Southwest Montana News

Governor Greg Gianforte recently joined families in Helena to mark Adoption Month at an event organized by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) in the Capitol Rotunda. The governor emphasized the significance of adoption, stating, “Adoption Month is a time to recognize Montana families who have taken the life-changing step of providing a forever family to a child. There’s simply no greater gift than adoption for a child in need of a loving home.”

The ceremony paid tribute to local parents Bradley and Alicia Bragg, and Andy and Dani Erdahl, along with their adopted children. The event featured a performance by the St. Andrew’s Youth Choir.

Nikki Grossberg, Administrator of DPHHS Child and Family Services Division, remarked on the importance of adoption: “Every child deserves the security and stability of a permanent family. Adoption provides an opportunity for a child to flourish and enables adults to experience the unique joys of parenthood.” She also noted that CFSD offers special training for foster and adoptive parents throughout Montana, facilitating approximately 300 adoptions annually across the state.

Governor Gianforte highlighted the new adoption tax credit as part of his Budget for Montana Families initiative. House Bill 225, led by Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, R-Kalispell, offers an adoption tax credit of $5,000 or $7,500 if adopting within Montana. This law took effect when signed on May 16, 2023, retroactively applying to eligible adoptions from July 1, 2022.

For those interested in foster care or adoption, resources are available via email at askaboutadoption@mt.gov or by calling 1-866-9FOSTER (1-866-936-7837). Further information can be found on both the AdoptUSKids website and DPHHS website.

Grossberg concluded with encouragement for prospective adoptive parents: “We know there are many amazing parents who are interested in adoption, and it’s our goal to help make that happen.”