Columbus, OH -- November is National Adoption Month, and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) Director Kara B. Wente are calling on the community to work together to ensure that every young person waiting for adoption can find a permanent, loving family.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stable, and loving family,” said Governor DeWine. “During National Adoption Month, we recognize the incredible Ohio families who have opened their hearts and homes to adopt, and we encourage more Ohioans to consider adoption as a way to make a lasting difference in the life of a child.”

Watch the Governor’s video about Adoption Month

“As someone who was adopted, I know firsthand the life-changing impact a loving family can have,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “During National Adoption Month, I encourage everyone to consider the gift of adoption – it’s a chance to provide a child with a stable, supportive home and a lifelong family connection. Adopting isn’t just about changing a child’s life; it’s about creating a future filled with love and opportunity.”

Right now, in Ohio, more than 14,000 Ohio children are in foster homes or other out-of-home placements. More than 3,000 children and youth in foster care are waiting to be adopted. Half of these children are ages 13–17, a group that often faces the greatest challenges in finding permanent homes. Nationally, the average time in care for all children waiting to be adopted is 34.9 months – nearly three years – underscoring the urgency of finding stable, loving homes for these children.

"Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted designated November as Adoption Month in Ohio because it is essential that we draw attention to the role we play in ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to grow and thrive in a loving and supportive environment,” said Director Wente. “This year’s theme, ‘Honoring Youth: Strengthening Pathways for Lasting Bonds,’ reminds us that kids are never too old to benefit from permanent, lifelong relationships and meaningful connections to supportive adults to reach their full potential."

Adoption Month Proclamation

Ohio’s adoption website, FosterAndAdopt.ohio.gov, is full of resources for current adoptive families, as well as families who want to learn more about foster care and adoption. This includes information about adoption costs, adoptive parent training, building a support system, and choosing an adoption agency. Profiles of older youth in need of permanent families can be found at FosterAndAdopt.ohio.gov/profiles.

About National Adoption Month
The Children's Bureau's National Adoption Month campaign seeks to increase awareness of adoption, bring attention to the need for adoptive families for teens experiencing the U.S. foster care system, and emphasize the value of lifelong connections. Learn more by visiting: National Adoption Month | Child Welfare Information Gateway.