CommunityFriday, November 6
Helena families share their adoption stories as Montana kicks off Adoption Month
The Good Day Helena team
Gov. Greg Gianforte proclaimed November 2026 as Adoption Month on Thursday at the Capitol Rotunda, where adoptive and foster families gathered to celebrate the start of the month. Helena's April Berns shared her story: a Child Protective Services call on Oct. 5, 2018, asked if she could take in her granddaughter. She adopted her on March 11, 2021, and adoptions of two grandsons became official Sept. 30.
Montana's foster care and adoption numbers
- 1,716
- children in Montana foster care, down from more than 3,300 in 2021
- nearly 48%
- decline in foster care since 2021
- 256
- adoptions the state has handled this year, Harrington said
Meagan Hogue and her husband, Wesley, have fostered children in Helena since 2022 and adopted two. Children are still waiting for permanent homes. DPHHS Director Dr. Douglas Harrington's message to anyone hesitant: "Don't be afraid, just really consider it."
- Tax credit: $5,000, or $7,500 for children adopted within Montana
- Signed into law by Gianforte in 2023
- New this year: Montana joined the A Home for Every Child initiative
- Help: DPHHS connects families with financial assistance
Berns's family grew over eight years
- Oct. 2018Child Protective Services asks Berns if she can take in her granddaughter.
- Nov. 2018Her granddaughter comes to live with her.
- March 2021Berns officially adopts her granddaughter.
- Aug. 2025Two of her grandsons come into her care.
- Sept. 30The adoptions of the two grandsons become official.
Sources: KTVQ, KPAX News, The Independent Record, NonStop Local Montana