Gov. Braun, DCS celebrate adoptive families and raise awareness for National Adoption Month

During the month of November, the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS), in partnership with the Indiana Adoption Program and Firefly Children and Family Alliance, are celebrating adoptive families and raising awareness for National Adoption Month. 

To kick off the month, Gov. Braun invited three adoptive families to the Statehouse to witness the signing of the official proclamation recognizing National Adoption Month in Indiana. Attending the ceremonial signing with the three adoptive families were DCS Director Adam Krupp and other DCS staff members. To view the proclamation, click here. For photos of the event, click here. 

"Family is at the heart of our Hoosier values. Adoption reflects the very best of those values: compassion, generosity, and the warmth to welcome a new member into your home," said Gov. Braun. "The State of Indiana recognizes how deeply important adoption—and family—are. It is my honor to sign this proclamation reaffirming our state’s commitment to building and supporting strong families and to wholeheartedly celebrate all those who have grown through adoption.”

Last year, 1,568 children were adopted. At the end of September this year, 1,278 children have already been adopted, with more children expected to be adopted during this special month.  

“Our shared vision at DCS is to make sure every child in Indiana thrives in a safe, loving, forever home,” said DCS Director Krupp. “This month, and every month, we encourage families who are able to provide children with supportive and loving homes to consider adoption.”

Currently, more than 190 Hoosier children in DCS care are currently waiting for placement in an adoptive home. The average age of children waiting for placement in an adoptive home is 12. Often, older youth, sibling groups and children with high-acuity needs spend more time awaiting placement.

To celebrate National Adoption Month, DCS and its partners will highlight children waiting to find their forever homes and stories of those who already have. DCS will also share photos and videos from adoption events around the state on Instagram, X and LinkedIn . During this month and throughout the year, DCS will share resources and support available to help families feel more prepared to adopt.

For more information about adopting and to view all of Indiana’s waiting children, click here.