WHEREAS, Alaska’s children are our future, and all children deserve to experience the security and love of a stable home; and

WHEREAS, thousands of Alaskan children are unable to remain safely in their homes on an average day, and as of October 2024, 2,434 children were living in out-of-home care; and

WHEREAS, it is not always possible, despite a desire and genuine effort, to return children to their homes, and these children need the security, encouragement, and cultural continuity that only a permanent adoptive or guardianship family can offer; and

WHEREAS, adoption and guardianship can provide a healthy home life with parental love, nurturing, and the security and stability of a permanent home and a “forever” family; and

WHEREAS, strong families are the heart of our communities and the backbone of our achievements, and children waiting for adoptive families need our love and support; and

WHEREAS, with deep gratitude, we recognize the families who have opened their hearts and homes to give children in need a second chance through adoption or guardianship, and we encourage Alaskans to consider providing a safe and loving home for children through foster care, adoption, or guardianship.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim November 23, 2024 as:

Adoption Day

in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to honor adoptive parents and Alaska’s children, and to support community and State efforts to provide all children with secure, nurturing, and permanent families.

Dated: November 23, 2024