North Dakota highlights progress in helping children find permanent homes during Adoption Awareness Month

BISMARCK, N.D. – November is Adoption Awareness Month, a time to celebrate families formed through adoption and recognize the importance of providing children with safe, stable and permanent homes. This year, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is highlighting improvements to adoption services and the continued commitment to supporting children and families throughout the adoption journey. 

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. 

In 2026, 222 adoptions to date were finalized through North Dakota’s public adoption system. While adoption takes many forms, HHS is drawing particular attention this month to children in foster care who are waiting for permanent families. Currently, 29 children in North Dakota’s foster care system have a goal of adoption but have not yet been matched with an adoptive family. While this number changes as children move through the adoption process, the need for safe, stable and permanent homes remains.  

“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. “We are grateful for the many partners who have worked diligently to ensure families receive the support they need and that children can move through the adoption process without unnecessary delays. 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.” 

Through its programs and statewide partnerships, HHS supports children and families at every stage of the adoption journey, from exploring adoption opportunities and navigating the process to accessing resources after adoption is finalized.