PIERRE, S.D. (Press Release) – Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed November “Adoption Awareness Month” in South Dakota because all children in our state deserve to grow up in a strong family where they are loved and protected.

“Adoption is one of the most important ways that we can strengthen families and raise children in a safe and loving home,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “Adoption helps build strong families. Strong families create strong communities. And strong communities create a stronger South Dakota.”

Loving families are always needed to provide children in our state with a safe, stable, and nurturing environment: creating a solid foundation for the rest of their lives.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) and private adoption agencies in South Dakota work year-round in this effort to match children who are legally available for adoption with families who are prepared to meet their specific needs.

“Adoption helps families and children build lifelong relationships, memories, and traditions in a secure and healthy environment,” said DSS Cabinet Secretary Laurie Gill.  “At this very moment, there are children waiting and hoping to become part of a loving family.”

In fiscal year 2020, 226 children in South Dakota were placed with an adoptive family through DSS, with several other adoptions taking place through independent and private agencies.

For more information about adoption in South Dakota please visit dss.sd.gov.