Each November, we celebrate National Adoption Month by raising awareness of the many children in foster care awaiting loving, permanent homes. This month is also a time to celebrate the professionals who support these young people on their paths to permanency and the families who provide loving, lasting bonds. The theme for this year’s National Adoption Month is all about those connections: “Honoring Youth: Strengthening Pathways for Lasting Bonds.”
Connections are crucial on the path to permanency. They can help youth stay linked to their cultures and traditions, nurture a sense of belonging, and provide guidance as youth mature into adulthood. For many young people, having someone they trust can buffer the effects of trauma. When we think about connection, we should view it through the lens of a kin-first culture and promote young people’s relationships with relatives, their communities, and those who share their racial and ethnic identities. These include parents, grandparents, siblings, friends who feel like family, mentors, and peers. Connections should not be limited to legal permanency only; for many young people, relational permanency—lifelong connections with supportive adults—can be just as important.