In Honor of Adoption Awareness Month: Indiana Adoption Program

November is National Adoption Month! National Adoption Month gives us the opportunity to celebrate youth who are being adopted, to thank adoptive parents for their commitment to growing their families by choice, and to raise awareness of the ongoing need for forever families for Indiana’s youth in foster care. Indiana Adoption Program is a statewide initiative dedicated to finding loving, safe, permanent families for these children. To learn more about adopting through foster care, visit indianaadoptionprogram.org

MAGNOLIA (6)

Magnolia just learned how to do cartwheels and handstands, and now she’s using those as a good way to get all her excess energy out! Whether it’s a rainy day or she’s inside, you’ll probably find her singing and dancing, so be prepared to sing along! It’s amazing to see just how much Magnolia’s learned over the past few months. From tracing her letters to adding new words to her vocabulary, Magnolia is getting ready for her next big adventure: school! Magnolia deserves to be in a family that will celebrate all of her successes and encourage her to continue learning new skills. https://www. indianaadoptionprogram.org/profile/ magnolia-9907/

WYATT (9)

When Wyatt makes a connection with someone, you know they’re special and he’s going to treasure them forever! He’s very loving and affectionate with his favorite people so they always feel showered with his attention! He’s a huge fan of sensory activities and loves anything that lights up or makes some cool noises. He loves going out whether it’s to grab some delicious fast food or checking out a local festival. You just never know what adventures are out there! Wyatt thrives in a calm atmosphere and would do well with a family who will work hard to make him feel understood and appreciated. https://www.indianaadoptionprogram.org/ profile/wyatt-9874/

ROBERT (7)

Robert has so much energy and he’s always ready to play! He picks up new things very quickly so if you want to show him a new game, he will be beating you in no time! He loves the outdoors and he’s happiest when he gets to run around or play at the park. He loves swinging, jumping, and bouncing on anything that will get him up in the air. He’s very active and hopes for a family who can keep up with his energy. A family who will get him out into the community to try new things is ideal. https://www.indianaadoptionprogram. org/profile/robert-9889/

ARIANA (14)

Ariana is very outgoing and loves getting out into the community to meet new people and try new things! She also really enjoys going to school every day to see all her friends and learning whatever the teachers have planned that day! Her favorite thing, though, is definitely playing outside! If the weather is nice, it’s hard to keep her inside because she wants to be out running around having fun! Ariana thrives when she knows what to expect day to day. She would do best in a calm environment with structure and routine. https://www.indianaadoptionprogram. org/profile/ariana-9766/

ALAINA (13) & JONATHAN (9)

Alaina and Jonathan are a brother and sister duo who love to be silly together! Jonathan is always down to play with anybody nearby and brightens up every room he’s in! When he’s outside he loves playing tag and is happiest when he gets to be running around with the people he loves. Alaina is happiest when she gets to help someone else whether it’s her little brother or a friend at school, she loves lending a hand! She prides herself on being nice and is always empathetic to everyone she meets. A family who is committed to them both is ideal. https:// www.indianaadoptionprogram.org/ profile/alaina-jonathan-9848-9797b/

JACE (13)

Jace absolutely loves everyone and is a big-time hugger! He likes to be around people all the time and he’s never met a stranger! Jace can make anyone laugh with a silly face and he will definitely try! Jace is also a big helper and if you’re doing some chores, he’ll be standing right next to you helping out however he can. Jace does best in a structured environment with a consistent routine. Families who can show patience are ideal to help Jace thrive. https://www. indianaadoptionprogram.org/profile/ jace-9404/

MY’KEL (12)

My’Kel is a friendly kid who loves being with people! He’s a curious and resilient kid and loves taking things apart and putting them back together. If you’ve got some LEGOs or if you want to see his collection, you’ve got a building buddy for the rest of the afternoon! He delights in being helpful and is always happy to assist with chores around the house or classroom. He needs plenty of attention so it would be best if he has a family able to devote time just to My’Kel. https:// www.indianaadoptionprogram.org/ profile/mykel-9417/

MATTHEW (17)

High five! That’s how Matthew says hello! He’s an adorable guy with a great smile. He’s got a big personality and big heart and is super loving and caring. Being outside or with people he cares about is when Matthew is at his happiest. Matthew likes to run, jump, and do cartwheels, and once he’s worn out, he likes to wind down and color, play with blocks, or be read to. He even knows how to sign “I love you.” With being so active, one might get exhausted, but not Matthew! Matthew thrives with structure and routine and a consistent schedule. https://www.indianaadoptionprogram. org/profile/matthew-9144/

JOSHUA (16)

Joshua loves to laugh, and is a super happy, loving guy! He’s delighted to spend his time jumping on a trampoline or playing on the swings. He will try to swing as high as the clouds! When Josh needs some down time, sensory activities and toys with sounds and flashing lights are his favorite. Joshua is an affectionate young man, so getting and giving hugs are his favorite! Clear structure and routine are critical for Joshua as he needs to know what to expect. https://www. indianaadoptionprogram.org/profile/ joshua-8513b/

ENZO (13)

Enzo is very hands-on and loves taking things apart and putting them back together! He’s a great painter and craftsman and loves making new, fun designs out of anything his imagination can come up with! Enzo doesn’t mind helping out with chores and likes feeling useful around the house! He does best in a calm environment with a family who makes communication a priority. Enzo prefers routine and structure, so he knows what to expect each day. https:// www.indianaadoptionprogram.org/ profile/enzo-9695/

LASHAWN (10)

LaShawn is a silly boy who is very sweet! He finds just about everything funny, so you’ll have no trouble making this guy laugh. LaShawn is a huge car guy, and he wants to have his own fancy cars when he gets older! His favorite color is red, so it’s no surprise he loves fire trucks and hopes to be a firefighter someday! Parents who can provide structure and spend a lot of one-on-one time with LaShawn are ideal. https://www.indianaadoptionprogram. org/profile/lashawn-9328/

ROCKY (15)

Rocky’s favorite movie is The Lion King, so it is no surprise that Rocky is an animal lover! Some of Rocky’s favorite animals are dogs and dinosaurs. If he had a dog, what would he name it? Fox of course! Always wanting to be helpful, Rocky does well with taking care of animals or helping around the house. One of Rocky’s wishes is to have superpowers so he can help people in trouble. Rocky would do well in a family with a supportive community and one who will show him affection and love, as well as maintain a consistent routine. https://www.indianaadoptionprogram. org/profile/rocky-8605/

ZOEY (16)

Zoey is a sweet girl who desires to show and receive love and acceptance from a forever family! Like most teen girls, Zoey is into fashion and makeup and she’s always up for a quick fashion show! Zoey is a creative, fun-loving girl who lights up when she receives a kind word! She’s an active kid who could enjoy structured extracurricular activities if they are not too overstimulating. Zoey thrives when spending one-on-one time with others. https://www.indianaadoptionprogram. org/profile/zoey-9135/

CONNER (12)

Conner describes himself as smart and silly! He is an adventurous kid who loves trying new things! His favorite food is sushi, and he’s always excited to try new foods when he finds them! He’s a huge fan of the outdoors and likes to spend a weekend exploring a new park, hiking some trails, and hopefully seeing some cool animals. Conner would thrive in a home that has a set routine and structure that stays consistent from day to day. https://www.indianaadoptionprogram. org/profile/conner-9341/

DAVON (17)

In Davon’s own words he’s “a good kid and I work hard to do my best!” It’s impossible to argue with that! He loves going to the gym, especially when he gets to hop in the pool and do some laps. He is a big jokester and always trying to crack people up! If there’s one thing he really loves, it’s dogs! If it were up to Davon, he would have an adoptive family and a dog, all of whom would show him unconditional love and security.https://www.indianaadoptionprogram. org/profile/davon-9233a/

GABE (16)

Gabe is an active young man who loves to have fun! He’ll find something fun to do no matter where he is! Gabe is a huge sports fan and can’t decide which one is his favorite, but he loves football, basketball, soccer, and baseball. He hopes for parents who like to be as active as he is and who want to play games and do fun activities with him. He will thrive in a home that makes him feel like a priority and with parents who always have time for him. https://www. indianaadoptionprogram.org/profile/ gabe-8705a/

BENJAMIN (13)

When it comes to new information, Benjamin is a sponge! He soaks up everything he can about whatever he can! He likes to share what he has learned with others and if you share an interest with him, he’ll tell you all the best stuff about it! He can even introduce you to new things you never knew existed. Someday he would love to either be a custom computer builder, a coder, or maybe even join the military! Benjamin does best with a set routine and consistent rules and expectations. He hopes for parents who encourage his interests and want to take part. https://www.indianaadoptionprogram. org/profile/benjamin-9563/

NAIROBI (4)

Nairobi is a sweet girl who is usually smiling and laughing and just having the best day ever! She likes any toy that makes a lot of noise or has cool lights that always keeps her attention! She loves the family dog and will giggle when the dog is nearby! Nairobi is described as a “fighter” and has been through incredibly challenging things in her young life but keeps going. She will thrive with parents who make her a priority, who shower her with love and are willing to make a lifelong commitment to her. https://www. indianaadoptionprogram.org/profile/ nairobi-lr9749/

ADRIAN (16) & ASHTON (16)

Adrian and Ashton are a pretty cool pair and even though they are twins, they both have their own personalities and interests. Adrian loves dolls more than just about anything and Disney character dolls are her favorites! She likes to color and draw and say they are great outlets for her to express her emotions. Ashton is very active and likes to be wherever the action is! He likes to be outside and going to the park. The swings are a favorite of Ashton’s and he’s always trying to see how high he can go! Both siblings would prefer to be in a relatively quiet and calm environment and find a family that is willing to make a lifelong commitment to them both. https://www.indianaadoptionprogram.org/profile/adrian-ashton-9754ab/

National Adoption Month gives us the opportunity to celebrate youth who are being adopted, to thank adoptive parents for their commitment to growing their families by choice, and to raise awareness of the ongoing need for forever families for Indiana’s youth in foster care.