What is National Adoption Day?

November 20, 2010, will mark the 11th year for Adoption Day and for the second year in a row, Nia Vardalos will be the spokesperson for the special event. Through the help of adoption professionals, child advocates, judges, and attorneys, thousands of children in foster care will finalize adoption and become part of a permanent home and family.

The History of National Adoption Day

2000 - National Adoption Day began with the Alliance for Children's Rights and support from the Freddie Mac Foundation, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, and others. Hundreds of adoptions were finalized in 9 jurisdictions.

2001 - The number of jurisdictions increased to 17.

2002 - Assistance from Casey Family Services, Children's Action Network, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute and Target. This support brought 34 jurisdictions to National Adoption Day and 1,350 adoptions were finalized.

2003 - 3,100 adoptions were finalized and 120 jurisdictions participated in the event.

2004 - 3,400 adoptions finalized at 200 events in 37 states.

2005 - The largest number of coast-to-coast celebrations for National Adoption Day to date! More than 3,300 children's adoptions were finalized from foster care in 227 events in 45 states and the District of Columbia.

2006 - More than 250 events in all fifty statesincluding the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico! More than 3,300 adoption were finalized.

2007 - More than 300 events were held in all fifty states including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

2008 - More than 4,000 children across all 50 states found loving, permanent homes.

2009 - A total of 345 Adoption Day events in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico with more than 4,500 children adopted from foster care!

Each year, more and more children are being adopted on Adoption Day and the events are becoming more widespread. In total more than 30,000 children have been adopted from foster care on National Adoption Day.

Goals of Adoption Day 2010

• Finalize adoptions from foster care in all 50 states
• Celebrate and honor all families that adopt
• Raise awareness about the 123,000 children in foster care waiting for adoption
• Encourage others to adopt children from foster care
• Build collaboration among local adoption agencies, courts and advocacy organizations

For More Information on Adoption Day and to Find Activities in Your Area:
National Adoption Day Web site

What Is Adoption Day? - Adoption Day Is Part of the National Adoption Month Celebration
By Carrie Craft, About.com Guide