County Families Celebrate Adoption Day 2024
Every November, courts open their doors to prospective parents to make the custody of their children official
“Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.” – Oprah Winfrey
Families can come in different shapes and different backgrounds; and the journey on how they are formed is special to each one. One thing they all have in common, which was evident at the 2024 Adoption Day event, is love.
In California, every November, courts open their doors to prospective parents to make the custody of their children official. Originally created to clear up the backlog of cases in other counties in the State, Adoption Day has turned into an annual event where moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, nieces and nephews gather to celebrate and finalize their found family.
“This journey was a fight and a struggle,” said Christina Banago, who is grandmother to Grayson and Maddox. “It’s been five years and finally we can have a new life together with certainty and start our new chapter.”
Most of the people have been acting as families for months and years. On Adoption Day, the court gets to let the parents know that their journey through the system is over.
“It’s actually happening, it’s finally here, it’s exciting, and it’s been very emotional,” said Sandra Gardere who adopted Leilani and Gabrielle. “Leilani had a fear of not being able to stay with us forever. Now, I can help them heal and navigate life from now until forever. They can finally move forward and be secure in their own home.”
Judges at the Family Justice Courthouse in San José look forward every year and vie for the opportunity to see the smiling faces of families from throughout Santa Clara County. They welcome families into their courtrooms to talk about what adoption means and to share how the process has changed their lives. Then, they administer the adoption oath and sign the paperwork to make the families official under the law.
"National Adoption Day stands as a testament to our collective commitment to the more than 100,000 children yearning for a loving home," said Presiding Judge Beth McGowen. “This event is a heartwarming alliance that brings the concept of family to life, a powerful reminder of what unity can achieve. As we celebrate Adoption Day, we reflect on the profound significance each adoption brings, especially during the holiday season, when family connections and lasting memories take center stage.”
The Santa Clara County Superior Court partners with the County of Santa Clara Social Services Agency to put on the event every year. The department helps prospective parents and foster parents navigate the process. Adoptions are available to caretakers of dependent children of the court in out-of-home care who are unable to return to their parents and need a permanent home. More information and resources for prospective parents can be found on the child adoption webpage of the Social Services Agency.