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ShAKer LIFE | SUMMER 2015 33 It’s an area on which the organization continues to focus. “Six hundred children is still too many,” says Norris. “We can do better.” The organization is also pushing legislation that would allow children to remain in foster care until they are 21 years old. Currently, children “age out” of the foster care system at age 18 or 19. Not surprisingly, they face a tough road. Few go to college. Many end up homeless or worse, in jail, says Norris. “You’re 18. You’re on your own. You’re in your own apartment. You pay your own bills. It’s no wonder a lot of them struggle.” In the meantime, Adoption Network Cleveland is working on ways to offer additional support to those teenagers, in particular with a program that matches older children in foster care with mentors. Explains Norris: “Having at least that one adult relationship that is a stable force during what is otherwise a chaotic time is really powerful.” Despite the excitement of the last few months, Norris is already working on what’s next for Adoption Network Cleveland. That not only includes chipping away at barriers to foster-care adoptions, but continuing to seek ways to fine-tune the adoption process in general. But, still, she’s enjoying the moment. “There are thousands of adoptees and birth parents who now have access to records. I want to make sure they are all supported as best we can,” says Norris. “Going through it alone was overwhelming for me and so to be able to provide support to other people has been so meaningful.” Above, L–R: On the morning of opening day, Betsie Norris led several hundred adoptees on a walk to the Office of Vital Statistics in Columbus | Norris was interviewed by countless media outlets on opening day | Norris, the media and filmmakers waited for 8:00 am and the doors to open at the Office of Vital Statistics, allowing Ohio adoptees to enter | Norris and adoptee Teresa Stinson hug at the Ohio Department of Health press conference on opening day. Teresa’s unfolding story was told in an ABC “Nightline Special Edition” in April | Norris beams in front of the “We ROARed” banner at the celebration event. The banner was filled with congratulations and thank yous to Betsie and Adoption Network Cleveland. Photos 1–4 by Margaret Sabec Photo 5 by Tamara Green


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