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National Adoption Month

This National Adoption Month, join us in spreading awareness and love for families formed through adoption. Let's celebrate the beautiful bonds created through adoption!

Sunday

1–30

November 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of November

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYYouth

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate National Adoption Month throughout the entire month of November! This is a time to honor and recognize those who have been adopted, as well as raise awareness for the thousands of children still waiting for their forever homes. Did you know that National Adoption Month has been celebrated since 1995, when President Bill Clinton declared it a national event? It's a time to celebrate love, family, and the special bonds that come with adoption. So let's spread some joy and positivity this month by celebrating all the amazing families created through adoption.

TIMELINE

National Adoption Month Timeline

Massachusetts Governor's Proclamation

Governor Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts proclaimed a state-wide Adoption Week to promote awareness for children in foster care.

National Adoption Week

President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Adoption Week, expanding promotion of adoption to a national level.

Adoption and Safe Families Act

The Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) passed. It emphasized that children's health and safety must be of paramount concern in decisions around foster care and adoption.

National Adoption Month Established

National Adoption Week became National Adoption Month. President Bill Clinton made the proclamation to dedicate the whole month for raising awareness of adoption.

National Adoption Day

National Adoption Day is celebrated annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, seeing thousands of foster care adoptions finalized simultaneously across the United States.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Adoption Month

Host an adoption fair

Partner with local adoption agencies and organizations to host an adoption fair where families can learn more about the adoption process and meet children who are in need of a loving home.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a foster care agency

Spend time helping out at a foster care agency, whether it’s organizing donations, mentoring children, or simply spending time with them. This is a great way to support those involved in the adoption process.

Share your adoption story

If you or someone you know has been touched by adoption, share your story on social media or with friends and family. This can help raise awareness and promote understanding about the experience of adoption.

ATTEND

Attend an adoption-themed event

Look for local events that celebrate adoption, such as film screenings, book readings, or art exhibits. These events can help educate others about the adoption process and its impact on families.

DONATE

Donate to an adoption charity

Consider making a donation to an organization that supports adoption, whether it’s providing financial assistance to families or advocating for children in the foster care system. Every little bit helps make a difference.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Adoption Month is Important

It provides resources and support for adoptive families

National Adoption Month also serves as a platform to provide helpful resources, information and support for adoptive families. This can include financial assistance, counseling services, and educational materials to help ensure successful adoptions and healthy relationships within the family.

It raises awareness for the need for adoptive families

National Adoption Month is a time to shine a light on the thousands of children in foster care who are in need of permanent homes. By bringing attention to this issue, more people may consider adoption and provide loving families for these children.

It celebrates the diverse families created through adoption

Adoption does not just create families, it also creates a sense of community and support for those involved. National Adoption Month recognizes and celebrates all types of families, regardless of their structure or how they were formed.

Related holidays

SAT

Nov 2026

Awareness

National Adoption Day

National Adoption Day - weaving threads of love, unifying souls and creating forever families. Celebrate the beauty of chosen love!

National Adoption Week

Expand your family, fill your heart! National Adoption Week shines a light on the joy and love that adoption brings.

National Foster Care Month

May is National Foster Care Month - join us in raising awareness and supporting children and families in the foster care system.

Foster Care Fortnight

Join us in recognizing and supporting the incredible families and individuals who open their hearts and homes during Foster Care Fortnight.

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