National Adoption Day: 14 Pierce County Kids Get Forever Homes

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — Friday will be a special day in Pierce County, as 14 foster children get formally adopted into 10 families. The ceremony at Pierce County Juvenile Court coincides with National Adoption Day, an annual event observed in Washington since 2005. More than 9,200 children are currently in foster care in Washington state, with 1,700 in Pierce County.

"To date, Juvenile Court has celebrated the adoption of 340 children into forever homes," said TJ Bohl, Juvenile Court administrator. "This would not be possible without the loving families in our community who have opened their hearts to children who are in need of a permanent home.

Of the 9,200 children currently in Washington's foster care system, 1,800 are "legally free," and awaiting families to adopt them. National Adoption Day started with just six Washington counties 15 years ago and has since grown to 22 counties. The event takes place every year during the week before Thanksgiving, alongside similar celebrations nationwide. The public is welcome to attend all planned celebrations.

According to the Department of Children, Youth and Families, approximately 10 percent of the state's legally free children will be adopted during the public celebrations Friday. Almost 2,500 children have been adopted during National Adoption Day in Washington since its inception.

ADOPTION DAY EVENTS

Pierce County
November 22, 9 a.m.
Pierce County Juvenile Court (5501 6th Ave, Tacoma)

King County
November 22, 12 p.m.
King County Courthouse (516 3rd Ave, Seattle), 9th floor.

Snohomish County
November 22, 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Snohomish County Superior Court (3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett)

Washington Celebrates National Adoption Day

Foster Care Adoption Fact Sheet