Arizona Recognizes Adoption Awareness Month

By on November 21, 2022 0 136Views

Governor Doug Ducey has proclaimed November 2022 to be Adoption Awareness Month in Arizona to highlight the importance of connecting children with loving families and to raise awareness of the organizations that support children in out-of-home care.

“Every child deserves a safe and loving home with a permanent family,” said Governor Ducey. “It takes the collaboration of public, charitable, faith-based and business communities to expand opportunities for families and youth. This Adoption Awareness Month, we are highlighting resources like the Children’s Heart Gallery to further our commitment to helping children in out-of-home care connect with a safe and loving family. We’re dedicated to serving Ariozna’s children and families. My thanks to the Arizona Department of Child Safety and organization who have helped countless kids in need.”

Arizona has connected nearly 27,000 children to a safe, permanent and loving home through adoptions. The state is a leader in helping to ensure better outcomes for Arizona children and families. Since 2016, the number of children in foster care has declined 30 percent – all while maintaining safety as the number one priority. The state has also safely reunified nearly 45,000 children with their biological parents.

“We value adoptive families’ service throughout the year, but National Adoption Month is an opportunity to commend their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on children’s lives,” said DCS Director Mike Faust. “It also gives us the opportunity to call attention to the ongoing need to recruit adoptive parents and to encourage anyone interested in adopting or fostering a child to contact DCS to learn more about the process.”

This year, Governor Ducey signed legislation to keep more families together, raising the kinship family stipend. Grandparents and close relatives raising children in kinship care will get a boost in their monthly stipend, providing much needed support to these selfless caregivers.

The bill pairs with another that allowed the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) to create a swift pathway to licensure for kin. Caregivers who are licensed will have the same level of financial support as foster care providers.