Native American Heritage Month and National Adoption Month

November 21, 2024

Observing Native American Heritage Month and National Adoption Month in November

November is a significant month as we celebrate both Native American Heritage Month and National Adoption Month. At the National CASA/GAL Association for Children, we honor the rich cultures and histories of Native American people and communities while also raising awareness about the importance of foster care, reunification, and adoption.

While celebrating Native American Heritage Month, we are reminded of the unique challenges faced by Native American children in the foster care system and the importance of preserving their family connections and cultural heritage. The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is essential federal legislation that protects the rights of Native American children and families. It asserts that Native American children in foster care are placed in homes that reflect their cultural values and traditions. CASA and GAL volunteers are dedicated to upholding ICWA and advocating for the best interests of children and youth in the child welfare system. By doing so, they help maintain the children’s connections to their communities and cultural identities, which is essential for their overall well-being.

November is also National Adoption Month. In 2022, almost 109,000 children in the United States were waiting to be adopted with the possibility of aging out of care if a permanent home is not secured. According to the Children’s Bureau, National Adoption Month “seeks to increase national awareness of adoption issues, bring attention to the need for adoptive families for teens in the U.S. foster care system, and emphasize the value of youth engagement.”

All children and youth deserve a permanent home. Our best-interest advocacy is driven by the guiding principle that children grow and develop best with their family of origin, if that can be safely achieved. When that cannot be achieved, kinship placement and adoption by families that embrace and honor youth’s racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds can provide cultural and community connections as well as continuing family relationships for children and youth.

As we observe Native American Heritage Month and National Adoption Month, we invite supporters of our mission to learn more about how to advocate for children and youth in the child welfare system. CASA and GAL volunteers support the best interests of children in foster care, making sure they receive the support and stability they need. By becoming a CASA or GAL volunteer, you can help ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, loving, and culturally supportive environment. Join us in our mission to advocate for children and youth and make a much-needed difference in their lives.

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