November is National Adoption Month, a time to reflect, honor, and uplift the powerful journeys of individuals and families shaped by adoption. Whether you’re considering adoption, in the middle of the process, or supporting someone who is, this month is for you.
At Faith and Blessings Foundation, we believe that every family-building journey deserves love, support, and visibility, and adoption is one of the most courageous, life-changing paths to parenthood.
🌿 Why Adoption Matters
Adoption is not a second choice.
It is not an “easier way.”
It is a sacred, intentional act of building a family through love, openness, and care.
Every adoption story is unique. Some are born from loss. Others from hope. Many carry both. But all are rooted in connection; the desire to create a permanent, loving home for a child.
And while the journey can be long, complex, and emotional, adoption is a brave decision made by families who are willing to love without limits.
What People Don’t Always See About Adoption
From the outside, adoption can look like a joyful “ending.” But for many, it’s also filled with layers of:
- Emotional processing
- Paperwork and legal navigation
- Financial planning
- Relationship building with birth families
- Healing from infertility or loss
Behind every successful placement is a story of waiting, learning, and choosing love again and again.
📚 Types of Adoption (And What They Really Mean)
If you’re new to this journey, here’s a quick overview of common adoption paths:
💛 1. Domestic Infant Adoption
This involves adopting a newborn from within the U.S., often through an agency. Birth parents may select the adoptive family, and open adoption (ongoing contact with birth parents) is increasingly common.
💛 2. Foster-to-Adopt
Adopting through the foster care system means you’re providing a loving home to a child who may have experienced trauma or instability. The goal is often reunification, but when that isn’t possible, families may adopt the child permanently.
💛 3. International Adoption
This path involves adopting a child from another country. While rewarding, it includes navigating international laws, wait times, cultural awareness, and often, older child adoption.
💛 4. Relative/Kinship Adoption
When a child is adopted by a relative or family friend, it can preserve biological ties while ensuring long-term care. This form of adoption is especially important in many communities of color and cultures worldwide.
💡 Things to Consider if You’re Exploring Adoption
Adoption is not just about bringing a child into your home — it’s about creating a lifelong relationship built on trust, healing, and intentional parenting. Here are a few things to reflect on:
🧡 1. Be Open to Learning
Adoption requires emotional preparation. Take time to learn from adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive families to understand the full picture.
🧡 2. Prepare for Questions
Kids who are adopted may ask about their story. You’ll want to speak openly and age-appropriately. Start creating a home where curiosity and honesty are welcomed.
🧡 3. Explore Trauma-Informed Parenting
Many adopted children — even infants — have experienced early separation or loss. Understanding trauma and attachment is key to parenting with compassion and awareness.
🧡 4. Budget and Plan Logistically
Adoption can come with fees for home studies, legal services, and travel (especially international). Look into grants, tax credits, and fundraising options. (Faith and Blessings Foundation offers support — ask us how!)
🙌 Supporting Those on the Adoption Journey
If you know someone adopting (or considering it), here’s how you can show up for them:
- Ask how they’re doing without assumptions
- Celebrate milestones beyond “Gotcha Day”
- Avoid saying “real parent” when referring to birth parents
- Be present during long waits or delays
- Learn the language of inclusive, adoption-positive parenting
“Adoption is not about replacing what was lost. It’s about adding love where it’s needed.”
📅 How We’re Celebrating National Adoption Month
Throughout November, Faith and Blessings Foundation will be sharing:
✨ Real stories from adoptive families and adoptees
✨ Q&As with adoption professionals
✨ A downloadable guide: “Adoption 101: Where Do I Start?”
✨ Details on support grants and resources for adoptive families
💬 Final Thought: There’s No One Way to Build a Family
Whether your family begins with biology, birth, or a match made through love and paperwork — it is yours, and it is beautiful.
Adoption is not for everyone. But for those who choose it, it is a journey of unmatched courage, unconditional love, and deep commitment.
To the adoptive parents, the hopefuls, the birth families, and the adoptees:
We honor your story.
We celebrate you this month — and every month.
📞 Have questions about adoption resources or grants?
📧 info@faithandblessings.org
📞 (803) 521-9677
🌐 www.faithandblessings.org
💛 More Events + Workshops:
Visit our full events calendar for support circles, virtual talks, and more:
🔗 faithandblessings.org/our-events