Reflecting on National Adoption Day: A Celebration of Permanency, Hope, and New Beginnings

Last Friday, Jefferson County Family Court opened its doors to one of the most joyful events of the year—its annual celebration of National Adoption Day. More than 40 children officially joined their forever families as judges finalized adoptions, cameras clicked, relatives cheered, and children beamed with excitement. It was a morning filled with gratitude, emotion, and the unmistakable sense that lives were forever changed.

CASA of the River Region was honored to once again sponsor this beautiful event. Our team had the privilege of welcoming families, volunteers, and community partners with breakfast as they gathered to witness moments of incredible transformation. Watching children walk out of the courthouse hand-in-hand with parents, siblings, and loved ones is a powerful reminder of what permanency truly means.

Adoption Is Love—and So Is Reunification

While National Adoption Day is a time to celebrate adoptive families, it also invites reflection on the broader mission of the child welfare system: ensuring every child has a safe, stable, and permanent home.

For many children, that permanency comes through reunification with their parents or relatives after caregivers work hard to overcome the challenges that led to foster care. Reunification is always the primary goal whenever it can be achieved safely, and it remains one of the most hopeful and rewarding outcomes we witness.

When reunification isn’t possible, adoption becomes a pathway to the safety and belonging every child deserves. Friday’s celebration highlighted just how meaningful that path can be.

The CASA Role in Permanency Story

As we reflected on the stories shared during the event, we were reminded that permanency—whether through reunification, kinship placement, or adoption—doesn’t happen by accident. It takes teamwork, commitment, and community support.

CASA Advocates play a vital role by:

• Building consistent, trust-filled relationships with children navigating foster care

• Supporting parents as they work toward reunification

• Providing judges with critical, unbiased insights

• Advocating for children’s needs until permanency is achieved

CASA of the River Region CEO Jamie Noon captured the heart of the day with this comment: “Moments like today remind us why CASA advocates show up—every child deserves safety, stability, and a forever home.”

Friday’s adoption finalizations were the culmination of years of effort, resilience, and advocacy—much of it supported quietly behind the scenes by dedicated CASA Volunteer Advocates.

A Day That Inspires Us All

National Adoption Day is always a reminder of why our work matters. It’s a day that fills the courthouse with hope and reminds our community that every child deserves a safe, loving home—no matter what path leads them there.

We celebrate the families who opened their hearts and homes this year, and we remain equally committed to supporting the many children still waiting for permanency. Whether their journey leads back to their families of origin or onward to adoptive caregivers, CASA of the River Region will continue to stand beside them every step of the way.

Thank you to everyone who made this year’s event so meaningful. The joy we witnessed on Friday will stay with us—and continue to inspire our work.