Thanksgiving is not the only holiday during the month of November. All 50 states across America celebrate National Adoption Month in November of each year.
The month also includes National Adoption Day on the Saturday before Thanksgiving to promote adoptions of foster care children across the country.
Adoption Statistics
Almost 450,000 children are currently in foster care across the United States. Over 100,000 of these children are looking for a permanent adoptive family. Statistics from sponsors of national adoption day show that it generally takes up to three years for a family to adopt one of these children; over 20,000 children leave foster care each year at age 18 without ever being adopted.
The events in November aim to increase the number of foster care children moving into their forever homes. For these children, this month can change the rest of their lives.
National Adoption Day
According to the National Adoption Day partners, the event has been responsible for almost 70,000 adoptions of foster care children across the United States since it began in 2000. Arizona has been a part of the day since the beginning.
The Arizona Department of Child Safety reported that almost 1,500 foster care children in Arizona were looking for permanent homes as of earlier this summer. This year, the Maricopa County Juvenile Court in Arizona finalized 180 adoptions for children in the state on National Adoption Day. The court estimated around 85 percent of the adoptions were for children in foster care; the remaining adoptions were private.
Choosing to adopt a child is one of the most selfless and rewarding decisions someone can make. However, it is a complicated process with a lot on the line. If you are considering adoption, consider speaking to a family law attorney to help you through the process.