National Adoption Day

National Adoption Day is a beacon of hope for countless children and a day to spotlight the importance of finding permanent, loving families for children in foster care.

Celebrated annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, this day unites policymakers, practitioners, and advocates across more than 400 cities in the U.S. to finalize thousands of adoptions and encourage more people to open their hearts and homes.

The date marks a joyous occasion, providing many children with the stability and love they’ve been waiting for, sometimes for years​​​​​​.

The roots of National Adoption Day date back to the efforts of a Los Angeles County judge who opened his court on Saturdays to finalize adoptions, reducing the backlog of cases and fast-tracking the process for many waiting children.

Since its official inception in 2000, this day has turned the dreams of over 75,000 children in foster care into reality by connecting them with their forever families.

It embodies a collective effort to draw attention to the more than 100,000 children still waiting for adoption, aiming to ensure every child has the chance to grow up in a supportive, loving environment​​​​​​. National Adoption Day is a day of honor and a call to action.

It’s a reminder of the transformative power of adoption, offering both children and adoptive families a chance to experience unconditional love and belonging.

The day serves to raise awareness about the urgent need for adoptive families. It encourages individuals and communities to get involved by considering adoption, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.

By doing so, we can all make a significant difference in the lives of children in need of a forever home​​.

History of National Adoption Day

National Adoption Day marks a moment of joy and new beginnings for families and children. It started in 2000, thanks to a coalition including the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute​​​​.

This day shines a spotlight on foster care kids waiting for a permanent home. The story began with a judge in Los Angeles, Michael Nash, who saw a need. He opened his courtroom on Saturdays to finalize adoptions, making dreams come true for many children​​.

National Adoption Day is celebrated on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Its powerful mission is to simplify the adoption process and bring attention to the many children needing homes​​​​. Since its inception, over 75,000 adoptions have been finalized on this day across the U.S.​​​​

Activities include volunteering, sharing stories online, and attending events celebrating adoption​​. The history of adoption awareness goes back further, though. In the 1970s, steps were taken to help adoptees search for their birth parents​​.

Thanks to efforts by Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, November evolved into a full month of awareness before becoming the focused day we know now​​.

Everyone can participate in National Adoption Day. Whether you want to grow your family, volunteer, or raise awareness, this day offers a chance to make a difference. It’s about finding homes for children and celebrating the families that grow through adoption​​​​.

How to Celebrate National Adoption

DayParty with a Purpose

Throw a party, but make it special. Gather loved ones for a themed celebration that highlights adoption stories. Create games that highlight the beauty of diverse families coming together. It’s a fun way to show love and support for adoption.

Creative Connections

Craft a family tree that showcases everyone you consider family, not limited to those related by blood. This activity is a heartwarming way to visualize the unique blend of your loved ones. It celebrates the idea that family is more than genetics; it’s about love and connection.

Volunteer and Share

Lend a hand at local adoption agencies or foster care organizations. They’re always looking for volunteers to help out.

It’s a wonderful way to spread joy and learn more about how adoption touches lives. Also, share your adoption story or listen to others in person or online. Stories have the power to connect and inspire, making every shared experience a potential beacon of hope for someone else.

Support and Advocate

Consider donating to charities that support adoption. Your contribution can make a significant difference in a child’s life.

Organize or join a movie night that features films about adoption, sparking conversations about this important topic. Lastly, be an advocate for adoption in your community.

Use your voice to support initiatives that make the adoption process easier and more accessible for all. Every action, no matter how small, can help ensure every child finds their forever home.