Indiana DCS raises awareness during National Adoption Month

INDIANA – The Indiana Adoption Program, the Indiana Department of Child Services, and the Indiana Supreme Court are working together to share stories of children who have found permanent, loving homes across Indiana.

Each November, in celebration of National Adoption Month, these agencies collaborate to spread the word about children waiting to find their forever families and share success stories of those who already have. This year, DCS will share photos and videos from adoption events around the state on the Stories of DCS website.

Terry Stigdon

“November is an exciting and important month for us,” DCS Director Terry Stigdon said. “We take this opportunity to not only say thank you to those who support Hoosier children by providing a safe, stable, and, most importantly, permanent home, but to also raise awareness of the children out there still waiting to find their forever family.”

Rebecca will never forget the first time she met Winter, then a 15-year-old in foster care. Winter won’t forget it, either. The two bonded immediately, and while it took a year before they’d see each other again, they are finally about to become family. Winter is one of just six kids in the Thornton home now, and she and her soon-to-be-brother, Ian, are nearing adoption day! Read the story of their family here.

More than 1,200 children are legally available for adoption in Indiana. While National Adoption Day on Nov. 20 is a special occasion for all concerned, every adoption throughout the month – and year – is equally meaningful and rewarding. To help share the joy of adoptions, the Indiana Supreme Court signed an order in September 2020 granting permanent authorization to broadcast uncontested adoption proceedings.

Loretta Rush

“The Supreme Court allows cameras in court for adoption proceedings in order to share the special moment with the community and showcase the positive role of courts in helping families unite,” Chief Justice Loretta Rush said. “Adoption proceedings are the happiest day in court for the children, families, caseworkers, and for the judges who are overjoyed for the newly minted families.”

For more information about adoption and profiles of some of Indiana’s waiting children, click here.