National Adoption Day

Celebrated on 11/22/2026

Quick Fact

National Adoption Day is celebrated on the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year, making it a moving target date. Since its inception in 2000, over 75,000 children have been adopted from foster care on this day alone. It's a day when courts across the nation open their doors to finalize adoptions, turning foster children into forever sons and daughters.

Origins and Establishment of National Adoption Day

National Adoption Day was founded in 2000 by a coalition of national organizations including the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, the Alliance for Children's Rights, and Freddie Mac. The first event was held on November 18, 2000, with the goal of raising awareness about the more than 100,000 children in foster care awaiting permanent homes. The date was chosen to fall on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, symbolizing the spirit of family and gratitude.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its founding, National Adoption Day has grown from a handful of cities to over 400 events across all 50 states. Courts, legal professionals, child welfare agencies, and advocates collaborate to finalize adoptions, often with celebrations including balloons, cakes, and media coverage. In recent years, the day has expanded beyond just finalizations to include educational events, fundraising drives, and social media campaigns like #NationalAdoptionDay to promote awareness. The event has helped reduce the number of children waiting in foster care, though challenges remain.

Facts & General Observations

• Over 75,000 children have been adopted on National Adoption Day since 2000.
• There are approximately 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system on any given day, with over 100,000 waiting for adoption.
• The average age of a child waiting for adoption is 8 years old, and sibling groups often wait longer for a permanent home.

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