Three Thurston County families finalized adoptions on Thursday in celebration of National Adoption Day.
“Your child may not yet fully understand the depth of this day, but from this moment forward, your love will help rewrite their story,” Sharonda Amamilo, Thurston County Family and Juvenile Court judge, said during the event in Tumwater.
Thursday’s event celebrated adoptive families, as well as social workers, judges, lawyers, court staff, community organizations, and others who help support children in need of permanent homes.
“You’re playing a role in lifting up these families, and your continued advocacy and support has not gone unnoticed,” Tana Senn, secretary of the state Department of Children Youth and Families, said to event attendees.
More than 1,000 children have been adopted by stepparents, domestic partners, individuals, and couples in Thurston County since the county’s first National Adoption Day in 2004, according to a Thurston County news release.
Officially celebrated on Nov. 21, National Adoption Day is now recognized in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
“The goal is to spread the word that these children need homes,” Indu Thomas, Thurston County Family and Juvenile Court judge, said, referencing statistics that currently show over 750 children in foster care in Washington state who are legally free for adoption.
Event sponsors included Thurston County Superior Court-Family and Juvenile Court; Thurston County Bar Association; Washington state Department of Children, Youth, and Families; Artistry in Flowers; Coordinated Care-Apple Health; Family Education and Support Services; Wendy’s Wonderful Kids; South Sound Reading; and the Hands-on Children’s Museum.
Lewis County Superior Court also had a National Adoption Day event scheduled for this week, but it was canceled.
