Delaware Celebrates National Adoption Month

DOVER - On Saturday, November 22nd, the State of Delaware came together to celebrate National Adoption Month at an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of adoption and honoring the families and professionals who make it possible. Hosted by the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families' Division of Family Services (DFS) and the Interagency Committee on Adoption (IACOA), a partnership among Delaware's child welfare agencies, the event highlighted the loving families who welcomed children into their lives and recognized those who work to ensure every child finds a safe and permanent home.

IACOA Co-Chairs Wendy Atanacio, Foster Care/Adoption Counselor, and Abby Fischer, Program Administrator & Data Analyst, both with Children & Families First, emphasized the hope and meaning behind the day.

"We're so grateful to help make National Adoption Day a reality in Delaware. The world of foster care and adoption is often full of grief and challenges but today provides us with an opportunity to celebrate hope - children finding families who have made a lifelong commitment to walk beside them on their journey, support them in their endeavors, and allow them to thrive."

The event, held at the Murphey School in Dover, featured seven heartfelt adoption ceremonies and honored families who expanded their homes to 75 children through adoption this year.
Delaware Family Court Judges Arlene Coppadge Eliza Hirst, Peter Jones, Mardi Pyott, and Louann Vari had the honor of finalizing adoptions for two families in front of an audience of family, friends, advocates, and social workers.

On behalf of Governor Meyer, Trenee Parker, Division of Family Services Director, presented a proclamation declaring November 2025 National Adoption Month, recognizing the importance of adoption, honoring families and professionals who support children, and reaffirming the State's commitment to permanency, well-being, and ongoing support for children and families.

"There's something powerful about coming together to celebrate adoption during the Thanksgiving season, when gratitude is top of mind," said Parker. "We are deeply thankful to the families who open their hearts and homes through adoption. Today marks an important step forward, but the journey continues. Families who have adopted can access post-adoption supports along the way, because no one should have to navigate this experience alone."

For more information about adoption and free post-adoption resources in Delaware, visit kids.delaware.gov/family-services/adoption/, call 302-633-2658 or email [email protected].

To learn about children in Delaware seeking adoptive families, visit https://kids.delaware.gov/family-services/heartgallery/.

A recording of Delaware's National Adoption Day celebration is available to watch online.

About DSCYF
The Delaware Children's Department provides services to children who have been abused, neglected, are dependent, have mental health or substance use disorders, and/or have been adjudicated delinquent by the Courts, as well as prevention services targeted toward all youth. It has four divisions: Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services, Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services, Division of Family Services and Division of Management Support Services. For more information, please visit kids.delaware.gov.