With 1 in 25 families with children that have been adopted, it might not be surprising that about one-third of adults have seriously considered adoption. Someone you know might come to mind — perhaps someone in your congregation, a family member or a friend affected by adoption.

November is National Adoption Month, giving us multiple opportunities to reflect, celebrate, and learn. While all adoption-related issues are important, this month’s particular focus is the adoption of children currently in foster care.

Children in foster care are often overlooked for adoption for two primary reasons. First, many people don’t know about the need for both traditional foster parents and adoptive parents for children in foster care.

Second, there is a stigma surrounding the types of behaviors and children who are in the foster care system. This stigma can be complicated by the media’s focus on extreme cases. Interestingly, National Adoption Month has its roots in promoting adoption through foster care, not adoption in general.

The special month began in 1976 when Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis proclaimed the first Adoption Week to promote awareness of the need for adoptive families for children in foster care. The idea spread, and in 1984, President Ronald Reagan recognized the first National Adoption Week at the federal level.

Then, in 1995, President Bill Clinton expanded the observance to the entire month of November, officially establishing National Adoption Month to raise awareness about the thousands of children in the U.S. foster care system who are waiting for adoptive families. Today, there are more than 100,000 children in foster care waiting for adoptive families.

 

Among those in the foster care system, two-thirds are groups of siblings who would do best if adopted together, and 20% are children between 13-17 years old. While many children in the foster care system reunite with their families or are adopted, a significant number exit foster care without a permanent family. 

In 2019, 8% of children in foster care aged out of the system without reunifying with their families or being adopted. This outcome leaves over 23,000 youth annually without access to essential state-provided resources such as housing, food and transportation, not to mention permanent family support throughout their lifetime.

Having a permanent family prevents dreadful odds that are stacked against children who age out of the system. When children age out of the system, 20% become homeless the day they age out. Only half who age out have some sort of gainful employment by age 24, and 20% are incarcerated by the time they turn 21. 

We can prevent these statistics by giving children the best environment for stability and a full life with a forever family. This month, you and your church have several opportunities to expand awareness of the needs of these children in your communities. 

In some religious traditions, the second Sunday of November is recognized as Orphan Sunday. This day was first recognized in 2002 at a church in Kalingalinga, Zambia. 

Despite their struggles with poverty, the congregation came together to support local orphans by offering food, clothes and other personal items. Similar observances are Stand Sunday and Pure Religion Sunday.

The event inspired Gary Schneider, an American missionary, to bring the concept to the U.S., eventually leading to global observance. In an episode of my Forgotten Adoption Option podcast, I spoke about Gary’s heart and the global orphan crisis. Gary’s work through the Orphan Sunday movement ignited my family’s adoption story.

In 2013, the church my husband and I attended hosted a Heart Cry Expo, held throughout Orphan Sunday weekend. The event included booths from several local adoption agencies. One of those booths was hosted by a local agency that eventually licensed my husband and me to adopt through foster care.

Had it not been for our church celebrating ”Orphan Sunday,” I am not sure when we would have learned how to adopt older children in the United States. In addition to Orphan Sunday, World Adoption Day occurs annually on November 9 and invites adoptive families to share their stories. One key activity involves participants drawing a smiley face on their hand, sharing photos on social media and using the hashtag #WorldAdoptionDay to spark conversations and build community around the power of adoption.

In the U.S., National Adoption Day is held annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. On this day, courts and organizations in more than 400 communities across the country open their doors on or around Thanksgiving to finalize and celebrate adoptions from foster care.

National Adoption Day, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, aims to give children a permanent family before the holiday season. To date, National Adoption Day has recognized more than 75,000 children moving from foster care to a permanent family.

There are other ways you can be involved in the issue of adoption: 

  • Incorporate Adoption Awareness in Church Services: During sermons or announcements, share the need for permanent, loving families. Consider aligning your message with observances like Orphan Sunday, Stand Sunday, or Pure Religion Sunday to inspire reflection and action within your congregation.
  • Use Your Voice to Advocate on Social Media: Share stories, facts, and encouraging messages about adoption to help reduce stigma and spread awareness. Publicly celebrating adoptive families can foster positive conversations and inspire others to explore adoption.
  • Build a Supportive Community for Foster Families: Create networks within your church or community to provide emotional and practical support for foster and adoptive families. This can include meal trains, child care assistance, or small acts of kindness to show these families they are not alone.
  • Imagine the Difference One Year Can Make: What if every adult equipped with the knowledge and support to adopt stepped forward? Picture the life-changing impact of more children finding permanent families, living with stability, and having the chance to thrive.

 

 

 

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