National Adoption Awareness Month, observed each year in November, focuses on the need to adopt children and give them forever homes. While all adoption-related issues are important, the particular focus of this month in November is the adoption of children currently in foster care.

National Adoption Awareness Month activities and celebrations are kicked off with a Presidential Proclamation. While efforts made at the national level help build awareness of adoption, participation in local programs, events, and activities by those with a direct connection to adoption can often be the most effective way to promote positive perceptions, debunk myths, and draw attention to the tens of thousands of children in foster care who wait and hope for permanent families.

The history of National Adoption Month dates back to 1976 when Massachusetts Governor Mike Dukakis announced the first Adoption Week. Governor Dukakis’ idea grew in popularity and quickly spread nationwide. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Adoption Week, and in 1995, under President Bill Clinton, the week was expanded to the entire month of November.