Adoption Awareness Month Proclamation

Adoption Services

There are situations where the court places children outside of their home and in the custody of the Department of Social Services. Some children are not able to return home because of their parents’ circumstances, and the court orders adoptive custody with the Department.

Sometimes it can be challenging to match children with an adoptive family due to their individual needs such as age, physical or emotional condition, mental disability or as the result of being a part of a sibling group.  The goal of adoption is to provide a child with a “forever family,” which could be a relative or a non- related family.

The Department must follow a number of laws when selecting an adoptive family for a child.  These include:

• Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)
• Relative Preference Statute
• Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA)
• Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-351)

Celebrate National Adoption Month by learning more, getting involved, and helping to create loving homes for children in need.

As part of National Adoption Month, two webinars will be held on November 19th.  These virtual sessions are free and open to the public, they will provide an opportunity to learn more about the adoption processes and the supports available for families that adopt. To participate in the events, join the Zoom links at the scheduled times.

Navigating Adoption Options:  12:00 PM – 12:45 PM (CST) | Zoom link
DSS is collaborating with several licensed private adoption agencies to provide an overview of their adoption programs, while the Department of Social Services will present information on adopting youth from foster care. The information provided in this webinar will assist families to determine which adoption program can best meet their needs.

Post Adoption Program Overview: 1:00 – 1:45 PM (CST) | Zoom link
DSS in partnership with Lutheran Social Services, will provide an overview of post adoption services for families who have adopted through the foster care system. Adoptive families can learn about accessing adoption support and will be provided with resources to assist in meeting the child and family’s needs in areas such as emotional and mental health support, education, training, family activities and events, networking opportunities, resource referral services, crisis support, follow-up services, and advocacy and awareness. By having access to ongoing support, adoptive families can better navigate the complexities of adoption and foster a nurturing environment for their family.