Raising Awareness for Children in the Foster Care System
PHOENIX (Nov. 20, 2024) – Maricopa County is proud to celebrate its 25th year of National Adoption Day – an event where a child’s dream of joining their forever family comes true.
Since the event started in 1999, the Judicial Branch has finalized the adoptions of more than 4,500 children on National Adoption Day.
“We are thrilled to be hosting our 25th National Adoption Day! Adopting a child is a profound act of love that not only positively transforms the life of a child but also enriches families and strengthens our community. Celebrating adoptive families shows the power of connection, compassion and commitment – demonstrating that love is what makes a family,” Presiding Juvenile Department Judge Lori Bustamante said. “We hope this day inspires others to open their hearts and homes to children who deserve a loving and stable home.”
This year’s event will feature the finalization of 55 adoptions by 23 judicial officers inside the Durango Juvenile Court Center, 3131 W. Durango in Phoenix. The kids range in age from toddlers to teenagers. Many of these children have persevered through difficult circumstances and adoption is the child’s best option for a joyful life. Adoptions will begin at 9 a.m. and finish at noon.
“We are grateful for our incredible team of people who make this day possible. The National Adoption Day Committee, attorneys, clerks, judicial officers, judicial branch staff and employees, and members of our community have all invested their time, dedication, and passion into making a lasting impact on the families we are celebrating,” Judge Bustamante said. “We want to extend a special thanks to each one of our volunteers and all they do to make this event memorable for everyone.”
The festive atmosphere of the event is heightened by a visit from the Phoenix Suns Gorilla; face painting; games for kids; photos of the newly created families and cake and ice cream.
National Adoption Day is a collective national effort to shed light on the 108,000 children in foster care waiting to find forever families. Since its inception, more than 400 communities across the country have hosted National Adoption Day events recognizing more than 85,000 children moving from foster care to a permanent family.