Human Services Agency

Foster Care and Adoption Awareness

Open Arms, Open Doors, and Endless Possibilities

The Washoe County Human Services Agency (HSA) highlights two important awareness months to recognize and celebrate the families and children in foster care and adoption:

Foster Care Awareness Month: Each May, HSA joins the nation in celebrating Foster Care Awareness Month, honoring the families who provide safe, nurturing homes for children in foster care. This month also raises awareness about the ongoing need for foster families and the community’s role in supporting children and families throughout their foster care journey.

Adoption Awareness Month: November is National Adoption Month, a time to celebrate families who have adopted children and to highlight adoption as a permanent, loving solution for children who cannot safely return to their biological families. The month encourages education, awareness, and advocacy to ensure children find safe, permanent homes.

Why These Months Matter

Foster Care and Adoption Awareness Months remind our community of the importance of safe, supportive, and loving homes for children who cannot remain with their families. These awareness campaigns help highlight the courage of foster and adoptive families, the resilience of children, and the ways the community can contribute, whether through fostering, adoption, mentoring, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness.

How the Community Can Support

Become a Foster Parent: There is always a need for foster families to provide safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children in care. Foster parents help children heal, grow, and thrive during challenging times.

Adopt a Foster Child: Many children in foster care are teens or tweens who have been in the system for a long time. Adoption provides them with permanent, loving families and the stability every child deserves.

Volunteer or Mentor: Support children and teens in foster care by being a positive role model, offering guidance, or providing encouragement through mentorship programs. Your time and attention can make a meaningful difference in a young person’s life.

Learn and Share: Gain a better understanding of foster care and adoption and share resources with friends, family, and your community.

Celebrate Families: Recognize and honor the dedication of foster and adoptive families in your community.

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