November is National Adoption Month. Celebrating this month is one way to increase and spread awareness on adoption-related issues. Regardless of age, all children and youth deserve to have support and a loving home. Adoption is one positive permanency outcome which can provide stability and a feeling of safety for children and youth in foster care.

According to the federal Children’s Bureau, older youth in foster care are less likely to be adopted, more likely to turn 18 while in foster care, and are at increased risk of entering adulthood without necessary supports. This year, the Children’s Bureau aims to focus attention on older youth through its “Small Steps Open Doors” campaign. The first step in pursuing adoption for older youth is to engage the youth at every step of the process. The voices of youth with lived experience can help guide child welfare professionals and offer valuable perspectives about what youth want for their lives.

To locate more information on adoption and events in your region, please visit the Department of Family & Protective Services Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE) TARE website.

Additional resources to assist judges and lawyers:

• Administration of Children & Families – National Adoption Month 2022 - Adoption Resources compiles helpful links and resources for building relationships, youth engagement, and promoting permanency.
• American Bar Association and Annie E. Casey Foundation – Brain Frames: How Attorneys Can Engage Youth in Case Planning and Court Hearings includes tips for the legal community to keep youth engaged in case planning and court hearings.
• Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare – CW360º Permanency & Transitions to Adulthood contains a special focused article on Post Adoption Support for Families (page 18).
• Children’s Bureau – #AskYouthChallenge provides tips for professionals about talking to youth and social media templates.
• Texas CASA – 5 Things You Should Know About Adoption & Foster Care provides information about what adoption looks like in the foster care system.
• Texas DFPS CPS Handbook – Adoption Preparation and Support Services and Post Adoption Services provides information about preparing for adoption and agency supports both before and after adoption.