TULIA -- National Adoption Month isn't a household holiday, but Darla Trammell of Tulia knows all about it. She and her husband, Dennie, have adopted five kids. And they're not done. "We're waiting right now for another one," said Darla. You'd never know it, but Dara, 4, Noah, 5, Alyssa, 6, Alexis, 8, and Shasta, 9, aren't from the same family. They all like "Spongebob Squarepants", playing with the dog, and fighting over the computer. November is National Adoption Month, which aims to raise awareness for kids who need permanent homes. "There are 75 children just in Potter and Randall county alone who need forever homes," said Holly Campidilli, Adoption Foster Care Administrator at Catholic Family Service in Amarillo. "They are in foster homes right now, their parental rights have been terminated, and they're waiting for their mom and dad to pick them up." One common misconception about adoption is that it's expensive. Holly says that's actually not true, especially with kids adopted from foster care. "The state takes care of a lot of expenses. They may be eligible for monthly subsidies, Medicaid, college education, (and a) one-time legal expense to help with the finalization fees." Some also think it's too hard for kids to adjust to a new family. "There's always an adjustment period, but what's important to know is that these kids want to be part of a family." Shasta agrees. "I had been through several foster homes before here, and I wasn't used to staying, and when I got here I was pretty scared, but then I got used to it and now I'm liking it." Adds her mom, "You have to have a lot of patience. But the joy...the joy is just overwhelming." Once a family like the Trammells calls Catholic Family Service (CFS) and expresses interest in adoption, CFS conducts background checks, trains the family, and walks them through the adoption process. They then work with Child Protective Services to match the family with a child who'd be a good fit. Once all that's done, they bring the kids to their new, permanent home. For more information on Catholic Family Services, call (806) 345-7908 or visit cfsama.com

For more information on National Adoption Month, the adoption process, and adoption agencies, visit: http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/nam/