Governor Stein Proclaims National Adoption Day

National Adoption Day

2025

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, the youth of North Carolina are our most precious resource and hope for the future, and every child deserves a safe, loving, and nurturing place to call home; and

Whereas, more than 10,500 children and youth are in foster care in North Carolina, with many waiting for adoption; many children in foster care are teenagers, with more than 600 specifically noted in 2024 estimates by Adopt US Kids as teenagers waiting for adoption; and

Whereas, for children who have lost their birth families, adoption can provide the home life, parental love, nurturing, and security that they would otherwise be missing; and

Whereas, caring adults and committed families can make all the difference in the lives of young people, sibling groups, children with special needs, and teenagers; and

Whereas, North Carolina families are encouraged to share their hearts and homes with older youth at risk of aging out of foster care while waiting to be adopted; and

Whereas, many advocates and public and private organizations are working to recruit permanent, loving families and increase public awareness of the unique needs of children and youth in foster care while waiting for permanence; and

Whereas, Adoption Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize the families who open their hearts to provide children with a sense of connection, security, and ties to their culture, family, and community, as well as child welfare professionals and advocates working to ensure children’s safety, and well-being and to spread awareness on behalf of the children waiting; and

Whereas, the State of North Carolina encourages residents to volunteer their time, energy, and talents on behalf of children in foster care and their biological families, kinship caregivers, and foster parents during this month and throughout the year;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim November 22, 2025, as “National Adoption Day” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all citizens.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-first day of October in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-fifth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.