CHICAGO, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed November as Adoption Awareness Month, recognizing the more than 20,300 Illinois children who have found permanent, loving homes over the last decade through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

“Every child deserves a home where they feel loved, supported and safe,” said Governor Pritzker. “The families who choose adoption exemplify the very best of Illinois — compassion, resilience and a belief in the power of community.”

DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller praised adoptive parents for their life-changing commitment, adding that adoption transforms both children and the families who welcome them.

Special Adoption Day celebrations will be held in Cook, Rock Island, Williamson, Winnebago, Kane, and Madison counties later this month and in December, where dozens of adoptions will be finalized. Last fiscal year, 2,492 Illinois children were adopted into permanent homes. To learn more about adoption or to view children awaiting adoption, visit dcfs.illinois.gov and click “Loving Homes.”