November is National Adoption Month

Mesa County Department of Human Services (MCDHS) joins all 64 Colorado counties to recognize National Adoption Month every year in November. This year, National Adoption Month will raise awareness about the importance of building lifelong support systems for youth experiencing foster care and connecting youth with adoptive families that honor their background including their race, culture and ethnicity. This year’s theme, "Honoring Youth: Strengthening Pathways for Lasting Bonds," highlights the importance of helping youth identify and nurture those relationships.

While approximately three out of five children in foster care will return to their biological parents, others require an alternate permanency outcome if the Court determines they are unable to return home. There are currently more than 109,000 children and youth in the U.S. foster care system who are awaiting permanent, loving families. Adoption Month is an effort to raise awareness about the adoption of children from foster care and to honor those families who have opened their hearts and homes to these children.

In Mesa County, there are about 12 children in need of a permanent home who are currently awaiting adoption through MCDHS. These children may have developmental, medical or other special needs. They may also be part of a sibling group or have ethnically diverse backgrounds.

“Adoption is a life-changing journey that not only provides youth with a stable and loving home, but also brings new joy, growth and meaning to the families who welcome them.” says MCDHS Adoption Team Supervisor Kim Espindola. “National Adoption month is also a time to recognize and appreciate adoptive families and the supportive networks that make it possible for youth in foster care to thrive.”

For more information regarding adoption services provided through MCDHS, please call 970- 609-KIDZ (5439) or visit our website at www.FosterAdoptMesaCounty.org.