Governor Doug Ducey Proclaims November “Arizona Adoption Month”

Governor Ducey: “Every Child Deserves A Loving, Forever Family”

Governor Doug Ducey has proclaimed November 2016 as Adoption Month in Arizona. The state will be recognizing National Adoption Day events at courts throughout Arizona as over 450 children become part of forever families. Maricopa County’s Superior Court celebrates 285 finalized adoptions, the most of any courthouse in the country for the ninth consecutive year.

“Arizonans owe a debt of gratitude to the families who have opened their hearts and homes to children who, until now, have only hoped and prayed for a forever family to love them,” said Governor Ducey. “This Thanksgiving, these precious children will be celebrating as a permanent member of a real family, and the thanksgiving around each of these tables will be full of joy. We don’t want any child to remain in the foster care system because every child deserves a loving, forever family.”

National Adoption Month also helps raise awareness for over 400,000 children in foster care across the nation, and over 18,000 Arizona children in foster care. These children, through no fault of their own, come into state care as a result of neglect or abuse. With help and support, some can be safely reunified with their families. For many, their greatest hope is that a loving family will embrace them as their own.

“Children suffering from the trauma of abuse, neglect, and detachment deserve a chance to heal and have a safe, forever family,” said Arizona Department of Child Safety Agency Director Gregory McKay. “Every Arizonan should consider children in foster care as their own, finding a creative way to help. Adoption is the biggest leap of faith and brings children stability, hope, and renewal. We are eternally grateful for everyone who helps kids in foster care and proudly acknowledge the courage of those taking the ultimate leap of adoption.”

The Governor’s Office and the Department of Child Safety extend their heartfelt gratitude to the hundreds of selfless families who will step forward this month to welcome children into their homes. The judges, court staff, and community volunteers are also deserving of thanks and recognition for the countless hours spent to help children in the foster system find permanent homes. National Adoption Day will truly be a celebration for children, families, and all Arizonans as precious lives are changed forever.

Information on adoption, fostering, and volunteering to help Arizona’s children in foster care can be found at www.KeepAZKidsSafe.org.