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Throughout November, Catholic Charities North Dakota is recognizing National Adoption Month and the many children, families, professionals and community partners who are part of adoption across the state.
Through programs including the North Dakota Adoption Network and Strong Roots Bright Futures, Catholic Charities North Dakota supports people at different points in the adoption journey. The North Dakota Adoption Network currently is recruiting permanent families for 26 children in North Dakota foster care. Throughout November, the program will highlight this need through its Waiting Wednesday features, community outreach and the Red Shoe Campaign, built around the message, "There's No Place Like Home."
The Red Shoe Campaign brings businesses and communities together with the North Dakota Adoption Network to raise awareness of children in foster care who are waiting for permanent families. Participating communities and businesses will help share the message throughout November through local displays, partnerships and other activities.
Additional National Adoption Month activities include free photo sessions for adoptive families in Minot, Bismarck, Dickinson and Grand Forks.
"National Adoption Month gives us an opportunity not only to celebrate adoption, but also to help North Dakotans better understand the many people and experiences that are part of an adoption journey," said Kara Eastlund, director of North Dakota Adoption Network. "For children and youth in foster care who are waiting for permanency, community awareness matters. It can help more people understand the need, ask questions and consider whether they could provide the stability, connection and commitment a child Needs."
North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong has proclaimed November 2026 Adoption Awareness Month in North Dakota.
According to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), North Dakota's adoption redesign initiative, launched in 2024, continues to improve the adoption process for children and families. The average time to complete an adoption home assessment has decreased by 45.5%, from 77 days to 42 days, while the time it takes to finalize adoption has decreased from nearly 16.1 months to less than a year on average. The state also maintained no waitlists for adoption services during fiscal year 2026.
The initiative has also improved timelines for children in tribal custody. Since the redesign began, the average time between a child becoming legally available for adoption and adoption finalization has decreased by 50%, from 29 months to 14.5 months.
"November is a month to celebrate families formed through adoption and to honor the lasting bonds created for children and youth in our state and across the country," said Leanne Miller, HHS adoption services administrator. "While we are encouraged by the progress reflected in these improved time frames, we are also mindful that many children continue to wait for permanent families. Adoption Awareness Month is a reminder of both our achievements and the important work that remains."
In 2026, 222 adoptions to date have been finalized through North Dakota's public adoption system.