliesFirst Network finalized 350 adoptions in fiscal year 2024 and 357 in fiscal year 2023.

With a specialized team passionate about helping abused and neglected children, FamiliesFirst Network works to provide safe and supportive environments for children, ensuring that they are given the best chance at a bright future.

Learn more about adoption or donate towards children in foster care.