Judicial Branch of Arizona

Office of Media Relations

Old Courthouse
125 W. Washington
Phoenix, Arizona 85003-2205
602.506.7570

"Committed to the Timely, Fair and Impartial Administration of Justice."

Contact: Karen Arra, Media Relations Director

602.506.7570

Vincent Funari, Public Information Officer

602.507.7032

National Adoption Day Numbers Up 40 Percent

More than 200 families in Maricopa County will be setting an extra place at the dinner table this Thanksgiving.

On November 21st, the Saturday before Thanksgiving, a record-setting 292 kids will be joining their forever families on
National Adoption Day. The 292 children scheduled to have their adoption decrees finalized marks a 42 percent increase
from last year’s event. In 2008, Maricopa County’s National Adoption Day event ranked number one in the United States
with 205 adoptions.

“It’s gratifying to see how this event continues to grow each year,” Presiding Juvenile Judge Norman J. Davis said. “Our
community is fortunate to have so many families who open their hearts and homes to children who need them.”

The event helps raise public awareness about the plight of children without families. Some of the children, who range in
age from newborns to teenagers, are victims of abandonment, neglect and abuse.

“Most of the adopted children come from difficult circumstances, and National Adoption Day gives us all a chance to
witness the joy in their faces and reflect on how these adoptions can provide them a new start in a safe and secure home,”
Judge Davis said.

The festive atmosphere of the event is heightened by a visit from the Phoenix Suns Gorilla mascot; face painting; games
for kids; photos of the newly created families; and cake and ice cream.

More than 34 judicial officers have volunteered their Saturday to preside over the hearings, which will take place from 9
a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Durango Juvenile Court Center, 3131 W. Durango in Phoenix. The public is encouraged to attend.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of National Adoption Day, a national day of celebration of adoptive families and an
opportunity for courts to open their doors and finalize the adoptions of children from foster care. Since 2000, more than
25,000 children have had their adoptions finalized on National Adoption Day.

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