Whatcom County celebrates National Adoption Day and extends the recognition of permanency to include guardianships for youth.
đź“… Thursday, November 19, 2026
⌚10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
đź“Ť Whatcom County Courthouse, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, WA (3rd Floor, Department 4)
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Historically National Adoption Day has celebrated families who have decided to provide permanent loving homes to children in foster care. It has been aimed at increasing the public’s awareness of the ever-growing need for adoptive homes for these waiting children. In 2021, the legislature passed the Keeping Families Together Act which established guardianship as an equal and highly prioritized permanency option. Since that time, the number of youth guardianships has steadily increased.
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A symbolic celebration
This year, Whatcom County Superior Court celebrates families who have grown through adoptions from foster care, international adoptions, and adoptions through marriage. The Court is also honoring children achieving permanency through Guardianships (Title 13 and Title 11 Minor Guardianships), recognizing the lifelong impact of these connections.
“HELP US CELEBRATE YOUR FAMILY’S JOURNEY!”
Starting November 16, 2026, a Permanency Tree will be displayed on the 3rd Floor near Department 4. We invite you to write the year your adoption was finalized or your youth guardianship was established on a leaf and add it to the permanency tree.
Join us as we celebrate permanency, family, and connection!