Andy Kamp and his family now live in Ohio, but as Kentucky residents, he and his wife, both adoptees themselves, created a family through the state’s foster care system. AJ came into their home as a four-year old foster child, and more than two years later, he became their legally adopted son.
Kamp said he’s grateful for the support his employer, NFI Industries, provided during the process.
"They were supportive in that they gave me enough flexibility and freedom," said Kamp, "to be able to actively pursue the dream of bringing a child into my home."
NFI Industries offers paid parental leave for bonding after birth or adoption and other additional benefits for foster parents.
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption just released its latest Best Adoption-Friendly Workplace Survey, which highlights the nation’s top 100 employers with the most robust adoption and foster care benefits.
Rita Soronen, the president and CEO of the foundation, said this year, the organization is offering certification for employers who offer financial reimbursement and/or paid leave to adoptive parents.
She added that tens of thousands of eligible children nationwide remain in foster care waiting for permanent homes.
"I think it's in the community's best interest," said Soronen, "it's certainly in the child's best interest that we focus on those children who are waiting to be adopted."
According to the National Council for Adoption, in 2024, around 46,000 children were adopted from foster care, representing a 6% decrease from the year prior, and a nearly 30% decline since 2019.
