“What Adoption Means to Me” Videos Needed for National Adoption Month

November is National Adoption Month, and this year the Division of Child Welfare is putting together a video compilation to share the positive impact adoption from foster care can have on kids and young people. We would love to feature the voices of adoptive parents, children, youth and professionals. That’s where you come in!

Our goal is to create a video titled “What Adoption Means to Me,” bringing together short clips (30 seconds) from adoptees, parents, families, and advocates. Please share this opportunity with recent adoptive families and those with whom you work.

Who: Adoptive parents, youth who were adopted, professionals involved in adoption from foster care.

What: “What Adoption Means to Me” Videos for National Adoption Month!

When: Please send videos in a MP3 format by October 15th to vida.hejazi@state.co.us. We will then provide the media release form needed. 

How: Start your 15-30 second video by completing this sentence: “To me, adoption means…” or “To my family, adoption means…”

Video Tips:

1. Shoot Vertically and Look at the Camera Always film vertically (in a 9:16 aspect ratio) so your video fills the entire phone screen. While recording, look directly at the small camera lens at the top of your phone rather than at your own reflection on the screen—this ensures you are making direct eye contact with your audience.
2. Face a Light Source Always stand or sit facing a window or light source rather than having it behind you. Front-facing light keeps your face clear, bright, and easy to see without shadows or harsh silhouettes.
3. Clean Your Lens Phone lenses collect pocket lint, fingerprints, and smudges constantly. Quickly wipe your front and back camera lenses with your shirt or a soft cloth before filming to instantly sharpen your video quality.
4. Keep Your Phone at Eye Level Avoid low angles that point up toward your chin. Prop your phone on a stack of books or use a tripod to bring the camera straight to eye level for a more natural, conversational look.
5. Talk to One Person Instead of broadcasting to a room, talk as if you are on a one-on-one FaceTime call with a friend. Speak naturally, keep your talking points brief, and don’t worry about minor stumbles—imperfection often feels more real and engaging.
6. Be Yourself! The goal of these compilation videos is to share authentic stories of the positive impact of adoption from foster care.

Why: The final compilation (or multiple compilations if we get enough videos) will be shared on DCW social media pages and newsletters to raise awareness and celebrate the impact of adoption on children and youth who have experienced foster care. 

Thank you so much for considering sharing a piece of your journey with us. Please let Vida Hejazi (vida.hejazi@state.co.us) know if you have any questions!