INDIANA – Gov. Mike Braun today signed a proclamation recognizing Adoption Month in Indiana alongside families created through adoption. This signing advances the Governor’s Family First agenda priority, which includes helping parents secure affordable childcare and expanding New Parent Leave for state employees.
“Creating a family through adoption is a life-changing act that has a lasting impact on the kids who are adopted, the families they become a part of, and the communities they join,” said Governor Braun. “We know children raised in stable, loving homes have better outcomes. I want to thank the Hoosier families who have opened their hearts and homes to children in need, giving them a strong foundation to grow and reach their full potential.”
To kick off the month, Gov. Braun invited the Carman family, who were created through adoption, to the Statehouse to witness the signing of the official proclamation recognizing National Adoption Month in Indiana. Attending the ceremonial signing with the families were Health and Family Services Secretary Dr. Gloria Sachdev, DCS Director Jennifer Dorfmeyer, and other members of the DCS leadership team.
In the last two years, Gov. Braun has taken several significant actions to help Hoosier families thrive. In May, the Governor expanded New Parent Leave for state employees to include foster parents, ensuring they, along with adoptive and biological parents, have time to bond and care for a new child. Gov. Braun expanded paid leave for state employees recovering from childbirth, removed the previous six-month waiting period to access new parent leave, and guaranteed support for families facing the loss of a child late in pregnancy. The Governor also expanded Employer Child Care Expenditure Credits and made a historic $200 million investment in affordable childcare for working families that has resulted in a 78% decrease in the waitlist for Child Care and Development Fund vouchers.
“As an adoptive parent, I know how special this month is,” said DCS Director Dorfmeyer. “At DCS, we are committed to making sure every child in Indiana thrives in a safe, loving, forever home. We encourage families who are able to provide children with supportive and loving homes to consider adoption.”
Currently, approximately 240 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 to 13 years old. Often, older youth, sibling groups, and children with high-acuity needs spend more time awaiting placement.
DCS continues to make timely permanency a top goal. During this month and throughout the year, DCS will share resources and support available to help families feel more prepared to adopt. DCS also encourages others to share resources and information, as Indiana children need loving, supportive homes – not just during Adoption Month – but every month.
For more information about adopting and to view all of Indiana’s waiting children, click here.
