Delaware Celebrates National Adoption Month

Annual event honors families adopting, family service workers and advocates

DOVER - On Saturday, November 23rd, the State of Delaware came together to celebrate National Adoption Month at an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of adoption and honoring the families and professionals who make it possible. Hosted by the Division of Family Services (DFS) and the Interagency Committee on Adoption (IACOA), a partnership among Delaware's child welfare agencies, the event highlighted the loving families who welcomed children into their lives and recognized those who work to ensure every child finds a safe and permanent home.

"We are grateful to the caseworkers, legal professionals, and community partners whose dedication makes this possible and congratulate the families on this important milestone. Your love and commitment open a world of opportunities for these incredible children," said Alison McGonigal, DSCYF Deputy Secretary.

IACOA Co-Chairs Celeste Bishop, Permanency Specialist, A Better Chance for Our Children and Lauren Reid, Family Service Specialist, Division of Family Services, spoke about the significance of the day. "It is an honor to be part of this celebration," said Bishop. "National Adoption Day is a time to bring awareness to adoption from foster care and celebrate families who provide love and support to children. Every child deserves a family to cheer them on during good times, lift them up during challenges, and offer the unconditional acceptance needed to thrive."

Reid added, "The child welfare field can sometimes be challenging, but days like today remind us why we do this work. In a world that can sometimes feel harsh, these families exemplify kindness, love and compassion, leaving a lasting and powerful impact."

The event, held at the Delaware Agricultural Museum, brought together representatives from Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long's office, the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF), the Division of Family Services, and IACOA members. It featured two heartfelt adoption ceremonies and honored more than 70 families who expanded their homes through adoption this year.

Delaware Family Court Judges Eliza Hirst and Mardi Pyott had the honor of finalizing adoptions for two families in front of an audience of family, friends, advocates, and social workers.

On behalf of Governor Carney and Lt. Governor Hall-Long, Jen Rini, Communications Director for the Lt. Governor's Office, presented a proclamation declaring November 2024 National Adoption Month.

In video messages shared during the event, Governor John Carney and Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long commended the families and child advocates who embody the spirit of adoption.

"We celebrate and congratulate the families finalizing adoptions today, and all families who have opened their hearts and homes through adoption, providing unconditional care and safety for Delaware's children," said Governor Carney. "Your commitment inspires us all, and I encourage more families to consider the profound impact they can make by considering adoption."

Lt. Governor Hall-Long echoed this sentiment, "National Adoption Day is a celebration of the future and family. I want to thank the officials from the courts, the countless advocates, and Delaware Children's Department for celebrating this momentous occasion here in the First State. Your tireless work supports our most vulnerable. I hope we continue to grow the number of families who are making a difference in the lives of foster children across the state."

The event also emphasized the ongoing need to connect children with adoptive families and provide post-adoption support.

Division of Family Services Director, Trenee Parker, also shared her congratulations and gratitude to the families and community partners and assured the families that our support extends beyond today's event. "We are proud to offer free, statewide post-adoption support services for all families who have adopted, ensuring that every family has the resources and support they need to thrive. Our services include support groups for parents and teens, individualized family supports, specialized training, therapy services, and more. We want all families to know they are not alone."

For more information about adoption and free post-adoption resources in Delaware, visit kids.delaware.gov/family-services/adoption/, call 302-633-2658 or email [email protected].

To learn about children in Delaware seeking adoptive families, visit https://kids.delaware.gov/family-services/heartgallery/.

For those unable to attend, a recording of the event is available here: Delaware's National Adoption Day celebration.

About DSCYF
The Delaware Children's Department provides services to children who have been abused, neglected, are dependent, have mental health or substance use disorders, and/or have been adjudicated delinquent by the Courts, as well as prevention services targeted toward all youth. It has four divisions: Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services, Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services, Division of Family Services and Division of Management Support Services. For more information, please visit www.kids.delaware.gov.

Media contact:
Karen Smith
Communications Director
[email protected]
cell: 302-505-6090

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