CT DCF Celebrates 'Adoption Day' with Children, Families and Courts Across the State

(HARTFORD) - Governor Ned Lamont and Department of Children and Families (DCF) Commissioner Vannessa Dorantes today celebrated Connecticut Adoption Day with more than 30 children being adopted in courtrooms across the state.

This year's National Adoption Month theme is “Empowering Youth: Finding Points of Connection,” which emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities and services that connect youth to their backgrounds to support meaningful permanent relationships.

“The safety and well-being of every child in Connecticut is a top priority, and these adoptions of dozens of children who were in DCF care is the best possible outcome,” Governor Lamont said. “Surrounded by families and loved ones, these children have the safety, permanency, and support they so deserve. Adoption is one of the most loving, selfless, and heartfelt acts a person can do. I appreciate all of the staff at DCF, court personnel, and community partners who help make these adoptions a reality.”

"Every child deserves the stability of a permanent home; adoption is one special way that a family is formed," said Commissioner Vannessa Dorantes. "Across the state today, we celebrate the connections bound lovingly by adoption. Thank you to the DCF Staff, court personnel, attorneys, service providers and community partners who have all worked collaboratively to support those families we collectively serve.”

"On this 23rd annual National Adoption Day, we highlight the importance of permanency in the lives of children and families across Connecticut and the country. Each child's story is unique, and the tireless efforts of multiple state agencies, adoptive families and community partners support them on their life's journey. The Judicial Branch is honored to participate with the Department of Children and Families in this collaborative effort as we continue today - and everyday - to celebrate children finding their forever homes," stated Chief Administrative Judge of Juvenile Matters Tammy Nguyen-O'Dowd.

Preventing removal from the home remains the Department's top priority. Since Commissioner Dorantes began leading DCF in January 2019, the overall number of children in care has been reduced by nearly 30 percent with over 3,063 children safely being reunified.

"Reunification remains the primary goal if a child cannot remain safely at home. Connecticut is a leader across the country as almost 50% of children placed into out of home care live with extended family members or others with whom they have a familial relationship.  The collaborative efforts of the entire child welfare system working together on behalf of Connecticut's children and families has resulted in children living where we all know they do best - safely with families," Commissioner Dorantes added.

With over 30 adoptions finalized in one day alone, DCF will have completed more than 420 adoptions this calendar year in addition to reunifying almost 400 children and facilitating over 280 children achieving permanency through a transfer of guardianship.

Since Commissioner Dorantes took office, over 7,100 children have reached permanency which includes 2,277 adoptions, 3,063 reunifications and 1,773 transfers of guardianship.

Ongoing supports are available for families after they adopt, or guardianship is transferred. The UCONN Health Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) provides post-adoption support, including assessment, education, brief counseling, and referral services to adoptive families and to families formed through guardianship. Information about AAP can be obtained by visiting the Adoption Assistance Program website, by calling (877) 679-1961 or by e-mail at aap@uchc.edu

In addition, for children adopted after December 31, 2004, the agency offers a college tuition subsidy equivalent to in-state tuition, room and board, and fees equivalent to Central Connecticut State University (CCSU).

The Department has also established a Heart Gallery for those children with the most complex needs and who are awaiting permanency with a family. Please visit the website here: Heart Gallery.

Families can also call 1-888-KIDHERO to inquire about becoming a foster parent or visit www.CtFosters.com for more information.