Adams County proclaims National Adoption Month as Children Services warns of levy shortfall and costly case

The Adams County Board of Commissioners proclaimed November 2025 as National Adoption Month and heard a detailed update from Adams County Children Services on operations, budget pressures and a costly individual case.

The proclamation (Resolution No. 2025-484) cites 160 Adams County children in foster or other out-of-home settings, 53 children waiting to be adopted (19 of them age 13 or older), and an average of 1,585 days in foster care for youth 13 and older. The board adopted the proclamation by motion; Moore Holt and Jones voted AYE, Hayslip absent.

Children Services Executive Director Sonya Meyer told the board that kinship placements have helped keep children out of group homes and the county estimated that one individual case is costing approximately $109,000.00 annually. Meyer said a local levy recently failed “by roughly 70 votes,” leaving a funding shortfall; county staff and local partners will seek ideas and additional fundraising to cover gaps. Meyer also noted that 2025 will see a total of 18 adoptions and that no state programs were available to reimburse the county for the high-cost individual case.

Meyer described problems in a dormitory project bid and design: the architectural plans omitted pantry storage, included only one outlet in a bathroom for 10 girls, and omitted water/sewer tap fees (estimated at $15,000) and new electric service from the total budget; additional phone lines will also be needed. Fiscal Officer Cindy Pratt is scheduled to retire at the end of 2025, Meyer said.

The board did not take separate fiscal action on Children Services funding during the meeting beyond the transfers and appropriations already approved; Meyer asked for community ideas to raise awareness and fill funding gaps following the levy outcome.