Heart Gallery of New Mexico

In over forty states around the country, child advocates have come together to create Heart Gallery exhibits like New Mexico's, featuring children from their areas who dream of finding a "forever family." Tracking of just six of these groups has shown they have been responsible for placing almost 500 children. From Maine to California and Florida to Washington state, these dedicated Heart Gallery planners have added their own touches, and through hard work and the generosity of their communities, they have helped these special children step out from the shadows into the light. For more information on The Heart Gallery's national presence, please visit heartgalleryofamerica.org.

adoption fact:

Of the estimated 513,000 children in foster care as of September 30, 2005, 46 percent were in nonrelative foster family homes, 24 percent were in relative foster homes, 18 percent were in group homes or institutions, 4 percent were in pre-adoptive homes, and 7 percent were in other placement types.

Adoption was the goal in 20% of these cases (114,000), and of the adoptions that took place, 60% of the children were adopted by their foster families.

The Heart Gallery of New Mexico helps waiting children in the Children, Youth and Families Department connect with adoptive families by utilizing the donated talents of renowned photographers from throughout the state. The resulting portraits reveal the souls of these beautiful children and aid them in finding forever families through state-wide exhibits.

Site & design donated by: Kris Genovese [Big Black Dog Designs] and Sebastien Dartevelle [LANL].