By Cynthia Henderson, PhD, LICSW, LCSW-C
NASW Senior Practice Associate, School Social Work and Child Welfare
November 23rd marks National Adoption Day.
In 1976, Governor Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts decided to celebrate adoption for seven days in his state. Eight years later, President Ronald Regan expanding the observance to becoming National Adoption Week. It was during the Clinton Administration when then President Bill Clinton declared November National Adoption Month.
On November 23, the month’s event culminates with National Adoption Day.
November 23rd is National Adoption Day
This day marks the finalizing of adoptions for families in their local courthouses, according to Adoption and Beyond 2021.
According to statistics from the Adoption Network statistics, about 140,000 children are adopted by American families each year, and around 62 percent of babies in domestic infant adoptions were placed with their adoptive families within a month of birth, according to Gladney Center for Adoptions.
Children are our future. They thrive when their environment is safe, permanent with continuous loving adults and caregivers who actively convey a sense of responsibility, love, and care on a permanent basis. Social Workers who serve these children, train, and update their skills as they develop a uniqueness that supports the child and their “Forever Family” through the challenges of creating a nurturing permanent environment.
This November, Adoption Month resources provides Child Welfare Social Workers and other social workers that work with children, valuable resources for families interested with providing a Forever Place Called Home. Here are some resources:
Strengthening And Inspiring Adoptive, Kinship Families, And the Professionals Who Support Them
Resource for the Spanish Speaking Communities
Explore a new suite of recently translated adoption publications for youth and families.
Adoption: Considering Your Options and Making a Plan
Explore the options around adoption and learn what an adoption plan is and why it matters
Adoption Assistance for Children Adopted from Foster Care
Learn about the available subsidies, financial assistance, and tax credits for families who adopt
Searching for Birth Relatives
Learn tips for a successful search and about potential issues that might come up
Other Spanish translated resource for adoptions can be found by clicking here
Adoption and Guardianship for Children in Kinship Foster Care
You can reach NASW Senior Practice Associate for School Social Work and Child Welfare Dr. Cynthia Henderson, PhD, LICSW, LCSW-C at chenderson.nasw@socialworkers.org
