Adoption Day 2024: Connecting Foster Children with Long Awaited Forever Homes

SAN JOSÉ, California (November 20, 2024):  The Santa Clara County Superior Court, in partnership with the County’s Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS), will join the celebration of National Adoption Day by hosting 10 adoptive families as they welcome 19 children into their permanent homes. On this special day, courts across the United States join communities in finalizing thousands of adoptions, honoring the families who provide loving homes to children from foster care.

"National Adoption Day stands as a testament to our collective commitment to the more than 100,000 children yearning for a loving home," said Presiding Judge Beth McGowen. “This event is a heartwarming alliance that brings the concept of family to life, a powerful reminder of what unity can achieve. As we celebrate Adoption Day, we reflect on the profound significance each adoption brings, especially during the holiday season, when family connections and lasting memories take center stage.”

National Adoption Day offers an opportunity to raise public awareness about the need for adoptive parents, provide information to prospective families about the adoption process, and celebrate the local families who have opened their hearts to children needing permanent homes.

The Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) is dedicated to keeping children safe and families strong, striving for a community where every child and family can realize their unique potential. Over the past five years, DFCS has finalized 510 adoptions, averaging 102 adoptions annually. Recognizing that adoption is a lifelong journey, DFCS emphasizes the importance of supporting families throughout their adoption journey.

“Adoption Day is a culminating event that honors families who have provided permanency by opening up their arms, hearts, and homes,” said Damion Wright, Director of the Department of Family and Children’s Services. “Our adoptive parents have committed to providing a secure, loving, and permanent home—a ‘forever home’—for their children. There is nothing more significant to a child than the stability and love of a family.”

In a unique arrangement for this year's celebration, the Santa Clara County Superior Court will permit media access to the adopted children with the consent of their parents. Deputies will allow press entry into the event without the usual MC500/MC510 documentation. Adoptive families who agree to be photographed or filmed will be identified by a special sticker worn by the adoptive parents. The Court requests that all media members respect participants' preferences and approach only those families wearing the designated badge.

Media Attendance: Members of the media interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP via email at media@scscourt.org.

National Adoption Day in Santa Clara County reflects our community’s commitment to providing children in foster care with the stability and love of a permanent family.