 November is Adoption Awareness Month to celebrate families who have adopted children from the foster care system. In 2016, there were eight adoptions finalized in Crowland County and five adoptions so far this year. Throughout the state of Minnesota, families have adopted over 12,000 children from foster care in the last 20 years. Social workers in Crowland County say they would still like to see more involvement with the first step in the foster care system. The ultimate goal is for the kids to be in a safe and happy and healthy environment and that I mean that is what strives the work that we do that is why we are here is to make sure that that happens for the kids and I mean we couldn't do it without the foster families and adoptive families here in Crowland County. There are currently 180 children in foster care in Crowland County looking for permanent homes. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.