FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 22 2023
Contacts:
Brooke Metrione, Office of the Governor
Jon Ebelt, Department of Public Health and Human Services
Governor Gianforte, DPHHS Celebrate Adoption with Montana Families
HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte joined Helena-area families yesterday to celebrate Adoption Month at an event in the Capitol Rotunda hosted by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).
“Adoption Month is a time to recognize Montana families who have taken the life-changing step of providing a forever family to a child,” Gov. Gianforte said. “There’s simply no greater gift than adoption for a child in need of a loving home.”
Gov. Gianforte speaking with children in the St. Andrew’s Youth Choir
The ceremony honored Helena parents Bradley and Alicia Bragg and Andy and Dani Erdahl, as well as their adopted children. The St. Andrew’s Youth Choir performed at the event.
“Every child deserves the security and stability of a permanent family,” DPHHS Child and Family Services Division Administrator Nikki Grossberg said. “Adoption provides an opportunity for a child to flourish and enables adults to experience the unique joys of parenthood.”
Grossberg said the CFSD provides special training to all foster and adoptive parents. The training is offered across Montana at various times and locations. On average, the CFSD helps facilitate about 300 adoptions annually statewide.
In his remarks, the governor highlighted the state’s new adoption tax credit. A key element of the governor’s Budget for Montana Families and carried in the legislature by Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, R-Kalispell, House Bill 225 provides families an adoption tax credit of $5,000, or $7,500 if the child is adopted within Montana.
The new law went into effect when the governor signed it on May 16, 2023, and applies retroactively to eligible adoptions on or after July 1, 2022, claimed on tax returns filed for tax years beginning after December 31, 2022.
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.
“We know there are many amazing parents who are interested in adoption, and it’s our goal to help make that happen,” Grossberg said.