Despite the pandemic closing court rooms, DCYF will celebrated National Adoption Day today.
National Adoption Day was founded in the United States in 2000 by a handful of courts, child welfare agencies and businesses to raise awareness of the thousands of foster children awaiting adoption. It is celebrated the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
Gov. Jay Inslee proclaimed Nov. 21, as Adoption Day in Washington, however courts celebrated Friday with some virtual ceremonies. (View a video of last year’s celebration here.)
“Every child deserves permanency,” says Ross Hunter, Secretary for the Department of Children, Youth and Families. “We strive to find a safe, stable home for each and every one of the children in our care. We are thankful for the families who have opened their homes, staff who have worked tirelessly on behalf of families and the community for continuing to partner with us.”
Washington’s statewide celebration was launched in 2005 by the Washington Supreme Court Commission on Children in Foster Care and is co-sponsored by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families, the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Superior Court Judges’ Association, and by WARM 106.9’s Teddy Bear Patrol program.
“It’s important for parents interested in adopting to know these children are here and available, and for communities to know that adoption cases are still going forward,” said King County Superior Court Judge Dean Lum, Chair of the Washington State National Adoption Day Steering. “Family is a crucial foundation for children as they grow, develop and move into adulthood. This life-changing decision to create a new family is well worth celebrating at any time.”
For more information, visit the http://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/adoptionDay/.