National Adoption Day celebration kicks off Saturday morning at Edmund D. Edelman Children's Court

On Saturday, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero will join Los Angeles County Superior Court Presiding Judge Samantha P. Jessner and other community leaders to commemorate National Adoption Day by honoring the 232 children adopted by 148 families in Los Angeles County this year.

"I will always remember the first time I handled an adoption proceeding," Guerrero said in a statement. "The joy and celebration that such adoptions bring. Every child deserves a loving home, and adoptive families are committed to giving children the opportunity to thrive in a safe and stable environment."

National Adoption Day was founded by Michael Nash, the former Los Angeles County Juvenile Court presiding judge and current director of the Los Angeles County Office of Child Protection. These events led to the launch of National Adoption Day, which has since expanded to courts nationwide.

"For nearly a quarter-century now, the Court and its National Adoption Day partners at DCFS, the Alliance and Public Counsel have worked together to celebrate the true spirit of Thanksgiving by finalizing the forever families of hundreds of children in foster care in LA County," Jessner said. "This year, we are especially grateful to Chief Justice Guerrero for joining this event, as her very presence as the leader of the California Judicial Branch honors the heroes that are California's adoptive parents and the pro-bono attorneys, judicial officers, court and DCFS staff that help make this day a joyous occasion for all that attend."

Events begin with a live news conference at 8:15 a.m. on the 3rd Floor of the Edmund D. Edelman Children's Court at 201 Centre Plaza Drive in Monterey Park. In-person adoption proceedings will follow the news conference.

Public Counsel Vice President Kathryn Eidmann said, "We know the journey doesn't end when adoption papers are signed; it's just the beginning. That's why we've worked closely with our partners to ensure adoptive families receive the comprehensive support they need to thrive."

It is the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic that this event will occur entirely in person.