Honoring youth: Strengthening pathways for lasting bonds
Wed, 12/03/2025 - 9:27am
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By:
Guest Column Patricia Harrelson
Each November, National Adoption Month invites us to celebrate families formed through adoption and to reflect on the thousands of children and teens still waiting for a permanent, loving home. But honoring youth means more than celebrating successful matches, it means listening to their voices, respecting their experiences, and strengthening the systems that shape their futures.
Across the nation, thousands of young people in foster care dream not only of adoption but of belonging; to be seen, heard, and valued for who they are. For older youth especially, adoption is not just about legal permanence; it’s about emotional connection and stability. Research consistently shows that when young people have at least one committed, caring adult, their chances of thriving in adulthood increase dramatically, regardless of whether that connection is formalized through adoption or another lasting relationship.
As child welfare professionals, families, and communities, we must ensure that adoption efforts begin with honoring youth voices. This means asking young people what family means to them, who they feel safe with, and what support they need to maintain lifelong ties. It means engaging siblings together whenever possible, preserving cultural identity, and ensuring connections between birth families, mentors, and communities remain strong.
Adoption cannot be an isolated act; it must be part of a broader continuum of permanency, from prevention and reunification efforts to post-adoption support that help families navigate challenges as children grow. When we invest in these pathways, we affirm that stability is not a one-time event but a lifelong process.
To truly honor youth, we must move beyond systems that prioritize efficiency over empathy. Strengthening pathways for lasting bonds means celebrating every connection, kinship care, guardianship, reunification, and adoption alike, that provides a child with love and belonging.
This month let’s renew our commitment to making sure every young person has someone who truly shows up for them. Because honoring youth means building a future where every child knows, without question, that they are wanted, supported, and never alone.
Patricia Harrelson is Manager of Child and Family Social Services, Minnesota Prairie County Alliance
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