National Adoption Day

National Adoption Day is observed in the United States each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. It raises awareness of the adoption process and recognizes families who have opened their hearts and homes to children from foster care.

History of National Adoption Day

National Adoption Day was launched by a coalition of national organizations in 1999, and the first events were held on November 18, 2000. Courts in nine cities opened on or around the Saturday before Thanksgiving to finalize and recognize adoptions from foster care. The initiative was inspired by Judge Michael Nash of the Los Angeles County Juvenile Court, who opened the court on Saturdays to reduce a backlog of adoption cases.

National Adoption Day has since expanded to more than 400 communities across the United States. Courts, child welfare agencies, attorneys, and nonprofit organizations work together to finalize adoptions and raise awareness of children waiting for permanent families. Since the initiative began, National Adoption Day events have recognized more than 90,000 children joining permanent families.

Interesting Facts About National Adoption Day

• National Adoption Day focuses primarily on children waiting to be adopted from the U.S. foster care system.
• More than 100,000 children in foster care across the United States are waiting to be adopted.
• The first National Adoption Day events were held in nine cities in 2000.
• Courts in more than 400 communities have participated in National Adoption Day events.
• Some courts open on Saturdays so that multiple adoption cases can be finalized during special ceremonies.
• National Adoption Day takes place during National Adoption Month, which is observed throughout November.
• Nicole Richie, Faith Hill, and Steve Jobs are among the well-known people who were adopted.

Ways to Observe National Adoption Day

• Learn about adoption from foster care and contact a licensed local agency for reliable information about the process.
• Support foster and adoptive families by donating useful supplies or contributing to reputable organizations.
• Volunteer with an organization that provides services to children, young people, and families involved in foster care.
• Consider becoming a mentor or advocate for a young person in foster care.
• Share accurate National Adoption Day resources to help raise awareness of children waiting for permanent families.

When Is National Adoption Day in 2026?

National Adoption Day is observed on the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year.

Observations