November is National Adoption Month

The Johnson family with Judge Barbara Hobbs.

Since 1995, November has been known as National Adoption Month. It serves as a time to bring awareness to the more than 100,000 children currently in foster care in the U.S. It is also a chance to honor the many adoptive and kinship families that give these children a permanent place to call home.

The Saturday before Thanksgiving is also known as National Adoption Day. Courts in Florida and throughout the nation use this day, or another day of their choosing, to finalize adoptions and celebrate the creation of new families before the Thanksgiving holiday. The Second Judicial Circuit recognized National Adoption Day on November 14, 2024, and Judge Barbara Hobbs finalized the adoptions of nine children that day. After court, the new families were invited to attend a celebration at the Challenger Learning Center in Tallahassee.

The Miller family with Judge Barbara Hobbs.

With the court business behind them, the families spoke about their adoption journeys and what adoption has meant to their lives. The Johnsons have cared for son, Kayden, for years and were delighted to formally give him the family name. The Millers said they immediately knew they were the perfect fit for their new son, Tyson, and also had the medical skills to handle any of his needs. Many of the speakers also encouraged others to consider fostering and adoption and to follow their hearts.

Judges who preside over adoptions frequently say it is one of the best things they get to do in court. After seeing so many new happy families, it is easy to see why.

More information about National Adoption Month is available online. http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoptionmonth/