Today, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, along with the Alliance for Children’s Rights, Public Counsel, and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), celebrated the adoption of more than 140 children by more than 95 families as part of the 26th annual National Adoption Day at the Edmund D. Edelman Children’s Courthouse.
“The Court is honored to celebrate National Adoption Day and to recognize its lasting impact as children secure safe, loving, and permanent homes as their adoption is finalized,” Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II said. “The annual celebration also serves as an important call to action for those who are considering caring for and providing children a safe and nurturing home.”
Watch: National Adoption Day 2025.
“The Court’s judicial officers and staff are proud to partner with the Alliance for Children’s Rights, Public Counsel and DCFS to celebrate the adoptions of children who begin a new chapter in their safe and loving homes where their well-being will be protected and ensured,” Juvenile Court Presiding Judge Akemi Arakaki said.
The Court’s judicial officers from across the county volunteered to preside over the adoption proceedings held today at the Children’s Courthouse.
“National Adoption Day is a joyful reminder of what’s possible when love, advocacy, and community come together,” Director of Adoptions at the Alliance for Children’s Rights Cynthia J. Billey said. “Each year, we celebrate the families who open their hearts and homes, and the extraordinary efforts of social workers, judges, children's attorneys, pro bono attorneys, and our coalition of partners and supporters who make these adoptions possible. Together, we’re creating lasting stability and belonging for children who deserve nothing less.”
After the adoption hearings, families enjoyed lunch provided by the In-N-Out Burger Foundation, which parked a cookout truck in front of the courthouse. Families also participated in various activities, including taking photos in a photo booth.
“Public Counsel is proud to partner with the Court, DCFS, the Alliance for Children’s Rights, and pro bono legal teams to celebrate families adopting today,” President and CEO of Public Counsel Kathryn Eidmann said. “Our dedicated pro bono volunteers provide holistic advocacy; finalizing adoptions while also connecting children with individualized services — strengthening and supporting the entire family as they leave the foster care system and move forward.”
The Los Angeles Adoption Saturday program began in the late 1990s. The Court’s former presiding judge of the Juvenile Court, Judge Michael Nash (ret.), worked with the Alliance for Children’s Rights, Public Counsel, and DCFS to organize adoption day events on Saturdays in Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles model led to the launch of “National Adoption Day” in 2000 by a coalition of national partners, including the Alliance and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, which has since expanded to courts in more than 400 communities throughout the country. National Adoption Day is traditionally held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and celebrates the adoption of children in Los Angeles County and across the country.
“Adoption is a celebration of something powerful — the moment a child and a parent choose each other,” DCFS Director Brandon T. Nichols said. “For children, it means safety, love, and a place to call home. For parents, it brings new beginnings, unexpected joys, and a love that grows deeper every day.”
The largest trial court in the nation, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, serves a population of almost 10 million in 36 courthouses with a jurisdiction covering over 4,000 square miles that includes 88 cities, 140 unincorporated areas and 88 law enforcement agencies. The Court is steadfast in its mission to serve our community by providing equal access to justice through the fair, timely, and effective resolution of all cases.
For more information on the Court’s current programs and services, follow the Court on X (@LASuperiorCourt), Instagram (@LASuperiorCourt), Threads (@LASuperiorCourt ), or visit the Court’s website, www.LACourt.ca.gov.
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