National Adoption Month: Every Child Needs a Family

Every November, National Adoption Month strives to give children in foster care the adoptive families they deserve. Established by President Reagan in 1984 and expanded by President Clinton in 1995, this observance addresses the thousands of children in the US waiting for families.

It peaks during National Adoption Day, typically on a Saturday before Thanksgiving, where thousands of adoptions are finalized simultaneously in various courthouses nationwide.

Quick links: National Adoption Month

Why National Adoption Month Matters

Adoption is more than a legal commitment to raise a child in place of their biological parents. It is an opportunity to provide children with a permanent home to receive opportunities, security, and, most importantly, love.

In the US alone, there are almost 370,000 children and youth under foster care, and only less than a third are waiting for adoption in 2022.

With these numbers in mind, National Adoption Month annually reminds us of the efforts of social workers, foster parents, and adoption agencies, who face bureaucratic obstacles and limited resources.

The annual observance also highlights the importance of cultivating the connection of a young person to their original family after adoption.

Provide support to the cause in your own way. This November, join campaigns to streamline the adoption process. Dispel myths about adoption requirements. Urge a loving family to adopt.

Data and Statistics

The data below are from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) for FY 2022.

There are 368,530 children and youth in the US foster care system. Only 108,877 of them are waiting for adoption.

The average age of a child in the foster care system is around eight years, with many in the second or third grade.

Older youth aged 18 to 20 are also in the system, comprising 4% of the total.

Children waiting for adoption are in the system for an average of 34.9 months. Around 37% even waited longer than three years.

Among the 186,602 entering foster care, 62% were removed due to neglect. The next leading reasons for removal were drug-abusing parents, the caretaker’s inability to cope, physical abuse, and housing.

Of the 201,372 exiting foster care, 46% were reunified with parents or primary caretakers, and 27% were adopted.

Five Steps to Becoming a Loving Adoptive Parent

• Assess Readiness: Reflect on your emotional and financial preparedness. Adoption is a lifelong commitment that requires stability and a nurturing environment. Check out AdoptUSKids for more information.
• Research Requirements: Visit official government websites like the Child Welfare Information Gateway for adoption criteria, processes, and assistance.
• Build a Support System: Join adoption support groups and networks. Engaging with experienced adoptive parents provides guidance and emotional support throughout the journey.
• Educate and Consult: Learn about the psychological aspects of adoption and consult relevant professionals.
• Practice Love and Patience: Love children for who they are. Be patient as they adjust. And support their growth unconditionally.

Brief Timeline of National Adoption Month

National Adoption Month Themes and Hashtags

• #NationalAdoptionMonth
• #AdoptionAwareness
• #AdoptionJourney
• #ForeverFamily

Conclusion

Every child deserves a safe and loving home. National Adoption Month clarifies the adoption process for prospective families and provides a pathway for children in foster care to find forever families.

Let us engage our community and elected officials in discussions while supporting organizations dedicated to improving the lives of young people who need loving homes.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)