November is National Adoption Month, and the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) is encouraging more Vermonters to consider adoption and help children and youth find adoptive families.

When a young person enters foster care, DCF‘s first goal is to safely reunify them with their family. When that is not possible, DCF works to find an adoptive family that can provide a safe, stable home and a lifelong commitment.

As of October 2026, 50 youth in DCF custody are awaiting adoption and did not yet have an identified adoptive family.

“Adoption gives children and youth the stability of a family committed to them for the long term,” said Sandi Hoffman, Commissioner of the Department for Children and Families. “We are grateful to the families who have made this commitment, and we encourage more Vermonters to learn about adoption and consider opening their homes to a child who needs an adoptive family.”

Adoption can look different for every child. For some, it means joining a family they already know. For others, it means building a new relationship with a family ready to make a lifelong commitment. What matters the most is that children and youth have people who support them, believe in them, and will be there as they grow.

“These 50 young people are waiting for a family to say, ‘We’re here, and we’re not going anywhere” said Deputy Commissioner Aryka Radke. “National Adoption Month is an opportunity to raise awareness for these youth and encourage more Vermonters to consider becoming adoptive families.”

DCF thanks the Vermont families who have adopted children and youth and made a lifelong commitment to their well-being and sense of belonging. More Vermonters are needed to consider adoption and to help provide these 50 youth with the opportunity to join an adoptive family.

During National Adoption Month, DCF encourages Vermonters to learn more about adoption and foster care and how they can support children and youth in Vermont.

A lifelong connection can start with one person willing to say, “I’m here.”

To learn more about foster care and adoption in Vermont, visit https://dcf.vermont.gov/fsd/adopt.