FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 29 2022
Contacts:
Brooke Stroyke, Office of the Governor
Jon Ebelt , Department of Public Health and Human Services
Governor Gianforte Celebrates Adoption with Montana Families
HELENA, Mont. – In a ceremony at the State Capitol, Governor Greg Gianforte yesterday joined Montana families to celebrate Adoption Month.
“Adoption is a precious, life-changing gift,” Governor Gianforte said. “To make it a bit easier for families to open their happy, healthy, loving homes to children, I’m proud our budget provides a $5,000 adoption tax credit for families. The high cost of adoption shouldn’t be an obstacle for families to adopt a child.”
Gov. Gianforte and Director Brereton lead an applause for the St. Andrews Youth Choir at the Celebrate Adoption event at the State Capitol
Before releasing his “Budget for Montana Families” earlier this month, the governor proclaimed November Adoption Month to celebrate adoption and support children in finding permanent and loving homes.
To make it easier for Montanans to adopt, the governor’s budget provides families with a $1,200 child tax credit for children under six years of age, as well as a $5,000 adoption tax credit.
“Every child deserves the security and stability of a permanent family,” Director of the Department of Public Health and Human Services Charlie Brereton said. “Adoption provides an opportunity for a child to flourish and enables adults to experience the unique joys of parenthood.”
Brereton said DPHHS’ Child and Family Services Division provides special training to all foster and adoptive parents. The training is offered across Montana at various times and locations.
Those interested in foster care or adoption are encouraged to email askaboutadoption@mt.gov, call 1-866-9FOSTER (1-866-936-7837), or visit the AdoptUSKids website to be connected with a foster care and adoption professional. Information about foster care and adoption in Montana is also available on the DPHHS website.
Other efforts to raise awareness and celebrate adoptions have taken place this month in Butte, Missoula, Billings, Kalispell, and Miles City.
On average, the DPHHS Child and Family Services Division helps facilitate about 350 adoptions annually statewide.
“We know there are many amazing parents who want to provide a child with a forever home, and it’s our goal to help make that happen,” Brereton said.