Texas Celebrates National Adoption Month
In the State of Texas, there are over 6,000 children that are waiting for their forever home. Adoption is a huge decision that comes with a lot of responsibility but the lives that are changed for both the individuals doing the adoption and the children that are being brought into a loving family make it all worth it.
The Month of November is National Adoption Month across the United States and the state of Texas takes it one step further with its Adoption Day that always falls on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This month and day are created to raise awareness for the thousands of children in the foster care system who are waiting for adoption by a loving family.
In this article, Alison Grant, Attorney at Law goes into what National Adoption Month and Day is, how you and your family can celebrate and support the cause, and what you need to know if your family is considering adoption.
What Is National Adoption Month?
National Adoption Month was created to spread awareness about adoption, encourage adoption-related events, and acknowledge those in our country whose lives have been impacted by adoption. This month-long celebration recognizes both the families that have grown through adoption while also spreading awareness about the children who are still waiting for their forever homes.
How Did National Adoption Month Get Started?
Governor Mike Dukakis of Massachusetts proclaimed the first week of November as “Adoption Week” in 1976 to promote the need for more families to step up and adopt as there were a large number of children in the foster care system. Adoption Week was such a success that in 1984 President Gerald R. Ford made the Adoption Week a national event.
By 1998, the week had become so successful and highly recognized that there were too many adoption events to fit into the seven days. President Bill Clinton remedied this issue by extending the event from a week into National Adoption Month.
National Adoption Month in Texas
National Adoption Month sees individuals, families, businesses, private and public organizations, and communities across the state of Texas participating in this month-long celebration. Events, both large and small scale, can be found all across the state, encouraging volunteer recruitment into the Foster Care program and fundraising drives to gather more support for these children and families looking to adopt.
Here are the list of National Adoption Day Events across the State of Texas:
- Harris County TX National Adoption Day – November 10th, 2023
- National Adoption Day Celebration in Lubbock, TX – November 17th, 2023
- 20th Anniversary GCADF National Adoption Day Event – November 18th, 2023
What Is Adoption Day in Texas?
Adoption Day is a collective effort of all the courts in the State of Texas to finalize pending adoptions before Thanksgiving. Typically, the adoption day falls on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, which allows families waiting to hear back on their pending adoption the ability to be an official family before the holiday season starts. However, some countries celebrate Adoption Day earlier.
Those in the Lewisville, Texas area would be participating in the Denton County National Adoption Day. Adoption day is on Friday, November 3rd, 2023. On this day, once the adoptions are finalized, the families are honored in celebration with courthouse workers, local attorneys, and other community leaders/organizations.
How Can My Family Participate in National Adoption Month?
Whether you are looking to adopt a child or are looking to support the cause, anyone can be part of the National Adoption Month celebrations. If you are interested in being involved, you can take the following actions:
- Share information with family and friends about the National Adoption Month
- Attend National Adoption Month Events in your community
- Donate money to an adoption or foster care agency
- Volunteer your time with an adoption or foster care organization
What If I Am Considering Adoption?
If you are considering adopting a child but are still on the fence about whether it is right for you and your family, there are a few actions you can take:
- Reach out to a family you know who has adopted or fostered a child to learn more about their experience.
- Attend an adoption month activity in your area
- Join a support group for potential adoptive parents
- Check out the Archibald Project to learn more about adoption and how these kids’ stories are changing the world
- Sign up for adoption newsletters or magazines
Adoption Attorney in Lewisville, Texas
Alison Grant Attorney at Law is dedicated to helping families through the adoption process. We know the laws around adoption can be confusing and create anxiety for the families involved. Alison Grant takes the time to explain each step of the process ensuring that both the families and the adoptee are comfortable every step of the way. We also establish safeguards to protect the children involved and respond to biological or surrogate parents who may be petitioning for the rights of the child. Our team helps with the following types of adoptions:
- Relative Adoptions
- Step-Parent Adoptions
- Infant Adoptions
- Foster Child Adoptions
- State Adoptions
Contact Alison Grant Attorney at Law for more information on our family law and adoption attorney services. We look forward to scheduling a consultation to go over the facts of your case and help complete your family! Together, we can all make a difference this National Adoption Awareness Month.