ND communities join efforts to raise awareness about the importance of adoption during November

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is excited to announce that court staff, child welfare professionals and families are coming together in three North Dakota communities to finalize the adoptions of over 30 children in celebration of National Adoption Day on Nov. 23.

"We are thrilled about the number of adoptions that will occur on this year's National Adoption Day," HHS Children and Family Services Director Cory Pedersen said. "All children and teens deserve to permanently be part of a family that provides unconditional love, security and support. Adoption awareness aligns with HHS' strategic priority of supporting the advancement of strong, stable, healthy families and communities."

Coinciding with National Adoption Day, November is also a time to celebrate adoptive families who welcome children and teens into stable and loving families, and child welfare professionals and child-serving organizations that ensure North Dakota's children are thriving in safe and nurturing environments in recognition of National Adoption Awareness Month.

Last year, 245 children from foster care were adopted. Additional adoptions of infants, internationally born children and children being adopted by their stepparents also occurred.

North Dakota families who adopt can get support from the ND Post Adopt Network, an Adults Adopting Special Kids (AASK) program service. The ND Post Adopt Network, which served 630 families during the 2024 state fiscal year, is a support system that offers a wide variety of services including crisis response, mentoring, in-person and online support groups, activities for parents and children, family camps and retreats, and more.

In addition to raising awareness about adoption, the month is also a time to recognize the important role that supportive and committed relationships serve for helping children and older teens prepare and succeed as they enter adulthood.

Several communities throughout North Dakota are hosting events and raising awareness during National Adoption Awareness Month and National Adoption Day. Events and efforts include photoshoots for adoptive families, promotional materials at local establishments, billboard advertisements and more.

For more information about adoption in North Dakota, visit hhs.nd.gov/adoption-program.