November proclaimed Adoption Month

Published on November 01, 2023

In solidarity with the Children’s Bureau initiative, which seeks to increase national awareness of adoption issues, bring attention to the need for adoptive families for children and teens in the U.S. foster care system, and emphasize the value of youth engagement, the Board of Weld County Commissioners has proclaimed November Adoption Month.

Colorado currently has 396 children and youth who are legally free and awaiting permanency. Children are often adopted by family members, foster parents or other kin, and it is anticipated that approximately 40 Weld County children will be adopted through the child welfare system by the end of 2023.

National Adoption Day 2023 occurs on November 17, and this marks 23 years of celebrating National Adoption Day as focal point of National Adoption Month. In honor of National Adoption Day, the Weld County Department of Human Services (WCDHS) will help facilitate the finalization of approximately 10 adoptions in person at the Weld County Courthouse on November 17.

Director of Human Services, Jamie Ulrich, was on hand to speak on behalf of the Weld County Adoption Team, many of whom were able to attend for recognition during the board meeting. “We want to celebrate this staff that works nonstop,” said Ulrich. “They really are the heart behind what we do within the department and what we’re able to do for the community.”

Commissioner Scott James joked that he was going to make it through his speech without tearing up. “I’m an adoptive dad, and I can testify that there are the highest of highs and the lowest of lows,” said James. “If it is your goal, and it is mine, to create a culture of humans flourishing in this county, there is no finer way to do it than to take care of our children who need forever families and forever homes. Adoption fills a kid-sized hole in your heart, and you should consider it.”

For information and resources regarding permanency and adoption in Weld County, please visit https://www.weld.gov/Government/Departments/Human-Services/Foster-Care/Permanency-and-Adoption-Resources.