November 01, 2018

National Adoption Month 2018

It’s November, and that means National Adoption Month is here!

We love this month. A nationwide effort to bring more awareness and advocacy to adoption, each year National Adoption Month picks a theme that highlights an issue in the adoption world. In spreading awareness about this theme, it also helps provide solutions to help support those most affected.

This year the theme is: “In Their Own Words: Lifting Up Youth Voices.” This one is especially important because it focuses on a devastating reality for those in the foster care system — it’s much harder for teens in foster care to find families willing to adopt them. As a result, many age out of the system at 18 with no resources, no support, no foundation. It’s a fundamental child welfare issue, one also riddled with stereotypes and misconceptions.

One of the most beautiful aspects of this year’s initiative is that it’s about so much more than just discussing the problem. Children in the foster care system are largely voiceless, subject to the whims of an overflowing industry that rarely has the resources to provide them with the support, guidance, and material possessions they need to feel safe and secure. So this year, National Adoption Month wants to give those individuals a voice, and to share their story. Hearing from those who have actually experienced the foster care system has the power to make a huge difference in how we perceive that system, and the kids within it.

We’ll be sharing thoughts and information all month long about how you can participate, but to start, you can get out the word that it’s National Adoption Month! It’s an initiative those of us in the adoption world know and love, but if you don’t have much experience with adoption, you may have no clue it exists.

The Child Welfare Information Gateway, which sponsors National Adoption Month, has shared some excellent ways to spread the word:

Not only can you raise awareness through email, but you can spread the word every time you send an email with informative email signatures that share information and a link. All you have to do is add the signature to your email settings, and you’re good to go.

Want to reach out to your social media network? Here’s some great content you can share on Facebook and Twitter.

More information to come!