National Adoption Month was first established by President Clinton in 1995 and many have celebrated it ever since. 

This year, Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted are calling on communities to work together and ensure that every young person waiting for adoption can find permanent, loving families. 

“During National Adoption Month, we recognize the incredible Ohio families who have opened their hearts and homes to adopt, and we encourage more Ohioans to consider adoption as a way to make a lasting difference in the life of a child," said Governor DeWine. 

Information found on the Child Welfare Information Gateway website related to National Adoption Month states that as of September 30, 2022:

  • Nearly 109,000 children were waiting to be adopted. More than 1-in-5 were ages 13 to 17.
  • The average time in foster care for all children waiting to be adopted was 34.9 months. This is just under 3 years. 

“During National Adoption Month, I encourage everyone to consider the gift of adoption – it’s a chance to provide a child with a stable, supportive home and a lifelong family connection. Adopting isn’t just about changing a child’s life; it’s about creating a future filled with love and opportunity," said Lt. Governor Husted. 

For the first event of National Adoption Month, Judge Robert N. Rusu, Jr., Mahoning County Probate Court and Mahoning County Children Services co-hosted the 11th annual Adoption Day Celebration Event Friday, November 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

During this event, attendees met with an Adoptive Family, witnessed a live adoption finalization and learned more about the many children in Mahoning County 'waiting for a forever adoptive family'. The event also featured students from East High School's Junior ROTC Color Guard and other presentations. 

"National Adoption Month is truly a special time for our Agency and community to celebrate past and new adoptions, thank all adoptive families for providing life-long support and connection to the children they adopt and to raise awareness of the great need for more adoptive and foster families for children in our care," explains Jennifer Kollar, Public Information Officer, Mahoning County Children Services. 

Mahoning County Children Services is one of the agencies that finalize the adoptions of children and teens in the Agency's permanent custody. At this time, the Agency is seeking adoptive families for 12 children. 

Additional information about becoming a foster or adoptive parent in Ohio can be found on the Foster, Adoption and Kinship Care page of the Jobs and Family Services Department.