With November being National Adoption Month, state lawmakers are reminding you that they passed several key pieces of legislation recently that protects Indiana’s most vulnerable children.

The Indiana Department of Child Services reports a little more than 1,900 children were adopted in Indiana last year, but over 100 Hoosier children are still waiting to find a home.

State Representative Cory Criswell of Middletown says there is a new law that gives the Indiana DCS and the courts more tools and concise guidelines when planning for permanency and stability for the child.

“This piece of legislation creates rules and procedures for getting families back together and ensuring the child is in a safe home. The new law also creates more resources for the state and courts to make more informed decisions on child placement,” said Criswell.

It also ensures that child safety is the most important factor for judges considering reunifying families.

State Representative Martin Carbaugh of Fort Wayne says some children spend months or over a year in foster care until their case is resolved. He supported a new law for the state to have concurrent plans for another permanent or long-term care option for these children in case reuniting them with their families isn’t possible.

“As an adoptive parent, I will continue to support legislation that helps these vulnerable children as we work to safely reunite them with their family or into another forever home. The impact you can make in these children’s lives are incredible and I encourage anyone considering adoption to use the state’s resources to learn more,” said Carbaugh.

You can visit indianaadoptionprogram.org to find more information.