November is National Adoption month! We use this month to honor families who have adopted and raise awareness about the urgent need for adoptive families for children and youth in foster care.
When reunification is not possible and an alternative plan is required, adoption is one way to achieve permanency. Right now there are hundreds of children and youth waiting to be adopted from foster care in North Carolina.
This year North Carolina families are especially encouraged to share their hearts and homes with older youth who are waiting to be adopted and at risk of aging out of foster care.
How can you encourage others to learn about adoption?
- Ask your local department of social services how you can help
- Participate in local and state events celebrating adoption
- Share books, articles, blogs, and other materials related to adoption
- Spread awareness through social media—for example, post videos about adoption or information about orientations for people interested in adoption
- Watch adoption-related movies with family, friends, and others
- Give money to or volunteer for organizations that support adoptions
- Send letters to attorneys, child welfare workers, judges, resource parents, and others thanking them for being involved in the adoption process
- Retell your child’s adoption story to them and celebrate their heritage
