Courts and communities across the state came together to host celebrations for National Adoption Month. This year, the judge-hosted events occurred in Gering, Hastings, Lincoln, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha, and Shelton. Most events involved the celebration of adoptions from several counties. The events featured family activities, games, and fun for everyone, some celebrations included the finalization of adoptions.

Judge Wadie Thomas, Ret., who established Nebraska’s Adoption Saturday program returned to the celebration to welcome families. Judge Matthew Kahler, Juvenile Court Judge in Douglas County, inherited hosting duties for the Omaha court, handing out teddy bears to the 26 children whose adoptions were finalized on November 23.

Foster adoption requires the collaboration of many people: judges, attorneys, guardians ad litem, service providers, DHHS workers and both adoptive and biological parents. Increased cooperation has contributed to an increased number of adoptions in recent years in Nebraska.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are over 400,000 children in foster care, with about 100,000 of those children waiting to be adopted into a permanent, loving, stable home. According to Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, 537 children were adopted through foster care in Nebraska last year. In the last ten years, DHHS has helped place about 4,800 Nebraska children in adoptive homes.

November is National Adoption Awareness Month across the United States. While the main point of National Adoption Day is to finalize adoptions, it is also a day of celebration for those children who have found their forever families. It is a celebration of life, love, and family.

It is 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. 

Written by CIP Staff, Contributions from Lee Rettig, PIO, Nebraska DHHS