The finalization of adoption is one of the most important and heartwarming events in a family’s life. It’s often the accumulation of a long and sometimes difficult process, but one with the greatest reward—a loving, supportive and forever family for children.

Families often celebrate the finalization of an adoption in many fun ways. In addition to their own celebrations, they can join a nationwide event known as National Adoption Day. In its eleventh year, National Adoption Day celebrates the finalization of foster care adoptions, in addition to celebrating all adoptions.

This year, National Adoption Day takes place on November 20, 2010. This annual event began in 2000, when strong efforts were made to finalize foster care adoptions. More than 30,000 children have been adopted on this special day, most from foster care. As of 2010, the National Adoption Day Coalition is predicting that 4,500 children will be adopted on November 20, 2010.

According to the National Adoption Day website, the forces behind this event include: The Alliance for Children’s Rights, Casey Family Services, Children’s Action Network, The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, and the Freddie Mac Foundation.

There are currently over 500,000 thousand children in foster care, and over 114,000 available for adoption in the United Sates. The driving forces behind National Adoption Day hope to bring awareness to this fact, and encourage families to pursue adoption from foster care. In addition, several goals from this special day are to “Build collaboration among local adoption agencies, courts and advocacy organizations” and “Communication availability and need for post adoptive services."

The National Adoption Day website has a plethora of information on events and ways to get involved. If you have questions about planning an event, the “Tools for Event Planners” section will be invaluable to you! They offer detailed advice on the following topics:

• Getting Organized
  
• Involving Your Community
  
• Involving Your Local Government
  
• Working With the Media
  
• Utilizing Spokespeople
  
• Technical Assistance of Power Point
  
• Website Tools
  
• Fact Sheets

National Adoption Day wouldn’t be possible without the support of communities, judges, lawyers, advocates, and families throughout the United States. For more information on this incredible event, visit www.nationaladoptionday.org.