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Maine DHHS Recognizes Maine Adoptive Families During National Adoption Month [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ] Nov 16, 2023

*AUGUSTA*? The Maine Department of Health and Human Services? (DHHS) Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) is recognizing November as National Adoption Month by highlighting the vital role that adoptive parents play in creating safe and stable homes for Maine children. In 2022, 413 children in Maine were adopted and provided permanency by resource (foster), kin and adoptive parents.

The theme of National Adoption Month this year is ?Empowering Youth: Finding Points of Connection,? which emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities and services that connect youth to their backgrounds to support meaningful permanent relationships. Connecting youth to their roots helps them to build a strong identity.

?During this season of gratitude, we give special thanks to those who open their homes to provide safe and loving families for Maine children,? *said DHHS Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew and OCFS Director Todd Landry*. ?Working with community partners, we?re connecting Maine people who want to adopt with children who will complete their families. We encourage anyone interested in adoption or fostering to take the next step and reach out to A Family for ME to learn more.?

The majority of adoptive families have served as resource families for the children prior to adoption. In 2022, 41 percent of children placed in foster care were placed with kin.

OCFS partners with A Family for ME [ [link removed] ] to recruit new adoptive and resource families. A Family for ME provides prospective parents with information regarding licensing, training, and the process overall, including live information sessions. DHHS also partners with Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine [ [link removed] ] to provide ongoing support and resources for adoptive and resource families, and with Community Health and Counseling to provide liaison services and clinical support for adoptive and foster families.

Those interested in exploring adoption and fostering may contact A Family for ME at (844) 893-6311 or AFamilyforMeMaine.org [ [link removed] ].

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