National Adoption Month, observed each November, was first established as National Adoption Week by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 to highlight the needs of children in foster care. The week was chosen to coincide with Thanksgiving, reflecting a time for families and gratitude. Later, during the Clinton administration, the observance expanded to cover the entire month.
“Strong families are the cornerstone of society that strengthens the social fabric of America from one generation to the next. Celebrating family reunification or newly forged families united through adoption inspires others who may be in a position to consider opening their hearts and homes to the rewarding experience that parenthood can bring,” said U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).
Grassley noted his involvement in policy efforts aimed at supporting adoptive and foster families. “I’m glad to report my bipartisan efforts at the policymaking table in recent years have helped reunite and keep families intact, as well as provide financial resources for foster and adoptive families to take in children who encounter the foster care system.” He cited the Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018 as an example, which he credits with reducing Iowa’s foster care population from 10,400 children in 2013 to 6,586 in 2022.
The senator also discussed legislative achievements intended to help adoptive families and youth aging out of foster care. “Through my committee assignments in the U.S. Senate, I’ve worked at the policymaking table to strengthen families and support kids who enter the foster care system so they may reach their full potential, especially those who age out of foster care without the support of a forever family and permanent place to call home.”
As a member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Grassley said he played a role in making “the federal adoption tax credit a permanent part of the tax code.” He added: “This summer, I supported the tax law signed by President Trump that expanded the child tax credit, boosted childcare financial assistance and made the adoption tax credit accessible to more families.” According to Grassley, these measures allow parents more flexibility when managing household expenses.
Grassley co-founded the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth in 2009. This group connects lawmakers with researchers and advocates focused on improving outcomes for young people transitioning out of foster care. Policy forums hosted by this caucus give current and former foster youth opportunities to share their experiences directly with policymakers.
He also referenced an initiative announced by President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump called Fostering the Future for American Children and Families during National Adoption Month. According to Grassley: “The executive order seeks to modernize the child welfare system and develop partnerships with government agencies, academic institutions and private sector organizations to create educational and employment opportunities for youth who age out of the foster care system.”
Grassley said he would continue advocating for children awaiting adoption throughout his work on Capitol Hill: “I’ll continue bringing their voices to the policymaking table and was pleased to cosponsor the bipartisan Senate resolution marking November as National Adoption Month and November 22 as National Adoption Day.”
In September, Grassley presented Four Oaks Family and Children’s Services with an “Angels in Adoption” Award recognizing its longstanding service supporting Iowa children and families.
Four Oaks operates across five regions within Iowa providing guidance for those interested in becoming foster or adoptive parents.
