PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – November is Adoption Awareness Month in South Dakota.

Gov. Kristi Noem says children can’t be successful unless they’re supported by people who care about them.

She says foster families are also needed.

Noem says adoption has had a wonderful impact on her family.

Again, Noem encourages families to record short videos about their adoption experience and share them on social media using the hashtag #SDAdoptionMonth. She says your journey could inspire others to open their hearts and homes to children in need.

For more information about adoption and foster care through the state Department of Social Services, visit fosterone.sd.gov or dss.sd.gov/childprotection.

More information is also available through the private licensed child placement agencies located throughout the state. A list of agencies can be found at http://dss.sd.gov/childprotection/adoption/resources.aspx.