Adam spent years in and out of foster care. But from the moment he arrived at John and Andrea’s home, there was an unexpected bond. Within the first week, he asked if he could call them “Mom” and “Dad.”

“I’ve lived in group homes. I’ve come from being in foster care. So, some of our traumas are similar,” Andrea shared. “It makes me feel good to know that you can give them better than what they had … and not bouncing place to place where you feel like nobody cares about you.”

Adam was one of more than 200 children adopted during Los Angeles County’s National Adoption Day celebration in 2024, with support from the Alliance for Children’s Rights.

“Ever since this adoption and everything, I was able to breathe easier because I knew no more journey. It’s just all over,” said Adam. “I can finally rest easy, go to sleep, and wake up the next day with them.”

Thank you, Alliance for Children’s Rights, for sharing this story.

Did you adopt a child as part of a National Adoption Day event or help organize a National Adoption Day celebration in your community? Share your story.