What National Adoption Month Means for Youth in Kansas

Every November, communities across the country recognize National Adoption Month, a time to honor the importance of permanency and celebrate the children and teens who are building new connections with their adoptive families.

While adoption doesn’t erase the challenges youth may have experienced, it creates something powerful: belonging, stability and the opportunity to grow with the support of a committed family.

This month, KVC Kansas joined families, youth and community partners in Olathe and Topeka to celebrate National Adoption Day, a morning filled with connection, joy and meaningful moments.

WIBW also highlighted the importance of adoption this month in their recent story, which you can read here: Several Children Finalized into Forever Homes on National Adoption Day

Why Permanency Is So Important

Across the U.S., tens of thousands of children and teens in foster care are waiting for a permanent, nurturing home. KVC Kansas partners with counties, courts and community providers to help create safe, stable and connected homes for youth and families.

Permanency is far more than paperwork. For many youth, adoption represents a sense of identity, belonging and the opportunity to build relationships that help them thrive. Children and teens bring with them strengths, hopes and dreams, and they flourish when surrounded by consistent support.

Moments Shared Across Olathe and Topeka

Across Kansas, National Adoption Day felt like a morning filled with hope. Families, youth, judges, community partners and KVC teams gathered in Olathe and Topeka, two different courthouses, one shared purpose to celebrate belonging.

Olathe

In Olathe, the celebration really began long before families stepped inside. The day prior, staff and volunteers transformed the courthouse into a space that felt warm, inviting and child-friendly. Early that morning, families walked through the doors and were immediately greeted by therapy dogs, a calming welcome for children taking in a big moment.

Around every corner, there was something joyful: giant Uno games laid out on tables, scratch-off art pages ready to be explored, temporary tattoos and a family tree craft that helped children mark the start of their new chapter. A Polaroid station stood nearby, letting families capture the day in snapshots they could tuck into albums or hang on the fridge.

Each child left with a gift basket prepared with care, and each family received Legoland passes to continue the celebration beyond the courthouse walls. Down the hall, community partners set up resource rooms, sharing encouragement and information, while the smell of fresh fruit and pastries drifted through the air. Crumbl Cookies brought an extra sweetness to a morning already full of it.

Topeka

In Topeka, the day began in the cold, bright morning light. Families gathered on the courthouse steps for photos and greetings, taking in the moment before heading inside for their finalizations. Therapy dogs made their rounds again, sparking giggles and easing nerves. Inside, children sat together coloring or examining the handcrafted tiles tucked inside their personalized gift bags, small keepsakes created to help them remember their adoption day.

The courthouse buzzed with community. Partners from across Topeka filled the hallways with familiar faces and encouraging words. Advocacy groups, MCO representatives, volunteers and the KVC Permanency and Aftercare teams offered support wherever families paused. Tables of snacks and drinks, donated by local businesses and partners, helped families settle in as they waited for their hearings.

Creating Lifelong Memories

Different cities, different details, but the same energy carried through both celebrations. Families standing proudly. Youth feeling seen and supported. Communities showing what it means to come together, and children experiencing a moment they will remember for the rest of their lives.

The Hill Family

“We were both foster kids at different times in our lives, so when the opportunity came to adopt, it just felt right.”
This incredible mom officially finalized the adoption of her child today, stepping into a new chapter with deep compassion and lived experience. Her decision to adopt was shaped by her own journey in foster care and now she’s continuing that legacy of love. 💛

The Preston Family

This aunt has been caring for her niece, creating a safe and supportive space where she could grow, feel connected and truly be herself. Today’s adoption finalization made official what they’ve already been building: a strong, steady family bond.

She shared how wonderful it’s been having her niece in her home, and how grateful she is to make their family complete just in time for the holidays. ❤️

Thanking Our Community of Supporters

National Adoption Day is a community effort, and this year our partners in both Olathe and Topeka showed what it truly means to stand beside Kansas families. Their presence turned courthouse hallways into places of comfort, celebration and connection.

In Olathe, the Olathe Public Library, KVC Aftercare, K-PARC and DCCCA joined us to welcome families with encouragement and resources, creating an environment that felt supportive from the moment people walked in. Their involvement helped families feel grounded as they finalized their adoptions and stepped into a new chapter together.

In Topeka, we were surrounded by the same spirit of community. Greg Lombard Rea, KVC Aftercare, KPARC / Adopt Kansas Kids, CASA, the Managed Care Organizations, Northeast Kansas Foster Village, Children’s Alliance, DCCCA and our KVC Permanency team spent the morning connecting with families, offering guidance, sharing smiles and celebrating every finalization alongside them.

To every organization, volunteer, staff member and community partner who helped make these days meaningful: thank you. Your support brought warmth, steadiness and joy to a moment families will remember for the rest of their lives.

Building Stronger Futures Beyond This Month

For youth and families across Kansas, permanency means more than a signature. It represents belonging, identity, growth and a future grounded in family.

To every Kansas family, partner, advocate and team member who helps make this possible—thank you. Together, we can continue creating safe, connected and thriving homes for children and teens.