Synagogues, churches launch 'adoption sabbath'

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Concerned about the number of children living in foster care, several Philadelphia churches and synagogues urged their members to consider adoption.

The regional "adoption sabbath" was planned by a group of religious social service groups, working with state and city officials.

Church leaders hope to find families for some of the 1,600 foster children in Pennsylvania -- 300 in Philadelphia -- who have no adoptive parents on the horizon. Thousands more are in foster care but have relatives or foster parents who may someday provide permanent homes.