November is National Family Caregivers Month and National Adoption Month

National Family Caregivers Month – celebrated each November – is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. Celebrating family caregivers during NFC month enables all of us to raise awareness of family caregiver issues, celebrate the efforts of family caregivers, increase support for family caregivers and promote family caregiver pride. This year’s theme is #CaregiverAnd, which honors caregivers who have other responsibilities outside of caregiving. This theme encourages family caregivers to celebrate their identities and passions that enrich their lives. All month long, DHS will focus on tips and tools to help families cope with challenges that may arise during emergencies and/or changes of circumstances.

We will also join thousands across the world in celebrating National Adoption Month this November. The history of National Adoption Month dates back to 1976 when Massachusetts Governor Mike Dukakis announced the first Adoption Week. Governor Dukakis' idea grew in popularity and quickly spread nationwide. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Adoption Week, and in 1995, under President Bill Clinton, the week was expanded to the entire month of November. We make significant efforts to raise awareness about the urgent need for adoptive families for children and older youth in foster care during this month. The 2021 theme, “Every Conversation Matters,” will highlight resources to help professionals integrate the youth voice in shaping child welfare and adoption processes and policies. By sharing the perspectives of youth who have experiences with foster care and adoption, National Adoption Month aims to empower communities to involve youth in planning for their future and to consider all their options when finding permanent loving families.