Saturday, November 21, 2026
National Adoption Day is a collective, grassroots effort to raise awareness of the more than 100,000 children waiting to be adopted from foster care in the United States. A coalition of national partners — the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, Alliance for Children’s Rights and Children’s Action Network — launched National Adoption Day in 1999.
During this annual event, courts and organizations in more than 400 communities across the country have opened their doors on or around the Saturday before Thanksgiving to finalize and celebrate adoptions from foster care.
National Adoption Day has recognized more than 95,000 children moving from foster care to a permanent family.
Planning a celebration in your area? Register your event so we can recognize your organization’s commitment and our life-changing impact together.
Thank you to all the communities that have hosted National Adoption Day events.
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Access resources to help plan your National Adoption Day event and
spread the word about the importance of permanency for every child.
Were you adopted or did you adopt a child as part of a National Adoption Day event?
Did you help organize a National Adoption Day celebration in your community? Share your story.
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