10 Children Adopted into Nine Families at San Francisco National Adoption Day Celebration

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Ten children had their adoptions finalized today as the San Francisco Superior Court hosted its National Adoption Day celebration in partnership with the San Francisco Human Services Agency (SFHSA). The event also marks the 27th anniversary of California’s Court Adoption and Permanency Month, established by the Judicial Council of California in 1999. Courts throughout the state hold adoption celebrations during November in recognition of National Adoption Day.

“Most people come to court during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Adoption Day is different,” said Presiding Judge Rochelle C. East. “It is one of the most joyful days on our calendar. The path to this day takes years of work by social workers, attorneys, volunteers, court staff, and, above all, the families themselves. We are honored to share this moment with them.”

At each adoption hearing, the judge meets with the family and reviews the adoption. The adoptive parents sign an agreement that the child will be treated in all respects as their lawful child, and the judge signs the order that makes the adoption final. Today, Judges Roger C. Chan, Anne Costin, Alexandra Robert Gordon, and Adrienne Rogers presided over adoption hearings, which are private under California law.

“Adoption Day is one of the most meaningful days we have in this courthouse,” said Judge Chan, who supervises the Unified Family Court. “These families began as foster or kin caregivers who have been with the children through the ups and downs of their juvenile court cases. When reunification was not possible, these families stepped in to give children permanence through adoption. Adoption gives children a sense of identity and belonging in their forever families. Today’s hearings make official what these families have already built together.”

Before the hearings, families gathered for lunch in the Civic Center Courthouse’s 4th Floor Rotunda, with activities for the children and remarks from judges, partners, and adoptive parents. Many of the people who helped these families reach this day were in the room, including representatives from SFHSA. SFHSA’s social workers support children and families throughout the adoption process, helping them navigate each step toward a forever home.

“Across the nation, more than 100,000 children in foster care are waiting to be adopted. National Adoption Day is a powerful reminder that every child deserves the stability, security, and unconditional love of a permanent family and forever home,” said Trent Rhorer, Executive Director of the San Francisco Human Services Agency. “San Francisco is proud to join communities nationwide in recognizing this important day. Today, we celebrate ten local children as they begin a new chapter with their adoptive families.”

Court Adoption and Permanency Month recognizes the work of California’s juvenile courts and their partners to help children achieve safe, permanent homes through family reunification, adoption, or legal guardianship. If you are interested in becoming a foster or resource parent or adopting a child, visit SFHSA.org/Foster to learn more.

The Unified Family Court comprises Juvenile Dependency, Juvenile Justice, Child Support, and Family Law. Its mission is to provide coordinated services to those who have family-related issues in the court system, strengthen services to the community, and assist and promote healthy families and children.

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