Montgomery, AL – Governor Kay Ivey announced on Friday that the Alabama Department of Human Resources has successfully finalized 741 foster care adoptions during Fiscal Year 2023, showcasing the state’s commitment to finding permanent, loving homes for children in need.
The announcement precedes Governor Ivey’s proclamation of National Adoption Day, observed on November 18, 2023, aligning with National Adoption Month throughout November.
Expressing her pride in Alabama’s achievements, Governor Ivey stated, “I am extremely proud that Alabama has been able to place so many children in permanent homes. I appreciate the tireless and dedicated work of the Department of Human Resources and our state’s numerous private partners. I also sincerely thank our foster families and adoptive families for giving these children loving, forever homes.”
In Fiscal Year 2023, a noteworthy 69 percent of children leaving foster care were successfully reunited with family members or their parent(s). This statistic emphasizes the state’s commitment to family reunification while recognizing the ongoing need for adoptive families.
Alabama Department of Human Resources Commissioner Nancy Buckner acknowledged the collaborative efforts that led to the successful adoption of 741 children and youth. She emphasized, “We could not have accomplished this without our partners in the permanency and adoption process, especially the judges, adoptive parents, and foster parents. However, we must remember that the work is not done. We still have children waiting for a permanent family. Our staff and others work diligently every day to give these children the permanency they need. Always remember that there are no unwanted children, only unfound homes.”
Despite the significant progress, the state acknowledges the ongoing need, with approximately 6,000 children and youth currently in Alabama’s foster care system, including 196 in need of forever homes.
For those interested in the adoption process in Alabama, detailed information is available at https://dhr.alabama.gov/adoption/. The state continues to encourage individuals and families to consider adoption, reinforcing the belief that every child deserves a loving and permanent home.
