Each November, Adoption Awareness Month is observed nationwide to increase understanding of adoption and celebrate families who open their homes to children in need. It is a time to recognize that adoption touches countless lives. Whether through private, international, or family adoption, we celebrate all who have been part of the adoption journey and honor every family formed through adoption.
This month, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is highlighting the importance of finding permanent, loving homes for children who cannot safely remain with their biological parents and thanking the families who make adoption possible.
Gov. Kelly Armstrong has issued a proclamation recognizing Adoption Awareness Month in North Dakota, underscoring the state’s commitment to supporting adoption.
Public agency adoptions in North Dakota have increased 33.9% from 2024 to 2025, following an adoption redesign initiative launched in February 2024 to streamline the process. The redesign reduced paperwork, eliminated background check fees, shortened training for relative adopters and cut the average assessment time by 23 days.
Even greater progress has been seen among North Dakota’s tribal partners, where adoptions of children in their custody have risen 53.2% in the past year. “Although the tribes follow the same federal mandates as the zones, the redesign has strengthened communication and collaboration between Adults Adopting Special Kids (AASK) and the tribes,” said HHS Adoption Services Administrator Julie Hoffman. “That coordination is helping more children find permanent homes faster.”
Today, there are no public agency adoption waitlists anywhere in the state. AASK now accepts direct referrals from both the human service zones and the tribes, building stronger partnerships statewide.
Communities across North Dakota are celebrating the month with billboards, local displays, giveaways, and red ribbons on the Capitol grounds. Local photographers are also capturing portraits of newly adopted families, and a National Adoption Day celebration will be held Nov. 22.
For more information about adoption efforts in North Dakota, visit hhs.nd.gov/cfs/adoption-program.
To read the story of a family in North Dakota who has fostered 40 children and adopted four, visit www.hhs.nd.gov/news/voices-impact/alexa-lajimodiere.
Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect
HHS reminds individuals that if they suspect a child in North Dakota is being abused or neglected, they should call the statewide toll-free Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting Line at (833) 958-3500. If it’s an emergency and a child is in immediate danger, call 911.