Foster Children in Rockford Unite with Families for National Adoption Day
Rockford, Illinois Celebrates National Adoption Day with Heartwarming Ceremony
ROCKFORD, Ill. — In a joyous celebration of family and belonging, 18 children in local foster care will be adopted into permanent homes this Saturday at the Winnebago County Justice Center. This occasion marks National Adoption Day, an annual event aimed at raising awareness about the thousands of children in foster care longing for a stable family environment.
The ceremony will be presided over by judges from the Winnebago County 17th Circuit Court in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and representatives from private adoption agencies. Their joint effort exemplifies a commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to feel secure, cherished, and supported within a loving family.
Governor JB Pritzker expressed his sentiments on this significant day, stating, “Every kid deserves a home where they feel loved, safe, and supported.” He emphasized the virtues of the adoptive families involved, referring to them as the embodiment of Illinois’ compassion and resilience. He extended gratitude to all parents who choose to adopt and acknowledged the diligent professionals at DCFS who facilitate these life-changing connections.
Heidi Mueller, Director of the Illinois DCFS, echoed these sentiments by highlighting the transformative power of adoption. “When parents open their homes, they do more than provide shelter — they offer safety, trust, and unconditional care that every child deserves,” Mueller said. “In return, their lives and homes are made immeasurably richer.”
Statistics from DCFS reveal a growing need for adoptive families; during the last fiscal year, 2,492 Illinois children found permanent families, yet 2,443 children currently in foster care have a goal of adoption still pending. This underscores the significant social issue at hand — the ongoing need for compassionate individuals and families to step forward and provide stable homes for children in transition.
National Adoption Day is observed each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and serves as a national initiative to bring attention to the more than 100,000 children in foster care across the United States who are still waiting for a permanent family. Since its inception in 2000, the initiative has successfully helped more than 90,000 kids transition from foster care to stable homes.
In addition to the Rockford event, various adoption celebrations are occurring around Illinois, including recent gatherings in Chicago and Marion, with future events scheduled in Geneva on November 24 and in Edwardsville on December 19.
For those interested in learning more about National Adoption Day or exploring the process of becoming an adoptive parent, additional information can be found on the PLACEHOLDER5c8e3c5bc6233f84 and the PLACEHOLDERb71f22635025d5b7.
The heartfelt ceremonies taking place this weekend serve as a reminder of the power of community and the enduring hope for children seeking a place to call home.
