Nebraska Courts Hold National Adoption Day Celebrations Across State

Nebraska Courts Hold National Adoption Day Celebrations Across State

Nebraska courts celebrate National Adoption Day each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving or a Saturday immediately following the holiday. Participating courts hold parties for adoptive families, finalize adoptions where children are ready, and educate the public about the adoption process.

This year there will be eight communities/courts celebrating Nebraska Adoption Day (see listing below).

Nebraska’s Adoption Day partners include the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, Court Appointed Special Advocates, area attorneys, court staff, and many agencies involved with the welfare of children.

It’s attention from the media (to the public) that’s needed if more children are going to find permanent placement in new families. According to Nebraska’s Adoption Day founder, Judge Wadie Thomas of Omaha, “We need more families to step up and adopt kids. Adoption Day gets media attention for the issue.”

Nebraska Adoption Day Statistics – Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

From: Russ Reno | Public Information Officer  

The number of children adopted from foster care in 2017 is expected to exceed last year’s number and continues the accelerated rate of adoptions through Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).  According to DHHS Chief Executive Officer, Courtney Phillips, the department continues to emphasize permanent placement for foster children in the state’s care. As of Nov. 1, 2017, 395 adoptions have been completed, and approximately another 150 children are scheduled to be adopted November 18 -- National Adoption Day.

In 2016, the department had 504 adoptions from foster care.

As of today, 353 children currently in foster care are available for adoption and need adoptive homes.

Nebraska Adoption Resources – Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services:

 

National Adoption Day 2017

Find the listing for individual celebrations and media contact people online: https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/programs-services/children-families/nebraska%E2%80%99s-national-adoption-day

November 18, 2017 Celebrations:

Omaha: Judge Wadie Thomas

Press Conference: 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM, Omaha/Douglas County Civic Center – Adoptions at 9:00 AM

 

Lincoln: Judge Reggie Ryder 

Celebration and Adoptions: 9:00 AM to Noon, Justice and Law Enforcement Center– 3rd and 4th Floor

 

Columbus: Judge Frank Skorupa 

Celebration: 2 PM, The Sanctuary

 

Fremont: Judge Ken Vampola

Celebration: 1 PM, Salem Lutheran Church

 

Kearney: Judges Gerald Jorgensen & John Rademacher

Celebration: 9:00 AM, First United Methodist Church

 

Norfolk: Judge Ross Stoffer 

Celebration: 3:00 – 6:00 PM, Norfolk YMCA

 

North Platte: Judge Michael Piccolo

Celebration: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Wild Bill’s Wings and Bowling


December 2, 2017 Celebration:

Gering/Scottsbluff: Judges James Worden & Kris Mickey

Celebration: 11 AM – 2 PM, Playhouse Skate and Fun Center