Webster, Clay, Fillmore, and Nuckolls Counties will celebrate National Adoption Day throughout November. Under the direction of Judge Michael Burns, the district will put together gift baskets for every child adopted from December 2021 to November 2022. The baskets will include free passes to the YMCA, pizza gift card, movie pass, games, blankets, toys, and puzzles. There have been approximately 35 children adopted in the 10th Judicial District over the past 12 months.

This annual event has made the dreams of thousands of children come true by working with policymakers, practitioners, and advocates to finalize adoptions, and create and celebrate adoptive families. Retired Douglas County Juvenile Court Judge Wadie Thomas spearheaded Nebraska’s participation in National Adoption Day 23 years ago.

This and every November is National Adoption Awareness Month all across the United States. While the main point of National Adoption Day is to finalize adoptions, it's also a day of celebration. It's a celebration for those children who have found their forever families and for the parents who have made it through the long adoption process and have finally made it to finalization. It's also a celebration of life, love, and family. As such, National Adoption Day is the epitome of this month's focus--connecting waiting children and families, helping them reach adoption finalization, and providing post- adoption support.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are over 400,000 children in foster care, with 110,000 of those children waiting to be adopted into a permanent, loving, stable home. According to AdoptUSKids.org, there are 913 children in Nebraska awaiting adoption.

During the month of November, our nation celebrates National Adoption Month, and recognizes the families that have opened their hearts and homes to children in need of a family and the joy that adoption brings

It is also important to recognize the efforts of the volunteers and mentors who provide a positive, stable relationship for a child whose entire world is changing.  In addition, programs that provide comprehensive resources—from mental health services to tutoring—help foster kids succeed. 

Contact: Traci Webber, Communications Coordinator, Nebraska Court Improvement Project, 402-471-2698; traci.webber@nebraska.gov