Adoption Awareness Month has taken place every November since 1995 as a way to both raise awareness about the urgent need for adoptive families, as well as honor the people who have made a difference in the lives of children across the country.
How Can I Celebrate Adoption Awareness Month?
“There are many things you can do to not only raise awareness but to celebrate this very important month for all of us who are passionate about adoption and raising awareness about our family’s dynamic,” explains Julia K. Porter, Adoption.com.
- Retell Your Child’s Adoption Story: “It’s important to keep in mind that adoption is not abnormal, nor should discussions about it be stressful for adoptive parents,” says Dr. Kathleen L. Whitten, Ph.D., author, developmental psychologist, and lecturer at Georgia State University. Sharing your story with others is a great way to normalize adoption, dispel any stigmas or myths surrounding adoption, and celebrate the joy adoption has brought into your life.
- Write Thank You Letters: What better way to honor those who have had an impact on your own adoption journey than to write them letters expressing your gratitude? Consider writing thank you letters to people like your adoption counselor, social worker, adoption lawyer, birth parents (if you have contact with them), and really anyone else who positively impacted your adoption.
- Participate in Local Events: A quick Google search can help you find National Adoption Awareness Month events in your area. Participating in these events is a great way to celebrate adoption and show your support for local organizations.
- Support a Local Adoption Agency, Organization, or Charity: “Adoption agencies do a lot more than just help individuals become parents through adoption,” explains Porter. “They also support birth parents through counseling services, they provide educational opportunities for adoptive parents, and they provide resources to adoptees. They even support those who, after considering making an adoption plan, opt to parent and need resources.” There are also adoption organizations and charities that raise funds to help support families and offset the high cost of adoption. You can donate your time or money to help support one of these organizations.
- Post on Social Media: If you are comfortable, you can share snippets about your adoption journey on social media – Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Use the hashtag #NationalAdoptionMonth.
- Celebrate Your Child’s Heritage: “How do white adoptive parents help their children of color thrive?” writes Karen Valby, Time. Transracial adoptees can sometimes struggle with this sense of identity when they don’t look like the rest of their family. This is why it is important to embrace your child’s race and cultural identity and celebrate it. After all, our race and our culture are important parts of our identity as both individuals and as a community. It is important to celebrate your child’s heritage and teach them about their roots. While this can sometimes be difficult for adoptive parents who want nothing more than to just live a “normal” life, it can be incredibly emotionally enriching for your child.
- Celebrate as a Family: Because adoption can be a very personal experience for some, celebrating publicly may be intimidating. After all, adoption is about bringing families together. So, who better to celebrate with than your family? You can retell your child’s adoption journey, look at old pictures, and celebrate your personal adoption journey in a very intimate way.
How do you and your family plan to celebrate Adoption Awareness Month?
Need Someone to Talk to?
Adoption Makes Family, a non-profit (501-C3) licensed adoption agency based in Maryland, is here to help! Our adoption counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience.
24-Hour Hotline 410-683-2100
Adoption Makes Family was founded to meet the needs of birth parents and adoptive parents in a manner that is sensitive, compassionate, and personal. If you would like our advice or just need to talk, please give us a call at any time.
If you have any questions, you can contact us by phone at 410-683-2100, by e-mail at dr.kirschner@adoptionmakesfamily.org or use our online contact form.
Sources
- “Adoption Statistics.” Adoption Network, adoptionnetwork.com/adoption-statistics.
- Doughty, Halen. “DCFS hosts events during Adoption Awareness Month.” Donaldsonville Chief, Donaldsonville Chief, www.donaldsonvillechief.com/news/20171113/dcfs-hosts-events-during-adoption-awareness-month.
- Gates, Gary J., et al. “Adoption and Foster Care by Lesbian and Gay Parents in the United States.” PsycEXTRA Dataset, doi:10.1037/e690872011-001.
- “National Adoption Awareness Month.” Voice for Adoption, 7 Nov. 2017, www.voice-for-adoption.org/whats-new/national-adoption-awareness-month.