The state of Illinois is recognizing national Adoption Awareness Month by thanking parents who have opened their homes to children in need.

In a statement Thursday, the state Department of Children and Family Services said nearly 1,700 children were adopted into permanent homes last year in Illinois. Over the past decade, 17,639 kids found homes through DCFS.

The state takes children into temporary care when their homes are unsafe. Most kids are temporarily placed with a relative or foster family until they can be reunited with their parents. If that's not possible, the state seeks an adoptive family.

There are currently 2,040 Illinois children legally available for adoption.

Interested families should call the Adoption Information Center of Illinois at 800-572-2390 or visit www.adoptinfo-il.org.